These living walls create a green backdrop on three sides of a rooftop terrace
Area: 286m2
Location: Whitechapel, London
System: BioPanel
Install Year: 2022
Number of plants: 17,200
Plant species: 14
This contemporary office development in Whitechapel, London, was designed with a strong focus on sustainability and occupant wellbeing.
Featuring 17,000 sq.ft of outdoor space and terraces on every floor, the building offers a connection to nature throughout.
In 2022, Biotecture was appointed by the main contractor to design and install a 286m² living wall that creates a vibrant green backdrop on the east, north, and west elevations of the rooftop terrace.
Our approach
The Architect wanted to create a tranquil, peaceful space for visitors while creating a habitat for pollinators and other insects.
The team recommended Biotecture’s patented BioPanel system. BioPanel is the only evergreen living wall system to have undergone CWCT (Centre for Window and Cladding Technology) testing making it ideal for large scale projects.
The system includes a cement particle backing board, geotextile drainage layer, and planted BioPanels between aluminium carrier rails. In some areas the cement particle board was fixed back to block work using the Omega top hat system and in others back to a bespoke steel frame.
Hardy evergreen plants were chosen from Biotecture’s plant database to withstand high winds.
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 create green backdrops on all sides of the roof terrace, enhancing tenant experience, reducing air pollution and boosting biodiversity.
They also contributed to the building achieving high sustainability credentials including BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and WELL ‘Platinum’.
