Restorative Greening: Creating a Healthier Estate at Lancaster West
Client
Lancaster West Neighbourhood Team
Location
Sectors
Products & Services
Project overview
Working with the Lancaster West Neighbourhood Team, Meristem Design helped transform the Lancaster West housing estate as part of a green intervention proposed by the government to turn the area into the “model social housing estate for the 21st century” following the Grenfell tragedy in 2017. Living walls, custom planters and planting beds were implemented to improve biodiversity, visual appeal and relaxing spaces for residents.
Goal
After the Grenfell tragedy in 2017, the government proposed a plan to revamp the Lancaster West Estate, creating more inviting, green communal areas and boosting biodiversity. As part of the WeAreW11 vision, residents were able to have their say on the future of the estate, which is where we then came in to help deliver this vision. Our project featured a strategic range of products that aimed to increase the greenery, overall atmosphere and aesthetics of the estate.
Scope
Working with the Lancaster West Neighbourhood Team – WeAreW11, this project involved a start-to-end process of designing and installing living walls, planters and flower beds. A broad planting scheme was implemented, encompassing hardly plants and biophilic plants designed to bring consistent biodiversity and visually enhance the estate.
Solutions
Meristem’s approach involved multiple tailored solutions, using the existing architecture of the estate to enhance greenery and create warmer communal spaces. Some of the plants in the planting scheme included:
- Soleirolia soleirolii
- Helleborus niger
- Polystichum Setiferum
- Polystichum polyblepharum
- Euphorbia wulfenii
- Asplenium scolopendrium
- Vinca minor
- Cyrotmium fortunei
- Liriope muscari
- Convolvulus cneorum
- Sarcococca Confusa
- Carex everest
- Erysimum bowles mauve
Four Living Walls
We installed four living walls against plain brick walls around the estate, bringing greenery and visual interest.
Custom Steel Planters
Our bespoke planters were designed and installed to enhance greenery and structure an outdoor seating area.
Flower Beds
Planting beds were installed to add visual interest to the outdoor seating area and add vibrance to the estate.
Intricate Planting Scheme
Over 1300 plants were used, selecting predominantly evergreen varieties with a mix of ferns, convolvulus, erysimum, vinca, liriope, sarcococca, euphorbia, pachysandra, rosemary and more
Impact
This project not only enhanced the visual interest of the estate but also improved the sense of community. By structuring a communal space with planters and flower beds, we created an inviting area for residents to enjoy and relax in. The planting enhanced biodiversity, promoted cleaner air, and attracted pollinator insects. The living walls serve as visual focal points and help reduce carbon, creating safer and healthier environments.
Before
After
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Featured products & services
Living Walls
Living walls, also known as green walls or plant walls, are vibrant vertical gardens that can be mounted on free-standing frames or directly on the interior or exterior of buildings.
Custom Planters
Combining functionality with a style that fits any aesthetic, each planter is crafted with care to suit your location and enhance the space. Helping to add greenery to both indoor and outdoor areas, planters create welcoming spaces that benefit people, businesses and the environment.
Design
We specialise in designing beautiful, sustainable urban greening solutions and products that bring nature into public, commercial and residential spaces. From concept to final design, we work closely with clients to ensure that every element is crafted to meet their unique needs, aesthetic preferences, and sustainability goals.
Fabrication
We provide high-quality, in-house fabrication services tailored to the needs of urban greening projects. Composed of skilled welders and carpenters, our fabrication team brings each project from concept to completion using precision and exceptional craftsmanship.
Get in touch
If you like what you've seen in our case study and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.
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