The Rowe, a newly developed office scheme in bustling Whitechapel was designed with sustainability and wellbeing in mind. It boasts 17,000 sq.ft of outdoor space with terraces on every floor. Biotecture worked with the development’s design team and main contractor, to design and install this 286 metre living wall. The project creates a green back drop to the main roof terrace and spans the East, North and West elevations.
Project Brief
Designed by RIBA Stirling Prize-winning architectural practice, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), The Rowe creates a modern open-plan workspace that runs on 100% renewable electricity and achieves a 26% carbon emission reduction compared to a standard office building.
One of the defining aspects of The Rowe externally is its living wall located on the landscaped rooftop terrace. Featuring over 14,000 plants, it was envisaged that the 268m2 living wall would create a nature-friendly, biodiverse oasis in the centre of London.
Within the AHMM brief was a requirement for Biodiversity Net Gain and Biotecture used this to guide them in the selection of plant species for the living wall on the roof terrace. From the outset, a goal was set to create habitats for insects such as lacewings, ladybirds, and some of the UK’s 250 species of solitary bees.
The Rowe offers 150,000 square feet of office space across 12 floors, the upper six of which are additional. This mix of old and new are separated by an external terrace that features artwork by a well know artist and designer.
Highlights
- Living wall provides a stunning botanical backdrop to the rooftop terrace
- Hydroponic living wall
- Remotely monitored irrigation system
- Contributed to BREEAM 'Excellent' rating and WELL 'Platinum' certification
- Hardy plants chosen to withstand elements
Our Approach
Biotecture liaised with AHMM during the early stages of the project to gain a full understanding of project requirements. The Architect’s wanted to create a tranquil, peaceful space for visitors whilst creating a habitat for pollinators and other insects.
The team at Biotecture guided the designers to our patented, modular hydroponic living wall system because it combines efficient water management with remote sensing technology. The living wall system is fully tested in accordance with the requirements for the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) and passes all tests for weathertightness, water resistance and wind resistance, confirming its full suitability and compliance for use as a cladding material for both commercial and residential buildings.
BioPanel living wall system installed at The Rowe uses artificially irrigated and fertigated ‘backless’ vegetated cladding panels complete with natural growing medium. This is fixed through a void former and waterproof backing board to cladding rails. It has a depth of 62mm, meaning there is minimal outward projection from the building structure. BioPanel can be retrofitted as part of a façade refurbishment and incorporated within new buildings as the integral rainscreen cladding element.
Plant species chosen for The Rowe include: Lonicera, Carex Ice Dance, Euonymous Emerald Gaiety, Heuchara Palace Purple, Carex Irish green, Hedera Wonder and Heuchara Frosted Violets amongst others, plus flowering plants such as Liriope Big Blue for a splash of colour.
It is entirely appropriate that a living wall tops out this impressive design at The Rowe, being an outward projection of a building that is sympathetic with both the natural world and our changing climate.
Key Benefits
