Case Study Carnaby
5-7 Carnaby Street London W1F 9PB.
Installed August 2023
The Brief
Commissioned by Shaftesbury Capital PLC the brief was to soften the impact of a new double height roof extension with a Living Wall befitting the art and architecture of Carnaby street.
Carnaby has an iconic heritage.
The birthplace of Swinging London in the 1960’s, the home of Mods, Skinheads, Punks and New Romantics to the street style of today. Carnaby has and always will be the epicentre of culture and lifestyle in London’s West End.
The Challenge
To deliver a Living Wall in the heart of the city with immediate impact but would include shrubs that would mature to add increasing depth, interest and colour to the planting topography.
To ensure the planting design would increase biodiversity levels and absorb pollutants.
To deliver an ambitious project in a busy street whilst maintaining footfall into Timberland at street level.
The Approach (Design & logistics)
Working with Brimelow McSweeney Architects the chevron tree planting design was driven by the 60’s heritage pattern.
Plants were pre-ordered to ensure they were at the right stage of development to create immediate impact.
Our large pocket system was used to support large shrubs and small trees which would benefit the biodiversity of the wall and have most impact on trapping particulates.
Our bespoke planting panels would be used to ensure all areas of the wall were covered and wide powder coated white trims installed around windows to draw attention to the planting.
As with all our Living Wall systems, the irrigation design is critical. The irrigation tank was situated to the rear of the building on the roof. Multiple zones were designed to ensure greatest control over the delivery of irrigation to all areas.
A close working relationship with the building contractor SPPM Ltd was developed to ensure the pedestrian thoroughfare and shop trading were not affected during the works.
The Result/ Outcome
A show-stopping installation befitting this iconic street!
The project was delivered on time and on budget.
When the scaffold was struck, the impact of the planting was immediate and eye catching.
The Christmas lighting and decoration increased the WOW factor.
With regular maintenance, we will keep the planting healthy which will attract biodiversity and help clean the air.
The Future Plan
With the lack of space in our cities for conventional planting, we will continue to lead the way by introducing innovative vertical gardens and Living Pillars to our streets to improve aesthetics, wellbeing, biodiversity and air quality.
