Biotecture's green walls frame the big screen on No.1 Court
Area: 254m2
Location: London
System: BioPanel
Install Year: 2017
Client: All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC)
Number of plants: 14,000
Plant species: 14
In 2013, The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) unveiled a multi‑million‑pound refurbishment of No. 1 Court, Wimbledon’s second–largest show court.
A core element of the design was two living walls to frame the external big screen, which is watched by thousands of spectators each year from the Aorangi Terrace (also known as Henman Hill, Murray Mount and Norrie Knoll!)
The challenge was to design and deliver green walls that would reflect the ‘tennis in an English garden’ ambience cultivated throughout the rest of the grounds, and match their high horticultural standard.
The living wall’s location, partially shaded on the north and west elevations, required thoughtful plant selection to ensure robust, year-round greenery and – most importantly – a spectacular display during The Championships.
Our approach
Biotecture began by collaborating with AELTC on a precise planting scheme. We carried out a full shade study and lighting analysis to inform the species selection.
In 2017 Biotecture constructed and planted two trail walls at our nursery in West Sussex. This allowed the team to observe a year’s worth of growth and ensure the plants would look their best during The Championships: the most important event in the AELTC’s calendar.
The unique planting design was inspired by physics imagery, reflecting a wave pattern that suggests the momentum and speed of a tennis ball in motion.
After refining the palette and design, panels were pre‑grown in our nursery and installed in two‑phases. The first fix, including mounting of carrier rails, waterproof backing board and irrigation system, then the pre‑grown panel installation.
Every stage of the installation was coordinated with Sir Robert McAlpine, the lead contractor.
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 walls were unveiled to the public on 19th May 2019 during a special exhibition of tennis and music, performed in front of a capacity crowd and was broadcast internationally by the BBC.
The project went on to win a prestigious BALI Award (British Association of Landscape Industries). Since their installation, the green walls have become as iconic as the Boston Ivy on Centre Court. Expertly maintained by the AELTC’s renowned grounds team, they continue to thrive each year during The Championships, often providing a striking backdrop for BBC commentary coverage.
The living wall system itself has proved to be very successful. The hydroponic system works exceptionally well, enabling good plant growth and health. Overall, Biotecture have a very experienced team and it was a very pleasurable working relationship during the project, and continues to be.
