Biotecture recently completed the second phase of an award-winning urban greening programme at Canary Wharf. With the opening of the new Elizabeth line station, the north-east corner of the Estate has become an important new gateway to the district. The client wanted to create a great first impression for visitors and provide new spaces for people to relax and reconnect with nature. Using our Plantbox system we were able to design and install living walls in a range of locations including along railings and the transformation of a whole façade.
Project Details
In 2021 Canary Wharf management started an ambitious urban greening project designed to reconnect people with nature and help transition the area from a Monday to Friday work zone into a seven day a week live, work, play destination.
Landscape Architect Gillespies drew up an ambitious masterplan including pocket parks and additional green spaces across the Estate. Biotecture were appointed to design and deliver a series of living walls to help bring the vision to life. These were installed in phases throughout 2021 and 2022.
After the completion of Phase 1, Canary Wharf management commissioned Biotecture to transform additional areas near the new Elizabeth line station to create a welcoming gateway to the estate.
Manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled materials, PlantBox offers the perfect solution for covering bare walls and breathing life into neutral spaces. Freestanding or wall-mounted, the units can be attached or restrained to a wide variety of surfaces including walls and railings.
As part of this project we added PlantBox living walls to long stretches of railings as well as transforming the whole East Building façade and an 5 metre tall lift shaft.
Highlights
- Modular, stackable PlantBox living walls
- Second phase of a wider urban greening masterplan
- Futureproof: can be dismantled and re-installed
- Made with 100% recycled materials
- Designed to improve air quality
- Provides habitats for insects and pollinators
Our Approach
Using our freestanding, stackable and modular system Plantbox we were able to deliver a big impact within a short timeframe.
The East Building was one of the largest living wall projects at Canary Wharf and Biotecture’s biggest PlantBox living wall. The area has been transformed from a brown façade to a green oasis. As well at the living wall the project includes a pocket park with seating and planting installed by Willerby landscapes.
PlantBox is load bearing and only requires restraint fixings, this meant that this living wall didn’t need structural approval with allowed us to offer a fast turnaround.
Our team take projects right from concept through to completion. This includes design, plant selection, project management, horticulture and installation on site.
This wall is north facing so robust plants were selected that would be tolerant to wind and shade. The PlantBox troughs were planted up in our West Sussex nursery before being installed on site. This ensured the living walls looked great from day one.
Our role doesn’t stop at installation, or maintenance team will be looking after the wall and all the other living walls across the Canary Wharf estate to ensure they are looking their best.
Key Benefits
