The University Of Manchester 50m² LivePanel green wall

  • LivePanel

Meeting biodiversity plans at The University Of Manchester

Adorning the Schuster Building at The University Of Manchester is a new 50m² Mobilane LivePanel living wall centrepiece – part of the University’s sustainability and biodiversity plans. A first-time vertical garden for the University, the green expanse features Mobilane LivePanels, created with over 2,500 plants and expertly installed by Inleaf.

“The LivePanel system from Mobilane is the best on the market in terms of quality, engineering and maintenance.” – Daniel Atherton, Inleaf

Borne from an Inleaf design, the living wall is over seven metres in height and is an integral part of the Brunswick Park development on site – the largest green space on the campus with tree and wildflower planting, seating areas, pedestrian and cycle paths.

The LivePanel green wall

The seven metre green wall is constructed of 250 planted cassettes across its 50m² spread. The 2,500 plants are interspersed with a number of varieties including:

  • Bergenia
  • Euonymus
  • Geranium
  • Heuchera
  • Liriope muscari
  • Lonicera
  • Pachysandra
  • Polypodium vulgare

“We recommended the Mobilane LivePanel as it has long been our favoured system for commercial living wall projects.” said Daniel Atherton, Director of Inleaf, the Manchester-based interior and exterior plant suppliers and installers.

The Installation

Planning, design, planting and preparation took place over a few weeks preceding the install, which took just a few days. The project required detailed design and planning to ensure the end result was as spectacular – and manageable – as hoped. This also entailed a professional approach to health and safety during installation – of utmost importance with a scheme of this size and nature.

The LivePanels use an automatic irrigation system to feed and water the plants, keeping the wall healthy and lush whilst minimising water usage.

Biodiversity and Future Plans

Julia Durkan, University Sustainable Campus Officer, said: “We recently published our Living Campus Plan to address the challenges of a growing urban campus alongside the opportunities a healthy environment provides for people and nature. The living wall is one of many projects that will help us meet our living campus targets going forward.”

As part of the larger development on site, the wall will continue to be maintained by Inleaf and its sustainable planting will continue to add to biodiversity of the area – a key element for the University, Inleaf and Mobilane.

“One of many projects that will help us meet our living campus targets going forward.” Julia Durkan, University Sustainable Campus Officer

Inleaf also donated surplus materials to a local community group.

Thanks to Daniel and Charlotte Atherton of Inleaf for images and contribution.

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