Case studies

City Junior School

City Junior School Living Wall: Connecting Students with Nature in Urban Spaces
Client
City Junior School
Location
Sectors

Project overview

Meristem Design was commissioned to design, supply, and install an exterior living wall for the newly built City Junior School in central London. This 9sqm, east-facing wall complements the school’s modern and accessible design while fostering a greener learning environment for students.

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Goal

To enhance the school’s outdoor space with a sustainable living wall that improves air quality, supports biodiversity, and creates an engaging educational tool for students.

Scope

The project involved designing a living wall system suitable for shaded conditions, selecting over 300 plants to ensure year-round greenery, and providing educational resources for teachers and students to understand the wall’s environmental benefits.

Challenges

  • Limited space for greenery in an urban setting
  • Need for plants that thrive in shaded areas
  • Requirement for year-round visual appeal and biodiversity support
  • Addressing air pollution concerns in a busy city location

Solutions

A carefully curated living wall was developed to meet the school’s environmental and aesthetic needs.

Diverse Plant Selection

Included 315 shade-loving evergreens like Polystichum polyblepharum, Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’, and Luzula nivea for year-round greenery

Air Quality Improvement

Added Carex morrowii, Hedera Green, and Vinca minor to act as natural pollution barriers

Biodiversity Boost

Featured pollinator-friendly species like Liriope muscari with vibrant purple flowers to attract bees and insects

Seasonal Interest

Introduced Leucothoe ‘Zeblid’ for foliage that changes color with the seasons
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Impact

The initiative fostered a healthier learning environment by improving air quality and reducing pollution around classrooms. It also promoted nature-connected education by creating opportunities for environmental learning and interactive workshops for students. Additionally, it supported increased biodiversity by providing habitats for small wildlife, contributing to ecological balance. The project added visual appeal with a calming, textured feature that enhances beauty and provides contrast throughout the year.

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City Junior School
City Junior School
City Junior School
City Junior School

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