The Fish Hotel is a playful environmental installation, which established a new habitat for the fish of Cornmill Gardens. Made in collaboration between architects The Klassnik Corporation and water charity Thames 21, this commission supports an increased bio-network along a section of the river that was previously inhospitable to wildlife.
The golden shingles draw inspiration from the scales of fish swimming below the water surface and the diamond facets found on traditional cut glass, which were historically manufactured at this site.
Submerged underwater, a planted structure provides shelter, nesting and feeding space for the fishes of the River Ravensbourne. Planting includes sedges, rushes, water mint, brooklime, iris, meadow sweet and purple loosestrife.
This distinct collaboration transformed the existing concrete river bank and highlights the importance of finding unique ways to revitalise our city’s grey spaces, through testing innovative methods to support urban wildlife.
Inhabitants include; chub, roach, eel, perch, dace, stickleback and gudgeon fish.
'Fake Fishing' workshop events were held at the site to introduce local children to the variety of fish living in the river and potentially checking into the hotel.
Secret Garden Project Lewisham was developed in partnership with Lewisham Council and by Arts Council England.