Photo credits: Tammy Marlar, Dido Milne and Matthew Barnett Howland

The National Autistic Society garden at the 2024 Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Show is a showcase of cork’s exceptional insulating properties.

Designed by Sophie Parmenter – https://www.sophieparmenter.co.uk/ – and Dido Milne of CSK Architects – https://cskarchitects.co.uk/ – the garden utilises the unique cellular structure of cork to create a private, serene space.

The gaseous components within cork enclose small, impermeable compartments which provide low conductivity of heat and unparalleled insulation of sound and vibration. Allied to this, cork’s soft texture, unique sweet odour, and temperature close to that of the human body offer a comforting sensory experience.

Photo credits: Tammy Marlar, Dido Milne and Matthew Barnett Howland

In this garden, cork masks frame the vibrant viewpoints symbolising the facade we present to the world. As you pass through cork walls, you enter a calm inner garden with a mossy dell, offering tranquillity and protection.

Photo credits: Tammy Marlar, Dido Milne and Matthew Barnett Howland

The National Autistic Society Garden was sponsored by Project Giving Back – https://www.givingback.org.uk/ – with materials and technical support from Amorim Cork Insulation. CSK Architects who helped to create this garden also won a prize for their Cork House in 2019 – https://cork-products.co.uk/cork-house-riba-national-award-winner-2019/

For more information about the materials used in this project, visit the webpage for Amorim Cork Insulation, see
https://www.amorim.com/en/business/business-units/amorim-cork-insulation/45/ and https://youtu.be/0P1D2PjPZk8

#amoriminsulation #amorimcork #sustainablebynature #nationalautisticsociety