The challenge
The central meeting area and restaurant at Sensire in Zutphen form an important point within the building. Residents, visitors and employees come together here for a cup of coffee, a lunch break or a meeting during the day.
The space is high, light and open, with large windows, dark floors, warm lighting and wooden slat walls. A strong foundation, but because the restaurant area is located in the middle of the walking route, it needed more atmosphere, shelter and intimacy. Without losing the openness of the space.
In addition, large ficus trees had been standing in the central hall for many years and had grown along with the location. The new greenery needed to complement them, rather than compete with them.
The plan
For the planting plan, greenery was added on multiple levels. Not only on the floor, but also on top of the wooden slat walls. This allows the space to be experienced as green from different heights: from the restaurant itself, from the walking routes and from the floors above.
Around the seating areas, movable planters provide more backing and shelter. This creates more intimate seating areas, while keeping the space open, accessible and flexible. An important starting point in a care environment where residents, visitors, wheelchairs and walkers come together every day.
The planting has been designed in an urban jungle style, with a mix of large foliage plants and playful leaf structures. For the planters, a calm old pink colour was chosen. This shade connects beautifully with the warm wood tones in the interior and allows the greenery to stand out in a soft, natural way.
The execution
Several movable planters were placed in the restaurant and along the walking route. These planters are made from 100% recycled plastic and are practical to use in an environment where flexibility is important. They can easily be moved when the space needs a different layout, for example for larger groups or changing walking routes.
The planters are filled with a varied mix of living plants. By working with different heights, leaf sizes and shades of green, the result is lively and natural.
On top of the wooden slat walls, bespoke narrow planters were used. Due to the limited space on the wall, a creative solution was needed here. The trailing planting falls subtly over the wooden panels and softens the height of the space.
The existing ficus trees in the central hall were also included in the overall design. Because these trees already have so much character, the new greenery was deliberately applied in a complementary way. This allows old and new greenery to strengthen each other, without making the overall image feel too busy.
The result
The restaurant and central meeting area now have a warmer, greener appearance. The planting adds more atmosphere and shelter, without taking away the openness of the space.
Residents, visitors and employees now experience the greenery in different ways. Sitting at a table, walking through the hall or looking down from a higher floor: at every level, greenery plays a role in the experience of the space.
The movable planters also make the design practical and future-proof. Sensire can continue to use the space flexibly, while the greenery creates a pleasant, lively and welcoming environment.
A strong example of interior landscaping within care and hospitality, where atmosphere, accessibility and wellbeing come together.
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