Novello Theatre, Covent Garden, London

Biodiverse planting above the city streets

The Novello Theatre roof terrace has beed reimagined by Harris Bugg Studio as an elevated urban garden — a secluded retreat shaped through award-winning landscape architecture and contemporary garden design. Positioned above Covent Garden, the project transforms the historic building into a series of intimate outdoor rooms, enriched with biodiverse rooftop planting and crafted materials that echo the character of the theatre below.

The design weaves together multi-stem trees, aromatic shrubs, herbs and seasonal bulbs to create a resilient roof garden tailored to London’s changing climate. Lightweight soils, specialist irrigation and careful structural coordination ensure long-term performance, reflecting our expertise in complex roof terrace design. Burnished metal planters, elegant porcelain paving, terracotta pots and a bespoke dining arbour introduce warmth and craftsmanship, while trellises and evergreen structure offer privacy without interrupting protected street-level views.

We have developed the scheme in close collaboration with architects, engineers and lighting specialists to balance planting, entertaining space and practical servicing. Subtle, wildlife-friendly lighting shapes the terrace after dark, creating a refined and liveable outdoor environment. The result is an unexpected sanctuary above the city — a modern London roof garden with timeless character and exceptional horticultural detail.

Collaboration

Team: Ingleton Wood, Conisbee, Beardwell, Moonlight Design