The Sensory Sanctuary
Designers: Mo Bhula and Jonny Balchandani

About the garden
The Sensory Sanctuary, is an immersive oasis designed to reconnect visitors with nature.
Set within a semi-enclosed cube structure, the design blends lush tropical greenery with interactive sensory elements, creating a tranquil, multi-sensory journey.
Visitors can explore a misty swamp pond surrounded by cascading vines, vibrant plants, and vertical green walls, complemented by soft, warm lighting.
Fragrant flowers and pumped in scents will be complimented by textured foliage, and interactive features like tactile substrate panels and natural soundscapes enhance the experience.
Inspired by the calming qualities of tropical jungles and the restorative power of sensory engagement, this design demonstrates how indoor gardening can foster mindfulness, relaxation, and a deeper connection to nature.
Does the design promote anything topical or newsworthy?
The design promotes sustainability, mindfulness, and the growing trend of biophilic design-topics that are increasingly relevant in today’s world.
The Sensory Sanctuary highlights sustainable indoor gardening practices, such as the use of ethically sourced materials, peat-free compost, and energy-efficient LED lighting.
This garden encourages visitors to reconnect with nature through sensory engagement, addressing the modern challenge of digital overload and disconnection from the natural world.
By incorporating educational elements, like QR codes for plant care tips and sustainable practices, the design fosters awareness of eco-friendly living and the mental health benefits of indoor greenery, aligning with current discussions on well-being and environmental responsibility.
Plants
There will be over 150 plants within this garden.
Five key plants
- Monstera deliciosa – Multiple forms as well as others from the genus
- Anthurium varieties – Particularly velvet anthurium for their striking leaf patterns and veining
- Jasminum sambac – Chosen for its fragrance and to highlight its qualities as an indoor plant
- Alocasia/Colocasia – chosen for their large impressive leaves and adaptability in a range of environments
Unusual, unfamiliar or unsung plant heroes within the design
- Jewel orchids – for their lightning strike veining
- Hoya varieties – for their vining nature and visual appeal
- Maxillaria tenuifolia (coconut orchid) – if in season – will provide a strong coconut aroma around the entire display
Where the plants have been grown and suppliers
- Netherlands – multiple suppliers
- Thailand
- South America
- The designer’s private collections
Does the design promote environmental responsibility?
All materials are ethically sourced, including wood from fallen timber and 100% peat-free compost.
Plants are selected for their adaptability to indoor environments, reducing maintenance and resource usage.
Energy-efficient LED lighting minimises the garden’s carbon footprint.