This living wall transformed an existing building opposite Covent Garden tube station, creating a 'green gateway' to the area.
Area: 200m2
Location: London
System: BioPanel
Install Year: 2017
Client: Shaftesbury Capital
Number of plants: 8,000
Number of plant species: 21
We were commissioned by Shaftesbury Capital to retrofit a living wall across the north and west façades of Regal House, a commercial office building directly opposite Covent Garden tube station.
The client wanted to create a strong visual impact while also delivering environmental benefits.
The design needed to address structural constraints, integrate rainwater harvesting, meet aesthetic and biodiversity goals, and work as a prototype for revitalising existing buildings.
Our approach
As a turnkey package, we took a three-pronged approach to the project: assessing structural support, exploring rainwater irrigation, and developing a planting design suited to both the site conditions and client expectations.
We collaborated with Evolve Structural Engineers to create a bespoke steel frame fixed through the brick façade into the building’s structure.
For irrigation, we diverted the main rainwater downpipe into tanks located in the basement. Water was then routed through the building to supply the living wall, reducing reliance on mains water.
To inform the planting design, we carried out desktop shade studies that modelled light conditions throughout the year. From this, we developed two options, and the client selected an organic curvilinear layout that adds dynamic movement to the façade. Plant varieties were chosen for form and colour to ensure visual cohesion across both elevations.
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
Positioned opposite the tube station, the green façade makes a bold first impression.
The living wall supports biodiversity, improves local air quality, and contributes to thermal regulation, all of which align with Shaftesbury Capital’s sustainability agenda
