Living walls green up the new cycle hub at Richmond station
Area: 60m2
Location: London
System: BioPanel
Install Year: 2025
Client: Emico
Number of plants: 4,000
Number of plant species: 14
Biotecture designed, grew and installed two living walls totaling 60m² at the new Richmond Cycle Hub, the largest cycle storage facility of its kind in the UK.
Developed by Emico for Richmond Council in partnership with South Western Railway, the hub supports active travel and sustainable urban living by providing 650 secure bike spaces.
The building features a range of green technologies, including rainwater harvesting, solar panels and smart LED lighting.
The living walls act as a visible expression of the project’s environmental ambitions.
Our approach
The two living walls were constructed using Biotecture’s modular BioPanel system, a precision-engineered, hydroponic system designed for long-term plant health and efficient maintenance.
Each panel was pre-planted in Biotecture’s nursery, and allowed to mature before being installed on site. This ensured dense, healthy coverage from day one.
On site, the backing board was installed on a bespoke steel frame.
The planting design was tailored to the site’s microclimatic conditions. Located in a dense urban setting with limited direct sunlight, the palette prioritised shade-tolerant species that thrive in lower light. Species such as Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’, Carex morrowii ‘Irish Green’, and Hedera helix ‘Green Wonder’ create rich textures and tonal contrast.
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 panel
Maintenance
Remote monitoring of the irrigation system, regular visual inspections and horticultural maintenance visits
The results
The living walls at Richmond Cycle Hub provide a striking green landmark on the station site.
The green walls will deliver environmental and aesthetic benefits including improving air quality, supporting biodiversity, and softening the urban landscape.
The system’s robust design, remotely monitored irrigation system, and on-going horticultural maintenance will ensure the plants continue to thrive.
