When McLaren Construction Group began the redevelopment of 214 Oxford Street — a high-profile building owned by Ingka Group and now housing central London’s first IKEA store — Aztec Plants was brought on board to deliver a carefully engineered rooftop planting scheme. But this wasn’t a straightforward installation project. The building is a listed structure in the heart of London’s busiest commercial district, meaning every element of the green infrastructure required close coordination with structural engineers, architects, and construction professionals.
A Technically Challenging Environment
The rooftop installation was not only subject to tight logistical constraints due to its location but also posed significant structural considerations. Aztec Plants worked closely with McLaren and the wider project team to ensure the planting scheme respected the building’s heritage status and physical limitations.
One of the primary challenges was weight distribution. The green elements designed by BDP landscape architects — including large planters, substructures, growing media, and vegetation — had to be strategically positioned so that loads transferred directly onto primary structural supports. Aztec collaborated with structural engineers to confirm load-bearing capacities, using a steel subframe beneath the planters to ensure stability and compliance. This was particularly critical on a roof that was never designed to accommodate significant loads and had varying levels of evenness across its surface.
Specification Through Collaboration
From the outset, Aztec Plants was involved in technical consultations to align planting choices with project constraints. Plant species were selected not only for aesthetic and biodiversity value but also for their suitability to shallow soil depths and exposed rooftop conditions. The inclusion of wildflower meadow beds and climbing plants was assessed for their root behaviour, growth characteristics, and seasonal load variations.
Planters were fabricated and filled with consideration for total weight — using lightweight materials and substrates where required. Drainage and irrigation solutions were also reviewed with the design team to ensure long-term health of the planting without compromising the waterproofing and integrity of the building’s structure.
Partnering with Tier 1 Contractors
The 214 Oxford Street project showcases Aztec Plants’ capability to integrate with major construction workflows, working under the remit of a Tier 1 principal contractor while navigating the complexities of working on listed, inner-city buildings. Our team operated within tight site access windows, coordinated plant deliveries at non-disruptive times, and delivered a phased installation that aligned with broader programme milestones.
The result: a fully compliant, low-maintenance, biodiverse terrace that meets both the design brief and the technical demands of a challenging site.
Get in Touch
Aztec Plants has the technical experience and collaborative approach required to deliver rooftop greening solutions on complex commercial sites. Whether it’s structural load analysis, material specification, or working within CDM constraints, we understand how to integrate planting into the built environment without compromising safety, compliance, or quality. Get in touch to discuss your project.
