The National Autistic Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024

Accoya and Accoya Color chosen for the National Autistic Garden

Accoya and Accoya Color chosen for the National Autistic Garden

The Silver Gilt medal -winning garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden was designed by co-designers, Dido Milne of CSK Architects and Sophie Parmenter in collaboration with the National Autistic Society. Sponsored by Project Giving Back, the garden was created to raise awareness of autism, specifically, the phenomenon of autistic masking, where individuals hide autistic characteristics to blend into society. This was highlighted using timber walls to create distinct spaces which represent different types of social interaction.

Accoya and Accoya Color were selected for this project due to their superior sustainability credentials and durability. The garden’s structures, such as the pavilions, were constructed using natural Accoya, while the boardwalk utilised Accoya Color, chosen specifically for its weather resistance, longevity, and slip-resistant qualities—particularly important as the garden was to be relocated to Catrine Bank in Scotland, a wet environment next to the River Ayr.

Accoya’s unique appeal

Accoya’s unique appeal

For the pavilions, natural Accoya was left sawn and lightly sanded, giving the timber a soft, velvety texture that resonated with visitors who attended the Chelsea Flower Show. This tactile quality was a significant feature, as the untreated Accoya offered both aesthetic beauty and practical advantages without the need for additional chemical treatments. Accoya’s Cradle to Cradle® Platinum certification further highlights its eco-friendly lifecycle, making it an ideal choice for a garden representing inclusivity and sustainability.

 

Project Information: 

Accoya application: Pavillion and Boardwalk

Architect: Dido Milne (CSK Architects)

Landscape designer: Sophie Parmenter

Distributor: James Latham

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