# Larch Slatted Pump Houses High Broughton Architects Designs the Kew Pumping Station By Amy Duong | Published 2025-02-03 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kew-pumping-station References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2025/02/01/kew-pumping-station-hugh-broughton-architects/) & [hbarchitects](https://hbarchitects.co.uk/)  British design firm [Hugh Broughton Architects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-on-a-hill) has completed the Kew Pumping Station. It is a [timber structure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arkhive) that is formed by interlocking larch slats to form a screen around a pump house in Kew Gardens. The structure has an oval shape resting over an underground tank that stores 280,000 liters of water. It is a part of a new irrigation technique taking place at the Royal Botanical Gardens. The project architect of the design, Steve McCloy shared with [Dezeen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gardeners-house), "The design had to be functionally efficient, economically designed and, as a piece of small architecture, had to achieve a level of sensitivity and design quality worthy of its famously beautiful surroundings." He adds, "The side elevation of the enclosure, which is made up of an array of interlocking self-similar timber modules, recalls the palm fronds that are gloriously displayed in Kew's most iconic glasshouse." Image Credit: Dirk Lindner ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 35% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sustainable Architectural Materials:** The use of interlocking larch slats showcases a shift towards renewable resources in designing functional structures. - **Aesthetic Utility Design:** Architecturally appealing yet functional utility structures demonstrate the potential for combining design with practicality. - **Innovative Irrigation Systems:** Modern irrigation techniques, such as those utilizing underground tanks, are transforming water management in public gardens. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Green Architecture:** The integration of environmentally friendly materials like timber into building designs is redefining the green architecture sector. - **Urban Infrastructure:** Advancements in incorporating design elements into infrastructure projects are revolutionizing urban planning. - **Landscape Management:** The development of advanced irrigation systems indicates a transformation in how large public gardens are maintained. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Brick Timber Garden Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chestnut-plantation.md) - [Water-Powered Family Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breach-house.md) - [Laminated-Timber Minimal Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spruce-house.md) - [Mushroom-Like Wooden Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carbon-garden-pavilion.md) - [Hidden Garden Timber Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-room-around-a-tree.md) - [Eucalyptus Wood Curved Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/armadillo-pavilion.md) - [Lantern-Like Tea House Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tea-house-pavilion-1.md) - [Tree-Surrounding Mass-Timber Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tree-courtyard-house.md) - [Sustainable Visitor Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-arc.md)