Biotecture designed and delivered this 110 sqm green wall which runs vertically through the central atrium of the new EQ commercial office development in Bristol. The internal living wall includes 17 different species and the planting plan selection reflects the River Avon running through Bristol.
Project Details
In 2022 Biotecture were appointed by repeat client BAM construction to design and deliver a 110sqm internal living wall at EQ Bristol; CEG’s new 9 story commercial office development close to Temple Meads Station. The client and Architect, Aukett Swanke, had a joint ambition that the building would raise the bar in terms of health and well-being and sustainability. The development was designed to meet BREEAM Outstanding rating, a Platinum Wired score, EPC A rating and will be WELL ready.
“The building will increase the energy of the people within it, whilst reducing the energy required to run it” Luke Schuberth, Managing Director of Aukett Swanke.
A key part of the building’s design is a central atrium which brings natural light into the centre of the building. Biotecture’s living wall runs vertically up the atrium ensuring that everyone gets a glimpse of nature from their desk.
The living wall is constructed using Biotecture’s modular, hydroponic living wall system BioPanel. BioPanel is a fully compliant living cladding system and is designed to thrive for decades to come. It’s growing medium Grodan is dimensionally stable, chemically inert and non-combustible. The wall includes a complex of irrigation pipes fed by a plant room at the bottom of the Atrium.
Biotecture’s team, design, install and maintain so we were able to take this project from concept to completion on site.
Highlights
- 110m2 of hydroponic BioPanel living wall
- 17 different internal plant species
- A planting design based on the shape of the River Avon running through Bristol
Our Approach
Design
We worked closely with the architect and contractor, providing design advice and construction drawings.
The plant selection for the project includes 17 plant species covering a range of colours, textures and sizes to create visual interest. The planting design is based on a map of the river Avon running through Bristol to give the building an added sense of identity. Horticulture Biotecture’s hydroponic living walls are ‘pre-grown’ into BioPanels at our nursery facility in West Sussex, where we have over 3,000 sqm of purpose built racks. The planted panels were allowed to mature before being installed on site to ensure a seamless look from day one.
Installation
Our BioPanel system is installed in two phases, The first fix included the installation of backing board and aluminum mounting rail as well as the installation and commissioning of the irrigation system. The second fix included the installation of the planted panels, which slot in between the aluminum mounting rails.
Maintenance
As part of the project, an integrated irrigation system has been installed, which is remotely monitored by our office team. This advanced system ensures that the plants receive the necessary water and nutrients for their well-being and growth. Additionally, regular horticultural maintenance visits will be conducted to ensure that the living walls are meticulously maintained and continue to look their best.
Biotecture fantastically delivered to our brief of bringing the heart of the building to life. Connecting Bristol to the building occupants, whilst bringing in a sense of nature and calm; we are delighted with the installation
Chris Rae Development Manager, CEG
Key Benefits
