Case Study Studio Spicer
Spicer Studio Architects, Stratford-upon-Avon
Completed May 2022
The Brief
Founder and MD Oliver Spicer was very keen to make an impact visually, especially as their new office was located in the Stratford town centre regeneration zone.
The initial brief was to create visually stunning living walls across two sides of the building. The concept was to convey the idea of waves using different plants and colours so that the waves would be visible throughout the year, no matter the season.
The team at Studio Spicer were inspired initially by two local Scotscape Living Wall projects and their goal to build a new head office where the fabric of the building had more than one role.
The Challenges
On a practical/sustainable level, we had to ensure the living walls acted as a green lung filtering the air whilst also providing great insulation - keeping the building cool in the summer and warmer in the winter – and creating proven energy efficiencies.
In terms of the design, the team at Studio Spicer wanted the banding to follow the corner of the office building so it looked like a wave all year round. The component of flowers and shrubs used was key to ensure that the colour was on show consistently. Another factor we had to consider was that the walls were south and west facing which meant they are exposed to a lot of sun throughout the day.
The Approach (Design & logistics)
Our Planting Strategy when it came to creating the distinct wave patterns involved using a variety of tones, textures and colours. Some of the plant zones contain multiple species to give a slightly blended and naturalistic appearance rather than a perfectly manicured block planting aesthetic.
Most species of plants that were chosen were full hardy, shade and pest and disease tolerant. Full coverage is expected through the year though we expect some herbaceous species to die back during winter months. These gaps have been compensated for with surrounding evergreen species.
The style of planting also closely matched with the Oliver Spicer render where possible.
The Results / Outcome
It certainly delivered the 'wow' factor!
“Our office has most definitely become a talking point for the residents of Stratford. We are located opposite a busy multi-storey car park, and we have been inundated with passers-by taking selfies in front of the living walls.”
The Future Plan
“Our clients and customers have been so impressed and are all keen to know how they can incorporate something similar into their own projects. They love the uniqueness of the living walls. It’s definitely a conversation starter!”
The Chief Executive from Stratford City Council has visited the Studio Spicer office and asked that they put the building forward for local awards and has shown interest in the possibility of incorporating living walls into future city centre regeneration projects.
“We are definitely keen to recommend Living Walls and Scotscape to our clients going forwards. We already have a few projects in planning stage both in town and even out in a countryside village too.”
Quotes
“Living Walls offer an innovative solution to ensuring the walls of a building have more than one purpose. When we design buildings, we are always looking at sustainable considerations and options, but most require a lot of infrastructure and are technological in their nature. Living walls act as a green lung filtering the air whilst also providing great insulation - keeping buildings cool in the summer and warmer in the winter – creating proven energy efficiencies."
“The final decision to employ Scotscape came down to their flexilble, material based substrate system. Other companies used solid plastic trays which didn’t fit with our sustainable ethos. And the fact they offer a maintenance package.”
“Our office has most definitely become a talking point for the residents of Stratford. We are located opposite a busy multi-storey car park, and we have been inundated with passers-by taking selfies in front of the living walls.”
“We are incredibly passionate about urban greening and sustainable architecture. We are always on the lookout for integral measures rather than bolted on technological options such as solar panels. User friendly, sustainable solutions are key for us when it comes to incorporating sustainability into our designs.”
- Oliver Spicer, Studio Spicer Architects
