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
