The living wall industry is changing, and so is the need for robust living wall systems that meet modern building standards. 18 months ago we set ourselves a challenge: make BioPanel even safer, tougher and more future-proof.
The result is Biotecture Aluminium BioPanel, an upgraded system engineered with fire-safety in mind.
Why we created it
In 2024, the Fire Protection Association and RISC Authority teamed up with industry experts, including Biotecture, to publish Green and Living Walls as External Cladding: A Joint Guide to Managing Risk.
The guide introduces 19 principles for designing safer, more resilient living walls.
Our BioPanel living wall system met many of these recommendations. However, one area stood out as an opportunity for improvement: reducing combustible components even further.
What’s new?
Biotecture Aluminium BioPanel introduces a set of targeted upgrades to enhance fire performance.
The most significant change is the shift from polypropylene to aluminium for key components, including the outer shell and irrigation dripline cover.
BioPanel has always included a cement particle backing board, but the Aluminium Biotecture BioPanel now uses an A-rated version as standard, raising the system’s fire-resilience.
Same, tried and tested design
While the shell has evolved, the core of the system remains unchanged.
Biotecture Aluminium BioPanel still uses our trusted hydroponic growing medium, Grodan.
Grodan is:
- highly water‑retentive, holding moisture for up to two weeks
- dimensionally stable, so it won’t break down like soil
- chemically inert, so won’t lock in nutrients
- proven to support long‑term plant health and strong root development
In short, the fire‑safety enhancements come without compromising the planting performance our clients rely on.
Fire-tested
The system has been independently fire tested under operational conditions, achieving a likely reaction to fire classification of B‑s2,d0. This means Biotecture Aluminium BioPanel is suitable for:
- Residential buildings over 11 metres
- All other building use classes
Early projects underway
The first installations using the Biotecture Aluminium BioPanel are already in progress. Panels are currently being planted at Biotecture’s nursery destined for a roof top in London later this year.
Find out more:
Biotecture Aluminium BioPanel is available on NBS Source
Specifications and drawings: Specifications and drawings | BioPanel system | Biotecture UK
Green and Living Walls as External Cladding: A Joint Guide to Managing Risk
Get in touch: Contact us | Biotecture UK
