Behind the design: Chelsea Flower Show 2019
We're heading back to Main Avenue with an ingenious biophilic trade stand to launch a brand new collection of steam bent designs...
Tom Raffield Force of Nature Garden Stand, Main Avenue, Chelsea Flower Show. © Tom Raffield Ltd 2019.
Preparations are well underway to create our latest bespoke installation, a steam bent architectural stand for world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019, which focuses on well-being, biophilic design and zero waste.
Our striking courtyard-esque space named Force of Nature garden, hopes to promote the synergy between nature and human well-being. Showcasing the manipulation of organic materials and imitating naturally occurring, flowing movements, our contemporary and therapeutic green space aims to remind its awe-inspired crowds of the natural power of plants and the positive impact biophilic green spaces can have on modern lives.
“We set out to create a space which people respond to instinctively and feel at home in. With a focus on movement, natural materials and organic forms, we wanted to explore the power nature can have on modern lives by improving the spaces we live and work in. Simply being in a green space can make you feel happier and is also proven to provide health benefits. Promoting this important message was a key consideration of this project".
- Designer, Tom Raffield.
Furthermore, our innovative trade stand is set to reveal our brand new, exclusive product range. Created using our ground-breaking new design process (combining our traditional steam bending technique with complex parametric modelling) the versatile screens and planters mark the launch of our bespoke services which will pioneer new ways to incorporate our signature curved style into projects of varying scales.
This year, the Tom Raffield Main Avenue stand will feature a special planting scheme designed and implemented by Sheila Jack, the winner of our collaborative graduate competition hosted with London College of Garden Design and in affiliation with the multi-award-winning designer, Tom Massey – responsible for designing the Lemon Tree Trust 2018 Show Garden.
An array of aromatic, medicinal and edible planting cascading from the roof-top architecture, curved beds and our iconic Green Range Planters aims to highlight the importance of connecting with plants and promote the link between horticulture and good health.
"Sheila’s design was a clear winner, from the quality and confidence of her visual presentation, to the concept of the planting scheme inspired by the location of Tom Raffield’s studio, close to the Helford River and the gardens that are tucked into sheltered valleys leading down to the estuary. A truly outstanding planting scheme inspired by a beautiful part of Cornwall.”
- Tom Massey, Garden Designer.
The eye-catching stand will incorporate reused and re-purposed materials and many of the elements in the design are going to be re-homed or adapted into further projects after the event, including donating the plants to the RHS Campaign for School Gardening programme that support schools to develop and actively use a school garden.
Posted: 14.03.19
Updated: 15.04.21