This internal green wall brings life and colour to the heart of this office building
Area: 93m2
Location: London
System: BioPanel
Install Year: 2013
Number of plants: 5500
Plant species: 10
In 2013, Biotecture was appointed by the project’s main contractor to install a 93m² internal green wall in the central atrium of a new office headquarters.
The wall was created using a modular, hydroponic system designed for long-lasting living walls.
The team managed the project from concept through to on-site completion, and the maintenance team has been caring for the wall since its installation in 2013 (more than 10 years).
Our approach
The living wall was created using a modular, hydroponic system designed to create long-lasting installations.
The system includes a waterproof backing board, geotextile drainage layer, irrigation rig and modular panels. Instead of soil, a water-retentive and dimensionally stable growing medium was used, the same used by commercial greenhouse growers.
The panels were planted up in the nursery and allowed to fully mature before being installed onsite. This ensured full green coverage from day one.
The living wall design also incorporated planting design. For this project, the client wanted the wall to reflect their brand identity. The design was inspired by the company’s logo and featured statement plants such as Begonia ‘Curley Fireflush’ and Begonia ‘Fireworks’, set within a dense background matrix of compact Pileas and Peperomias.
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 three-storey living wall contributed to the building’s BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. It acts as an acoustic buffer and natural air filter to improve air quality.
The client was so impressed by their new living wall, they commissioned a second large-scale living wall at another of their offices.
