Belgravia Green Wall: A Biodiverse Tapestry

Project Description

This was the third project for the clients. The original courtyard which we designed here was made in 2008. Following a 2-year renovation of their 5-storey townhouse, the clients added a roof terrace & swimming pool basement, where we designed and planted a huge living wall in 2019 in a reduced patio courtyard of only a 5m x 3m size.

The wall is 5m high x 5m wide, detailed with a grey tile motif and LED strip lights. 20 plant species cascade down the wall, selected for shade in this north-facing aspect engulfed by massive walls.  Tiarella, Soleirolia, Pachysandra, Luzula, Liriope, Lamium, Hosta, Carex, Campanula, Asarum, Ajuga, Acorus & 10 Fern types create a textural tapestry of contrasting horticultural richness.

Accentuated by black limestone tiles and Cedar-slatted screens, the vertical wall provides a green focal point from every viewing point within the home, endowing well-being in every gaze, becoming a radiant beacon at nightfall. A storage bench hides the swimming pool vents, its front cladded in perforated tiles to allow heat to evaporate. A bespoke outdoor fireplace features large tiles, concealed gear and a cosy glow.

The roof terrace is close to the living wall, featuring privacy hedges, recessed planters, Sedges, Ferns, Black Bamboo, Pseudopanax and a multi-stemmed Japanese Maple. The Maple replaces the 3 we once had in the original courtyard, repeated in the front garden. Naturally stacked stone mulches the tree base, adding architectural finesse.

The ground-level view is via expansive glass doors in a dynamic indoor-outdoor interplay. The adjacent room is a music studio for the children with a piano and musical instruments. Following the project, we were commissioned with a planting redesign at the clients’ Tuscany villa to layer and fortify the existing framework.