Look closely at Regal House. It is more than just a building. It is a vibrant statement. Regal House stands opposite Covent Garden Station in London.
Regal House boasts a stunning living wall. This vertical garden reflects the area’s heritage. Covent Garden Market was once a fruit, vegetable, and flower market. It operated from 1654 to 1974. The new Regal House design reflects this history.
The colorful plant palette mirrors the sun’s path. The north side offers peaceful hues. The west side explodes with summer blooms. At night, Regal House transforms. Its illuminated garden attracts passersby. Theater and bar-goers pause to admire it. It has become a popular photo spot. Regal House is also a meeting place.
But Regal House is not just attractive. Its environmental benefits are significant. The living wall supports biodiversity. It aids air purification. The wall reduces temperature. It also helps with rainwater retention.
Over 8000 plants thrive here. They represent 21 different varieties. The living wall covers approximately 200 square meters. It faces north and west.
The plants were chosen carefully. They boost biodiversity. New bird hiding places are nestled among the greenery. Nectar-rich plants attract bees and insects. Urban areas need more pollinators. Regal House helps transform London into an active biotope.
Regal House contributes to cleaner air. Plants capture toxins, gases, and particulate matter. This introduces biogenic regulation processes. Sedimentation, impaction, and Brownian motion improve air quality.
By 2050, London’s climate may resemble southern France. Regal House helps combat this. Plants reduce temperature through evapotranspiration. This process combines evaporation and transpiration. It cools the surrounding microclimate. This reduces the need for air conditioning.
Rainwater collection is part of the design. A reservoir irrigates the green wall. It uses a remote-controlled hydroponic system. This reduces water consumption.
The Regal House facade was a collaborative effort. Botanical experts, technologists, and Biotecture Ltd specialists contributed. Capital and Counties initiated the project. Their goal was to improve Londoners’ lives. They aimed for sophisticated and biodiverse urban development.
Biotecture developed the façade of Regal House. This included structural assessments. They also developed planting designs. A rainwater harvesting system was retrofitted in the basement. It irrigates the living wall. Bespoke LED-lit balcony planters add to the design.
The planting design maximizes color. It considers façade orientation and local conditions. The aim was to improve biodiversity and air quality. The design supports native birds and invertebrates. Flowering plants provide nectar.
Originally, the green wall had temporary planning permission for two years. Capital and Counties planned to replace the building. But they changed their minds. The transformation was too successful. Permanent planning permission was granted in 2019. Redevelopment plans were put on hold.
The living wall has transformed Regal House. It stands as an iconic example of green urban design. It’s a testament to what can be achieved. It is achieved when environmental consciousness meets architectural innovation.