Transforming a Courtyard with a Large-Scale Living Wall
In 2021, Life on Walls collaborated with Bowles & Wyer to deliver a large freestanding living façade for the Marriott Grosvenor Square in London. The project aimed to soften the visual impact of a dominant brick boundary wall and create a calmer, greener atmosphere within the courtyard space.
The Challenge
The brief required the installation of a 185 m² living façade reaching 9 metres in height. However, the structure could not be fixed to the neighbouring party wall, meaning the entire installation had to operate independently.
In addition, the design needed to visually echo the building’s architectural rhythm by recreating window-like forms within the planting, ensuring the living wall felt integrated with the surrounding façade rather than appearing as a separate element.
The Solution
Working closely with structural and scaffold engineers, we developed a lightweight engineered framework capable of supporting the planting while remaining fully freestanding.
The structure was anchored discreetly at either side of the courtyard, allowing it to stand independently from the party wall while maintaining full stability. Careful alignment of the framework ensured that the planting design reflected the geometry of the building’s façade, creating a strong visual relationship between the architecture and the living installation.
The Result
The completed living façade transformed the courtyard into a calm and immersive green retreat, softening the hard urban materials and bringing texture, colour, and biodiversity into the space.
The project received industry recognition, demonstrating how well-designed green infrastructure can redefine urban environments and enhance the experience of shared outdoor spaces.
To learn more about our living wall design and façade installation services, contact our team.