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NEO Bankside

A pioneering landscape design that has created a highly influential and tranquil retreat in central London

Southwark, London, UK

A greater awareness of the value of nature in cities and the benefits it brings to our quality of life led to a new approach to exterior design at NEO Bankside. Set around the footprint of four luxury pavilions, we have created a new micro-ecological environment in this established urban setting, striking a unique division between public and private space.

At NEO Bankside, we’ve crafted a series of beautifully detailed garden spaces surrounding four contemporary apartment pavilions by RSHP, just steps from Tate Modern.

Inspired by the beauty and serenity of the countryside, our landscape design blends soft, woodland-native plantings with the sleek modernity of the buildings. Private garden spaces flow into tree-lined groves of alder and birch, seamlessly merging with the public realm.

Our approach defines distinct areas—semi-private, private, and public—using planted berms, pebble-lined moats, stone-cutting pathways, and narrow walkways to create a clear sense of place and a unique identity.

The gardens are a tranquil retreat, featuring a beehive, fruit orchards, and a herb garden, offering residents a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and opportunities to engage with nature. The incorporation of groves complements the existing planting language around the Tate Modern, linking NEO Bankside’s outdoor spaces to the broader public network.

With its rich planting and calm ambience, NEO Bankside’s outdoor spaces provide a refreshing connection to nature. It’s a place of respite for residents and an uplifting experience for all who visit.

"NEO Bankside is seductive architecture. On a pocket of land between some single-storey almshouses and the multiplying monoliths that are Tate Modern, the developers have squeezed in a group of exquisite towers and some of the best new landscaping in London."

2015 RIBA Stirling Judges' comments

Award

Year

RIBA Stirling Prize Shortlist

2015

RIBA London Award

2015

World Architecture News Residential Award — Shortlisted

2015

RIBA National Award

2015

Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat: Urban Habitat Award - Finalist

2014

Landscape Institute Award - Best Hard Landscaping £300k category

2013

Constructing Excellence (London and the South East) Awards — Health and Safety Award Winner

2012

New Homes and Gardens Awards: Gold for Best Communal Garden / Landscape and Gold for Best Landscaped Urban Development

2012

Best Large Development and Grand Prix Award: Evening Standard

2012

Best Landscape Architecture (London) and Best Architecture (UK): International Property Awards

2012

Best Development (London) and Best Development (UK): International Property Awards

2011

"Working alongside RSHP’s masterplan, we crafted a landscape that gives NEO Bankside the appearance of floating within a cloud of trees. Carefully composed to respond to wind, light, and shade, the outdoor spaces offer year-round visual interest. The result is a tranquil environment where residents enjoy private gardens, while the public benefits from a welcoming, layered landscape."

Stephen Richards, Partner at Gillespies

Project details

Title

NEO Bankside

Client

Native Land

Status

Complete

Project team

Gillespies, RSHP, Growth Industry, Hoare Lea, Carillion, Frosts Landscape

Gillespies team

Stephen Richards, Oliver Duguid, Giacomo Guzzon

Photography

Jason Gairn