Pedersen Foundation: 14-Foot Olive Tree Through a 38-Inch Window
When engineering expertise meets architectural ambition
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About the Client
Pedersen Foundation | Philanthropy/Nonprofit Foundation | McLean, VA
Project Manager: Brooklyn Kovacs
About Interior Plantscapes
45+ years of expertise in custom plant design, installation, and maintenance. Leader in biophilic solutions throughout DC, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia metro.
THE VISION
The Pedersen Foundation envisioned a 14-foot Black Olive tree as the centerpiece of their new McLean, Virginia headquarters. The tree would symbolize everything the Foundation stood for: growth, innovation, and forward-thinking design. The vision was bold. The execution was unprecedented.
PRIMARY CHALLENGE
Installing a 14-foot Black Olive tree through a 38-inch window opening on the second floor using a crane.
A first-of-its-kind operation. Any mistake could damage the newly constructed facility. Any miscalculation could compromise structural integrity or interior finishes.
WHAT HAD TO HAPPEN
- Design a crane installation plan for an unprecedented space configuration
- Coordinate building engineers, crane operators, and millwork contractors
- Protect all interior finishes during installation
- Meet safety and architectural compliance requirements
- Deliver biophilic elements aligned with Foundation mission
THE SOLUTION
Interior Plantscapes was selected for its engineering expertise, logistical planning capabilities, and proven track record with large-scale custom plant installations requiring complex rigging and crane operations.
The team developed a detailed rigging plan in coordination with building engineers and crane operators. Every detail mattered: crane positioning, the tree’s angle through the 38-inch opening, protection of interior finishes, timing of the lift. The installation had to execute flawlessly in a single operation.
WHAT WAS DELIVERED
- Custom crane lift executed in a single, carefully timed operation
- Two custom-designed living walls (11.67 ft x 9.67 ft curved wall and 8.42 ft x 9.67 ft conference room wall with millwork)
- 750 tropical plants integrated in bespoke patterns across 6-inch containers
- Complete protection of all interior finishes during installation
- Biophilic environment established with ongoing maintenance plan
RESULTS
✓ 14-foot Black Olive tree installed successfully on second floor beneath skylight
✓ First-ever installation of this configuration in this building type
✓ Seamless integration of all biophilic elements into existing architecture
✓ Enhanced occupant experience through biophilic connection to nature
✓ Improved indoor air quality and employee wellness
✓ Defining architectural feature expressing brand values
✓ Ongoing partnership established for maintenance and future expansions
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
“What seemed impossible became the highlight of our new space. The tree and living walls capture everything we stand for: innovation, compassion, and forward-thinking design.”
Brooklyn Kovacs, Project Manager, Pedersen Foundation
Ready to Create Biophilic Spaces That Express Your Vision?
Interior Plantscapes designs custom plant installations for corporate headquarters, office transformations, hospitality, retail, and healthcare environments throughout the DC, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia metro.
We specialize in custom plant design and installation, living wall installations, and complex large-scale plant installations requiring advanced engineering and coordination.
Schedule a consultation today.
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