Architect: Marks Barfield Architects
Fabricator: Britland
Galvanized by: Joseph Ash Galvanizing
End client: Kew Gardens
Finish provided: Hot dip galvanizing
Size and amount of steel: 18 metres high and over 200 meters long
Project goals
Kew Gardens wished to provide a treetop walkway structure for visitors to the gardens, so that people could experience the nature and the stunning scenery of the park from amongst the treetops.
What happened
Kew Gardens engaged Marks Barfield Architects to design the new attraction. The architects came up with an amazing design and then sought the help of Britland to manufacture and install the metalwork.
Britland engaged Joseph Ash Galvanizing to treat the steel with a galvanized finish that blends well with the environment and will be maintenance-free for 60 years.
In 2008, Bob Ockendon from Britland commented: “The structure itself is unusual in the fact it is formed from ‘weathering steel’ which is only available in sheet form, which then had to be fabricated to make the various members. It is intended to weather to blend in with the environment, but Joseph Ash Galvanizing treated and coated all the grilles and side panels to protect them while matching the surroundings. We decided to go to Joseph Ash Galvanizing because of the service the company offers and the standard of work they have provided in the past.”
Materials and size
The entire structure is 18 metres high and over 200 meters long. Visitors have to climb 118 steps to reach the top… or take the lift!
Outcome
The Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens opened on International Biodiversity Day in 2008. With over 300 acres of land at Kew Gardens, beauty is as far as the eye can see. Especially when visitors to the park can walk amongst the treetops of sweet chestnut, lime and oak trees.