Creating The Largest Living Wall In The World

This huge project in Qatar, named Khalifa Avenue, connects 4 key areas and involved the construction of a 12km four lane carriageway in both directions and 5 new interchanges, including an expertly engineered tilted interchange.

Expert Engineering

This shows the project in construction, focusing on the structure of the tilted interchange, with a smaller tail-end of the living wall stretching underneath.

Landscaping was also a huge part of this infrastructure project, with the presence of greenery in such an arid environment a luxury feature, thus elevating the completed project to become an outstanding example of urban greening.  Ashghal, who were working to complete the scheme, had a vision to source from local suppliers as much as they could, which is where their partnership with Nakheel Landscapes came into play.

Global expertise, local knowledge

As a certified partner in Qatar, Nakheel are an experienced landscaping company who hold a large variety of case studies in their project portfolio and have strong horticultural knowledge.

Our partnership allows us to combine our technical expertise with the Viritopia Living Wall System, with their knowledge and experience of the local area.

At over 7,000 square metres, this is not only the largest living wall project we’ve worked on, but the biggest living wall in the world.  Working with Nakheel, we supplied our living wall and irrigation system and helped advise on the technicalities of substrate, planting and design.  With their in-house horticultural team, a substrate and plant palette were selected that could not only withstand, but flourish in the harsh conditions.

With temperatures that reach over 50ºC in the summer, humidity levels that fluctuate between 30% and 90%, and a UV index that often exceeds 11, selecting the right substrate, plant palette and calibrating the irrigation system correctly was crucial.

Local biodiversity

The Middle Eastern conditions don’t restrict us on curating a beautiful plant palette that has measurable benefits.

We are always looking for plant species and designs that will increase the biodiversity of the local area, focusing on the scope within the native plant palettes.  Working with a team whose collective knowledge of local species is extensive allows us to maximise the benefits we can gain from one living installation.

Once these details were confirmed, planting and the growing period commenced near to the site.  This allows the plants to establish in the environment in which they will be finally installed, which means they adjust and adapt to the conditions and therefore can flourish.

Measurable benefits

This vast living wall now lines the sloping sides of the major elevated road interchange with lush greenery, regulating the temperature in the immediate area, boosting biodiversity and providing a welcome sight in the harsh landscape.

A stark contrast to the arid surroundings, this panoramic expanse of greenery truly highlights the versatility of a natural system based on soil, where we can be more flexible in design and therefore plant selection, creating installations that flourish in harsher climates.  As always, nature's way proves to be the most resilient.

If you have a project you’d like to discuss or require more information, please do get in touch.