Leading rainscreen manufacturer SOTECH has partnered with urban biodiversity company VERTICAL MEADOW to introduce an innovative 'living wall' rainscreen cladding solution.
The Optima Meadow system integrates plant life into building façades, enhancing urban environments and contributing directly to wildlife habitats.
“This concept takes seeds from a meadow and places them vertically into an innovative rainscreen cladding system,”
explained Graham Todd, Sotech’s Technical Director.
“The solution is integrated into our fully drained and back-ventilated hook-on rainscreen system.”
Alistair Law, Founder and CEO of Vertical Meadow, said:
“With our unique approach, there is no pre-growing of plants in nurseries or wet transportation of fragile live plants. We integrate species rich native grass and wildflower seed mixes directly into the mineral wool in the factory. Green shoots are visible within seven to ten days of installation.
“These ‘vertical meadows’ create beautiful focal points, maximise communal roof space, and attract wildlife back into our cities.”
Optima Meadow helps meet the UK Environment Act 2021’s mandatory biodiversity net gain obligation, requiring a ten per cent improvement in wildlife habitats, and permanent installations of Optima Meadow contribute to BREEAM sustainability points and Urban Greening Factors.
Vertical Meadow collaborated with The Wildlife Trust, Buglife, and Professor Nigel Dunnett to ensure the system delivers on biodiversity. The system is made from non-combustible components and 94 per cent recycled aluminium, contributing to sustainability.
Delivered to site dry, controlled germination is overseen and monitored via simple inspections and maintenance apps which optimise water usage and reduce maintenance. Optima Meadow is available through Sotech’s technical team, with installations across the UK for viewing.
