Client: Tideway/ BMB
Architect: Arup
Facade Consutant: Arup
Facade Contractor: BMB
All image credits: Tideway
The Barn Elms Ecological Kiosk, an integral part of the Thames Tideway Tunnel project, exemplifies architectural innovation harmonising with nature while addressing critical infrastructure needs. As part of a £5 billion effort to reduce sewage pollution in the River Thames, the kiosk houses essential mechanical and electrical components to intercept the West Putney storm relief sewer overflow, ensuring untreated sewage is responsibly collected and managed. Beyond its functional purpose, the kiosk redefines infrastructure by integrating sustainability, biodiversity, and artistic expression into its design.
The kiosk’s façade, spanning approximately 100 square metres, incorporates two distinct cladding systems: a biodiverse wall and rainscreen cladding. The biodiverse wall is an ecological innovation, encouraging invertebrate colonisation through gabion wall systems traditionally used for structural applications. Adapted by the design team to host habitats for various species, these gabion baskets are filled with waste and natural materials. They offer a superior alternative to traditional green walls, avoiding issues such as combustibility, high maintenance, and limited habitat diversity. Designed to last 50 to 120 years without requiring irrigation or complex fire performance measures, the gabion system sets a new standard in sustainable façade engineering, significantly enhancing biodiversity.
The rainscreen cladding, made from 6mm-thick anodised aluminium, serves both functional and artistic roles. Laser-cut perforations provide necessary ventilation for internal systems while doubling as a canvas for A Way from Heaven, a commissioned artwork by Adam Chodzko. Drawing inspiration from Sir Francis Walsingham’s use of the Babington cipher in Elizabethan times, the artwork reproduces the quill-and-ink script of encoded messages, embedding cultural and historical depth into the kiosk’s contemporary design. This creative integration highlights the project’s dedication to merging infrastructure with artistic expression, offering a distinctive visual identity tied to the site’s history.
The kiosk’s success is rooted in extensive collaboration across disciplines. Early in the design process, the limitations of existing ecological façade systems became apparent, prompting a first-principles approach. The team began with a detailed analysis of target species and their habitat needs, drawing inspiration from passive structures such as dry-stone walls. Close collaboration between ecologists, façade and structural engineers, and gabion suppliers led to the development of a system that met both ecological and aesthetic goals. Rigorous research, on-site trials, and material testing ensured the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of this innovative design.
A brown roof complements the biodiverse wall, adding ecological value by creating habitat corridors that link the kiosk to nearby green spaces such as the London Wetland Centre. Locally sourced materials, including stone and organic matter for the gabion sections, reduce transportation emissions and bolster local ecosystems. The kiosk’s design also supports a circular economy; its components are intended for deconstruction, allowing materials to be recycled or relocated. By emphasising durability and adaptability, the kiosk guarantees decades of ecological benefits.
Surrounded by a wildflower meadow, the kiosk promotes biophilia, creating an aesthetically pleasing and ecologically vibrant public space. The design ensures seamless integration into the natural landscape by orienting habitats towards nature and away from human activity. Its curved form mimics the flow of Beverley Brook, fostering a dynamic visual connection with the environment. Features such as bird and bat boxes, along with accommodations for hedgehogs and solitary bees, further enhance species conservation. The structure’s low-maintenance requirements minimise human disruption to wildlife.
The Barn Elms Ecological Kiosk is a powerful example of how infrastructure can prioritise ecological integration and sustainability through interventions in the form and façade of the structure. By tackling a critical environmental issue while enhancing local biodiversity, it bridges the gap between functionality and environmental stewardship. Its combination of technical excellence, artistic innovation, and ecological awareness serves as a model for future projects, proving that even essential infrastructure can drive positive environmental change.
