Part of wider UP proposals for the Inns & Yards of London’s historic Borough High Street, the green wall at Orchard Lisle House is on a prominent gable end between Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital and Borough Market. This is a busy pedestrian thoroughfare and designated ‘clean air route’ used by thousands of hospital staff and visitors every day.

The green wall is designed with an informal and ‘natural’ planting scheme emphasising texture and topography, using soil cells capable of supporting small trees, including Holly, Strawberry and Dwarf mountain pine. Irrigation is via disconnected downpipes with recycled rainwater from roofs, topped up with mains supply. This reduces flood risk, while the wall improves air quality and increases biodiversity.

Plant selections include Lamb’s ear, Silverbush, and Castor oil plants that contribute to air filter function collecting particulate PM1, PM2.5 and PM10. Additional components include a wildflower turf and ivy matrix for high biodiversity impact and RHS approved plants for pollinators, providing nectar sources. Woody and evergreen shrubs like Lavender, Broom and Christmas box provide structure, while two types of Honeysuckle contribute to a wild and hairy look.

UN World Urban Forum Awards shortlisted project with Scotscape for Team London Bridge and Better Bankside BIDs, funded by GST NHS Foundation Trust and the GLA. Photos by Barry Willis.