KING CHARLES QUADRANGLE, LONDON

Client: FCDO

Landscape Architect: Gustafson Porter + Bowman

Contractor: Maylim

Products: Elland Edge Yorkstone, Castro, Acores Black

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) embarked on a transformation of the King Charles Quadrangle, reimagining this historic space within their Grade I listed building into a people-centric courtyard.

Designed by the acclaimed landscape architects Gustafson Porter + Bowman and skilfully installed by Maylim, the new design balances heritage with modern functionality. Tectonix was proud to contribute to this prestigious project, supplying and crafting materials that complemented both the geometric landscape design and the intricate details of the building’s interiors.

Photography by Richard Bloom

Photography by Richard Bloom

Gustafson Porter + Bowman’s proposal involved relaying much of the existing Yorkstone to allow for vehicular loading in front of the facades. The Yorkstone had weathered and darkened over time, and it was difficult to find an exact match for the specification of the historic stone for the new areas. The old weathered Yorkstone was cleaned, and a beautiful buff coloured stone was revealed. Slabs were carefully lifted and re-laid by Maylim. Tectonix were engaged to help source a match and identified where that the original stone would have come from based on other historic projects in Westminster.

Tectonix delivered their Elland Edge Yorkstone for both paving and bespoke masonry which formed the foundation of the quadrangles hard landscaping. CNC and Waterjet cutting techniques were used to achieve precise geometric shapes. The design incorporated two leaf-shaped outdoor rooms, inspired by the cellular structure of leaves. Tectonix also provided European granites in Castro and Acores Black, a beautiful dark basalt sourced from the Azores. This striking basalt was selected for its deep, rich tones, which harmonised with both the natural stone elements and the contemporary aspects of the courtyard’s new design.

Beyond the supply of materials, Tectonix’s on-site masons played a pivotal role in rejuvenating the existing Yorkstone steps. Brass inserts and matching black basalt inlays were incorporated, ensuring the steps not only aligned aesthetically with the refreshed courtyard but also met modern compliance standards.

Tectonix’s contribution was made possible through close collaboration with Maylim and Gustafson Porter + Bowman. Gareth Kinsella of Maylim praised Tectonix’s support:

“Tectonix’s approach to sourcing the right materials for the right applications and their attention to detail in supplying bespoke shapes and specials was first-class. Working under tight restrictions, their in-depth knowledge of the materials and logistics support was hugely appreciated.”

Mary Bowman commented: “One of the challenges of the project was to create a contemporary garden while at the same time enhancing and respecting the historic character of the existing building. Without Tectonix’s expertise in sourcing the Yorkstone, we would have struggled to find an exact match between the historic and new paving. “

Photography by Richard Bloom

Take a scroll through our gallery of pictures from this project:

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Photography by Richard Bloom

The Quadrangle at the FCDO gets a facelift