In 1929 Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (think red telephone box), one of the most renowned architects of his time joined the project to complete the design of London’s most iconic landmark – Battersea Power Station.

With its famous circular chimneys, originally thought to be square, measuring 50 meters in length and over 100 meters from the ground the power station at its peak produced a fifth of London’s power right up until the 1980s including the houses of parliament and Buckingham Palace.

Having survived the second world war the power station was awarded Grade II listed status by Historic England celebrating the building’s architectural and historical interest which was then upgraded to Grade II* in 2007 and will be protected for future generations.

After decades of dereliction in 2012, the power station was purchased by its current shareholders SP Seita, PNB, Sime Darby Property and the Employers Provident Fund to redevelop the 42-acre site to create a new thriving community of homes, shops cafes, restaurants, open space and a cultural venue served by its own brand new underground station ensuring accessibility for London and beyond.

The £9bn mixed-use development has been constructed into eight phases with the first Circus West Village having been completed in 2017 and now home to 1,800 residents, hundreds of shops an event venue and a glass chimney roof!

Working alongside LDA Design London and the London Borough of Wandsworth, GreenBlue Urban were pleased to help with Phase 2 at Riverfront Park and the successful design and implementation of the Green Wall, stainless steel climbing system.

Green walls are becoming an increasingly popular nature-based solution to not only enhance the look of building facades they are known to help combat air pollution, reduce the heat island effect and help offset a building’s carbon footprint.

The bespoke design service included using marine-grade stainless steel brackets, stainless steel wire rope to support the chosen climbing plants, wire grips, and Series 245 2 metres square diameter wire mesh for enhanced planting spread with seamless integration of all components.

Contractors Maylim Ltd provided a flawless service with construction ensuring products were suitable for structure wall type and were adequate for plants and wind loading when fully established.

GreenBlue were more than happy to support installation with dedicated expertise in the field, advising on future and long term maintenance of the climbing walls, which in comparison to other living walls is fairly low in comparison.

A pleasure to enable nature-based solutions to this iconic venue for which we will continue to monitor the benefits for all who live work and play for further centuries to come.