North London to get world’s largest living wall

Work is progressing on the steel frame erection for a scheme that will, on completion, include the world’s biggest living wall, covering 7,400m².

Pure Data Centres (PDC), backed by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, will be integrating the wall into a new facility on its campus in Brent Cross, North London.

The living wall will contain more than 750,000 individual plants, which will be installed using a modular system. Key functions of the plants are to absorb noise and to help filter out air pollution.

The extensive planting area will also enhance the site’s biodiversity by creating important habitats for birds and insects. It will also provide a protective outer layer to the building, helping to reduce solar gain and improve the microclimate.

This will be PDC’s second facility on the site, helping to satisfy demand for data centres which is said to be at an all-time high, especially in London, accounting for 80 per cent of the UK market. The data centre market in the UK is projected to grow by over 60% by 2029.

Working on behalf of main contractor Mace, BHC is fabricating, supplying and erecting 10,000t of steelwork for the project’s three structures. The tonnage includes 50 trusses, measuring 20m-long and weighing 22t each.