Case Studies

Kew Gardens

A 500-Year Journey Through Time, Built with Enduring Steel

Executive Summary

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew features an architectural marvel that redefined botanical tourism – a 200-metre elevated walkway constructed with weathering steel and F.H.Brundle’s expanded metal mesh systems. This £3 million investment created an enduring visitor attraction engineered to provide canopy-level experiences for the next five centuries.

Client: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Architect: Marks Barfield Architects (London Eye designers)

Completion: 2008

Investment: £3 million

Location: Kew Gardens, London

Product Supply: F.H. Brundle – Expanded Metal Mesh Solutions

Background: The Vision for Elevation

Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kew Gardens, the project site encompassed historic Capability Brown woodland dating back to the 18th century. The challenge involved creating modern visitor infrastructure that would enhance the garden experience while respecting its botanical and historical significance.

Project Objectives

Create immersive canopy-level visitor experiences

Ensure minimal environmental impact during construction and operation

Achieve exceptional longevity with reduced maintenance requirements

Integrate harmoniously with the natural woodland aesthetic

Provide universal access complying with disability regulations

The Challenge

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew required an innovative elevated walkway solution that would provide visitors with unprecedented canopy-level views while meeting stringent requirements for longevity, minimal maintenance, and environmental harmony. The structure needed to withstand centuries of weather exposure within the historic Capability Brown woodland setting, while offering safe public access at heights reaching 18 metres.

The Solution – Architectural Excellence by Marks Barfield

Marks Barfield Architects, renowned for their work on the London Eye, designed a groundbreaking 200-metre treetop walkway constructed primarily from weathering steel. This material choice delivered both aesthetic appeal and exceptional durability, with the structure engineered to maintain structural integrity for an estimated 500 years.

F.H. Brundle’s Contribution

As the UK’s largest supplier of expanded metals, F.H.Brundle provided specialised expanded steel mesh solutions for the walkway’s flooring and side panels. The selected materials offered:

Superior Durability: Weathering steel construction requiring minimal maintenance

Safety Compliance: Open steel flooring meeting all regulatory standards for public walkways

Environmental Integration: Natural oxidation creating a rustic patina complementing the woodland setting

Structural Performance: Load-bearing capacity suitable for high foot traffic

Technical Specifications

Length: 200 metres (650 feet)

Height: 18 metres maximum elevation

Materials: Weathering steel framework with expanded metal mesh panels

Mesh Options: Available in raised or flattened profiles with variable apertures

Coating Options: Galvanising, powder coating, and specialist finishes available

Results and Impact

Visitor Experience

The completed walkway offers spectacular panoramic views across Kew Gardens and the London skyline, attracting thousands of visitors annually and becoming one of the garden’s most photographed attractions.

Economic Benefits

The walkway has significantly increased visitor numbers to Kew Gardens, generating additional revenue while establishing the gardens as a leader in innovative botanical tourism infrastructure.

Why F.H.Brundle Expanded Metal?

F.H.Brundle maintains the UK’s most comprehensive expanded metal inventory, including:

Mild steel expanded mesh

Stainless steel panels (grades 304 and 316)

Aluminium expanded sheets

Specialist architectural meshes

Quality Standards

All materials conform to relevant British and European standards:

Hot rolled steel to BS EN 10025

Cold reduced steel to BS EN 10130

Galvanised steel to BS EN 10346

Electro-zinc plated finishes available

Versatile Applications

Beyond architectural walkways, F.H.Brundle’s expanded metal serves multiple sectors:

Security: Screening and protective barriers

Architecture: Cladding, facades, and decorative features

Infrastructure: Bridge decking and industrial platforms

Art Installations: Custom mesh solutions for creative projects

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Success

The Kew Gardens Treetop Walkway stands as testament to the transformative power of innovative architectural metalwork. Through the combination of visionary design, premium materials from F.H.Brundle, and meticulous execution, this project has created lasting value for visitors, the client, and the wider community.

For professionals planning elevated walkways, architectural metalwork projects, or any application requiring expanded metal solutions, F.H.Brundle offers the products, expertise, and partnership approach proven successful at one of the world’s most prestigious botanical gardens.