PROJECTS » The Larder, Queen’s Medical Research Institute
THE BRIEF:
Queen’s Medical Research Institute (QMRI) Established in 1875, is a leading clinical research facility dedicated to tackling some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
Home to three strategic research centres, QMRI drives ground-breaking discoveries through interdisciplinary collaboration, pioneering science, and a commitment to improving global health outcomes.
As part of its mission to foster a more supportive and engaging environment, QMRI recently completed a major refurbishment project aimed at enhancing the quality and functionality of its shared spaces.
A key focus of this initiative was the transformation of “The Larder” – a previously under-utilised cafe space – into a dynamic and inclusive, well-being focused hub that aligns with the Institute’s values of collaboration, innovation and sustainability.
Before the refurbishment, The Larder lacked biophilic design elements such as greenery, natural textures, and warm, human-centred details. The space offered limited comfort and visual appeal, missing vital opportunities to support mental wellbeing, encourage informal social interaction, and create a sense of connection among students, staff, and researchers.
To bring this vision to life, QMRI collaborated with Benholm and Object Space Place, a respected interior architecture and design studio renowned for their sustainable design approach and expertise in creating human-centred workspaces. Together, we reimagined The Larder as a welcoming, biophilic environment that integrates natural elements to promote relaxation, collaboration, and overall wellness.
THE SOLUTION:
To address these key challenges, Benholm played a key role in implementing biophilic design through a curated selection of unique potted plants to breathe new life into the space.
The goal was to create a cosy yet modern space that promotes relaxation, mental wellness, and informal collaboration without compromising the café’s practical function.
Key design interventions included:
A built-in table planter filled with a lush mix of live, leafy green upright plants creating a striking feature
Freestanding stone-effect planters in small, medium, and large sizes, either placed individually or arranged in clusters to define zones and soften hard edges.
A carefully chosen colour palette of oak, grey, and thyme planters were used for visual harmony
Shelf-mounted pots in the natural tones were planted with a variety of upright and trailing greenery
Low-maintenance and air-purifying plants for improved air-quality
Strategic placement of greenery along windowsills, walkways, seating areas, and shelves promotes natural ambiance
Together, these elements transformed The Larder into a cosy, contemporary space that encourages informal interaction, supports mental wellness, and brings a strong sense of life and vibrancy to the heart of QMRI. The design met practical needs but also embodied the Institute’s values of sustainability, wellbeing, and human-centred innovation.
THE RESULTS:
The revitalised Larder has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from staff and students alike. It has quickly become a preferred location for informal meetings, quiet breaks, and social gatherings.
KEY CHANGES:
Noticeable improvement in user mood and wellbeing
Increased use of the space for informal collaboration and downtime
Strong positive feedback on the refreshed, nature-inspired design
Reinforcement of QMRI’s commitment to sustainability and user-focused spaces
SUSTAINABILITY:
In collaboration with Object Space Place, we helped to incorporate key biophilic design elements:
LET’S COLLABORATE:
Are you working on a hospitality project 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@benholm.com
