PROJECTS » Royal London, Edinburgh

Supporting healthy spaces where the workforce can thrive 

THE BRIEF:

Royal London is a leading investment management company, delivering pension, retirement, savings, investment and life insurance solutions from offices across Manchester, Edinburgh and across the UK. Seeking to bring an architectural design vision to life, Royal London approached Benholm at the early stages of a new office project within Haymarket in Edinburgh.

The architects sought our commercial planting expertise and knowledge of diverse species to add to their organic modern aesthetic. The brief was simple. To create a modern and dynamic office interior while enhancing employee wellbeing through the considered integration of biophilic design. Particular focus was placed on key touchpoints within the workplace, including the entrance and communal areas where people meet, work and take breaks.

While the space was significantly low-lit, the brief was to transform it into a warm, welcoming and engaging environment, while better reflecting Royal London’s evolving brand identity and people-first ethos.

THE SOLUTION:

To remain aligned with Royal London’s established brand aesthetic, a carefully curated palette was introduced throughout the space. Colours like burnt orange accents and a statement preserved living wall were paired with natural wood finishes and abstract charcoal grey flooring to create a warm, cohesive and distinctly on-brand reception environment. This truly captures guests from the moment they set foot within the office. 

Biophilic design resides at the heart of the scheme which fosters acalmer, more inviting workplace atmosphere. A thoughtfully planned planting strategy carried out by Benholm ensured the space felt visually rich while remaining highly functional to ensure the plants functioned in a low-lit environment. 

To create impact, a series of integrated planting and preserved-based installations were positioned throughout the office:

Entrance arrival feature
A striking preserved green wall with a silhouette of Royal London’s signature penguin was installed at the main entrance, with climbing foliage fixed to a grid mesh panel to create a strong first impression and set a welcoming tone for both staff and visitors.

Locker-top planters
Integrated planters atop locker units introduce texture and vibrancy, softening the rigid lines typically associated with clinical office environments. Highly functional, these lockers not only look good but harmoniously complement the two-tone blue flooring in the main office area. 

Bespoke lighting feature with preserved planting
Designed as a centrepiece for the canteen area, a sculptural, curvilinear lighting feature with cascading preserved plants adds movement, warmth and a strong biophilic presence while serving a functional purpose – to soften light.

Ceiling troughs
Burnt orange ceiling troughs filled with preserved ivy further add to the ongoing colour scheme and provide a bold contrast against crisp white backgrounds, reducing visual stress and adding depth overhead.

Plant booths
Dark cornflower blue, ribbed booth seating is complemented by bespoke wooden cabinet-top planters, which act as natural dividers between spaces, creating privacy while maintaining an open, organic feel.

THE RESULT:

The revitalised Royal London workplace illustrates the transformative power of thoughtful biophilic design, enhancing not only the physical environment but the end user experience. The integration of preserved green walls and natural materials creates a strong visual identity, while providing a practical, low-maintenance solution that supports wellbeing without impacting daily operations.

Organic textures and nature-inspired tones soften what was once a clinical interior, introducing a real sense of balance and calm that reduces visual stress, improves concentration and supports productivity within a busy office setting. This high-impact approach fosters a more positive and engaging daily experience for employees.

Beyond the office’s new visual appeal, the redesign strengthens alignment with Royal London’s ethos, a modern, people-driven and sustainable workspace. From collaborative communal zones to quieter individual workspaces, every element has been carefully designed to support focus, wellbeing and meaningful interaction.

The result is a workplace that not only looks and feels better, but functions as a living expression of Royal London’s commitment to its people. An environment that encourages connection, enhances mental clarity and reinforces a shared sense of purpose.

LETS COLLABORATE:

Are you working in an office or space that could benefit from expert planting? We partner with interior designers across the UK to deliver planting schemes that enrich spaces, support wellbeing, and align seamlessly with your design vision.

Our tailored solutions are available nationwide, with flexible rental options that reduce up-front costs for your clients and include a full maintenance service. That means no disruption, no hidden extras – just beautifully maintained plants that look their best every day.

During each maintenance visit, our team will inspect, clean, feed, prune and water the plants according to their needs, and replace any that are struggling or overgrown at no additional cost. We’re also on hand between visits for advice or call-outs, ensuring your client’s space always looks fresh and inviting.

Whether you’re designing for a boutique studio or a global HQ, we’re here to help bring nature into your projects. To start a conversation, call us on 01324 861300 or email sales@exquisite-violet-bat.45-157-41-64.cpanel.site

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