Flippers Roller Boogie Palace
When Bright Green heard that the legendary American roller disco, Flippers Roller Boogie Palace was opening in London we were eager to work with award-winning designers 93 on the energetic planting landscape for this giant roller-skating rink. Flippers new home, a two-floor, grade II listed former power station is just a stone’s throw from Westfield. The 34,000-square-foot palace would double as a live music venue, American style diner and pro skate shop.
The planting brief for this inclusive, cultural hub was kitsch. Working alongside 93 we designed a colourful and bold planting scheme for the ground floor diner, with structural artificial grasses, striking succulents, exotic cordyline and glossy birds nest ferns spilling out from the behind the banquette seating. This lush and vibrant planting complimented the pink and orange overhead neon lighting and offset the black and white photos of Flippers heydays that plaster the surrounding walls.
Our skilled installation team dressed the steel mesh cages that screen the seating area, with trailing jungle style foliage. Artificial willow cascades from the top of the cages to soften the hard edges. Artificial Monstera, and chamaedorea palms add further green visual interest lower down the partitions.
Four bespoke palm trees were crafted by the Bright Green tree builders for the mezzanine lounge area. Standing at 4.5 metres tall these statement trees pack a visual punch. They are incredibly realistic with trunks built from individual boot husk (actual palm tree trunking) and 2.7 metre canopies of preserved phoenix palm leaves, which are inherently fire rated. Adorned with fairy lights it’s a scene that transports guests back to Los Angeles, home of the original Flippers.
It was an absolute pleasure to work with 93 on such a fun and bold planting landscape for this iconic, flagship destination. We look forward to adding further planting to the main skating rink itself later this year.