V&A Museum, London SW7

Bespoke Zinc planters were commissioned for the John Madejski garden, at the heart of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The 22nr. Tree Planters of L/W/H 1000mm were manufactured from 2.0mm Zintec Steel with a Polyester Powder Coated [PPC] finish, clad with 1.2mm Zinc sheet. The Zinc cladding was pre-patinated by IOTA, and will continue to age naturally. The images here show the planters recently installed; with a general background patina resembling old lead, with some lighter areas. Over time, the planters will become lighter overall; with increasing levels of tonal variation, plus natural and characteristic white/grey zinc oxide highlights.

The planter concept and design was by Dmitri Martin Associates [DMA], with manufacturing design detailing by IOTA – which included provision for lighting; removeable trays to retain mulch; plus adjustable feet, irrigation system plumbing, and tree root ball anchoring. IOTA’s planters were commissioned by idverde, Europe’s largest landscape services provider, who were responsible for the soft landscaping plan and installation.

V&A is the world's leading museum of art and design; and the John Madejski Garden is known to many as the heart of the V&A, acting as a meeting point, resting place, and exterior display venue. The modern-day garden was designed in 2005 by landscape architect Kim Wilkie; and the stepped, elliptical pool and water feature provide a serene reflection of the surrounding buildings, whilst the lawn and planters impart a tranquil backdrop to a changing array of outdoor installations. The garden is named in honour of John Madejski, who funded the project.