This living wall disguises a new multi-storey car park in Coventry
Area: 690m2
Location: Coventry
System: BioPanel
Install Year: 2021
Number of plants: 34,890
Plant species: 17
This new multi-storey car park presented a visual challenge. Its large façades risked dominating the surrounding area, raising concerns from planners and residents.
The architects aimed to soften the structure’s appearance and reduce its visual impact with a living wall that would introduce texture, movement and greenery.
The design also had to meet strict fire safety standards due to the wall’s proximity to nearby accommodation. Biotecture was appointed to deliver a living wall solution that met both the aesthetic and technical requirements of the project.
Our approach
Biotecture collaborated with the project architects and landscape designers to design a living wall that met both visual and performance requirements.
We installed 690m² of living wall on the north and west facing elevations using our hydroponic BioPanel system. The BioPanel system includes a non-combustible, water-retentive growing medium called Grodan, which is dimensionally stable and robust—making it ideal for long-term living wall performance.
The installation includes a fully automated irrigation system that is remotely monitored as part of the ongoing maintenance package.
Fire performance was a key consideration. The living wall was installed on an independent steel frame set forward from the main car park structure.
To achieve the desired three-dimensional ‘wave’ effect, 17 plant species with varied textures and longer foliage were selected.
Design
Including panel layout, plant design and irrigation design
Horticulture
living walls grown in the nursery for 8-12 plants until fully mature
Installation
Installation of backing board, geotextile drainage layer, irrigation pipework and planted panels
Maintenance
Remote monitoring of the irrigation system, regular visual inspections and horticultural maintenance visits
The results
The living wall helped to address key planning concerns by reducing the building’s perceived scale and enhancing biodiversity. It has become a defining feature of the regenerated site and contributed to positive local perception of the project.
Biotecture were also specified for the second phase of the development, which includes further living wall installations on the new student accommodation.
