Mowat & Company obtained planning permission, for Benyon Properties, to create a forest in a courtyard at the junction of Kingsland Road and Forest Road in Hackney. The forest will be a place of calm and relaxation for new residents whilst also supporting biodiversity. A diverse selection of trees has been selected to for its resilience to climate change and to encourage insects, fungi and birds to flourish, this small urban forest will bring with it better air quality and a connection to nature, which are proven to improve both physical and mental health. The plans to retrofit the building will ensure that the carbon embodied in the existing structure is retained, the pared back scheme will retain the original durable materials, such as exposed concrete and brick, celebrating both the history and character of the building.