This internal living wall creates a calming backdrop to a school atrium
Area: 50m2
Location: Cambridgeshire
System: BioPanel
Install Year: 2011
Number of plants: 3,000
This secondary school’s striking atrium features a Biotecture living wall that brings a sense of calm and connection to nature into the heart of the building.
The green wall was installed in 2011 and the living wall continues to flourish, maintained by Biotecture’s expert team.
Our approach
Working closely with the architect and contractor, our team developed a bespoke indoor living wall design that echoed the building’s Fibonacci-based concept. We selected a range of hardy, shade-tolerant plants suitable for the interior’s indirect light conditions.
The palette combined light greens, yellows, purples and touches of white to form the alternating spiral segments, with contrasting textures providing visual depth. Species such as Peperomia obtusifolia and Peperomia Emerald Ripple were chosen for their resilience and distinctive foliage, ensuring the design remained striking yet low maintenance.
A selection of flowering species was also incorporated to introduce seasonal variation and natural colour throughout the academic year.
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 brings multiple wellbeing and environmental benefits to the school community. Its lush planting softens the atmosphere of the large atrium, creating a calm and welcoming space for students and staff.
The natural greenery helps to improve air quality by filtering pollutants and increasing humidity, while the visual connection to nature supports concentration and reduces stress.
14+ years after installation, the living wall continues to thrive, and is looked after by Biotecture’s maintenance team
