Westfield Shopping Centre, Shepherd’s Bush, London

Client: Westfield and Commerz Real Investments
Architect: AECOM Design + Planning
Type: supply of a living wall from SIG's Easy Green modular system, 170m long x 4.5m high.

Spectacular good looks and green innovation were at the forefront of design for the third largest shopping centre in the UK at Westfield Shopping Centre, west London.

Part of the emerging White City district, the centre opened in 2008 with a retail floor area of 150,000sqm at the cost of £1.6billion.

Planning requirements required a noise and visual barrier between a busy pedestrian access and adjacent existing residential properties.

Public realm architects, AECOM Design + Planning proposed a living wall as an attractive feature rather than a conventional wall which could be an eyesore.

A 170m x 4.5 living wall now greens a narrow space providing an innovative and attractive setting for diners in facing restaurants on the Upper Terrace.

Westfield requirements were for instant impact, diversity of colour and texture whilst requiring low maintenance. Fast track erection was also key.

The living wall comprises some 5,000 panels covering an area of 1,250sqm with nine planting mixes. Some 200,000 plants with four or five species per panel now adorn the barrier, suppress dust, assist evaporative cooling and act as a wildlife habitat. The modular style feature was pre-grown at the Aldingbourne Nurseries in Sussex to ensure that the plants are robust.

Irrigation and maintenance require three litres per sqm of water per application and some 154 applications per annum. The easy routine programme consists of a monthly inspection of water distribution, twice yearly light pruning and liquid feeding in early spring and late summer.

Independent consultant ecologist, Gary Grant, advises on the greening of existing and new cities and worked on the project. He said: “We chose a modular/cellular structure because the effect is instant and spectacular. A modular system also means that planting can be easily replaced if required. The system is robust and uses less water than some alternative living wall systems."

The Westfield living wall will also help to keep the terrace cool in summer.