This green wall creates a smart vertical garden on the side of a new commercial building
Area: 1020m2
Height: 27 metres
Location: London
System: BioPanel
Client: Laing O’Rourke (construction) Kinleigh Folkard and Hayward (Maintenance)
Install Year: 2017
Number of plants: 61,200
Biotecture were appointed to design and install this 27 metre high living wall at 251 Southwark Bridge Road in Elephant and Castle.
The BioPanel system was used as rainscreen cladding. We worked closed with the Architect and contractor to incorporate a key design feature, horizontal aluminum fins.
The Architect wanted a clean green look so the plant palette included a naturalistic, hardy evergreen palette to suit shaded, wind-exposed conditions.
Our approach
Design: Biotecture worked collaboratively with architects, engineers and contractors from the early design stages to integrate the hydroponic BioPanel™ system seamlessly into the building.
Horticulture: The BioPanels were planted put in our nursery and allowed to mature for 12 weeks.
Installation: On-site the panels were fixed to aluminum carrier rails mounted onto a waterproof backing board. The wall was accessed via a mast climber which sped up installation – see video below
This project included a key architectural feature – a horizontal aluminum fin detail. A fixing bracket was fixed back to the waterproof backing board and protrudes between the modular BioPanels, no additional support structure required. The aluminum trim was then fixed to this bracket in front of the planted panels.
The results
A smart resilient living wall that elevates the building’s appearance while contributing to biodiversity and environmental performance.
The automated irrigation system is remotely monitored from Biotecture’s head office, and our expert maintenance team ensures the wall stays healthy and vibrant year-round.
