“ To make environmental improvements at
the scale that the UK needs, everyone must
do their bit to preserve resources through
recycling.
VEOLIA UK
Richard Kirkman, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of
Veolia UK and Ireland said:
“To make environmental improvements at the scale that the UK
needs, everyone must do their bit to preserve resources through
recycling. This marks the seeds of a green recovery which includes,
at its centre, recycling.
Drink cans put in the recycling bins by residents and businesses
will soon become part of the City landscape in an innovative
project to refurbish a building next to the Thames.
Planning permission has been granted by the City of London
Corporation for a five storey living wall to be built at 20 Cousin
Lane using approximately two metric tonnes of recycled
aluminium and 1.5 tonnes of compost, made from recycled garden
waste.
The project, for client PSR Agency Limited, is the culmination of
work between planners at the City Corporation, Veolia UK and
Red Squirrel Architects to design a building representing circular
economy principles, and demonstrating how recycling plays an
important role in protecting and preserving the environment.
“This bold project will remind people of the need to practice
sustainable waste behaviours, as well as showcase the unique
beauty that can be achieved by turning used items into something
new.
“We are proud to collaborate with the City of London Corporation
and Red Squirrel Architects, and we hope that the environmental
message behind this forward thinking project is taken away from all
who see it.”
The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the
Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a
diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
Cans that have been recovered from Veolia UK’s Materials
Recovery Facility in Southwark, which sorts recycling collected
from homes and businesses in the City of London, will be used
in the process. They will be shredded and re-cast by a specialist
metal fabricator near London into latticed modular honeycomb
panels. The aluminium panels will be hung within a grid of recycled
steel girders. Compost made from recycled garden waste will be
used to plant an extensive wall and planter boxes on the buildings
facades.
The project is expected to be completed in 2021.
City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Chair
Alastair Moss said:
“This innovative, radical project is a fantastic example of what can
be achieved when designers and planners work together and think
outside the box.
“The new wall will be a welcome addition to the City skyline, and a
befitting neighbour to the Walbrook Wharf Waste Transfer Station.
“I hope its message of a circular economy will influence
everyone to recycle more and consider their own impact on the
environment.”
Director of Red Squirrel Architects Miles Griffies said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled that planning permission has been
granted for this unique scheme.
“The close collaboration with the City of London Corporation and
Veolia UK has been an interesting and enjoyable process.
“There are clear and obvious benefits to our urban landscape
in adopting circular economy principles, recycling, and urban
greening; especially when these culminate to make a great piece
of architecture.”
PAGE 57 - ARCHETECH