Quadrant House

Quadrant House - Leading Retrofitting in Urban Green Spaces

Introduction

Quadrant House stands as a pioneering example of retrofitting, merging sustainability with architectural innovation. Featuring a 269m² living wall that extends 115m, this retrofit project transforms an existing structure into a beacon of environmental stewardship. Facilitated by the collaborative expertise of Terapia Urbana, Scotscape, and the ecology team from Tandridge District Council, Quadrant House sets new benchmarks for green infrastructure integration within urban redevelopment.

Project Vision and Goals

The Quadrant House project was aimed at retrofitting with purpose, seeking to:

• Retrofit a comprehensive 269m² living wall into the urban fabric, utilising rainwater for irrigation to underscore the sustainability ethos of the project.
• Enhance biodiversity and ensure the living wall contributes year-round colour and interest, seamlessly integrated with the retrofitting objectives.
• Employ a planting palette determined by thorough sunlight studies by Terapia Urbana, in coordination with ecological insights from Tandridge District Council and the practical implementation by Scotscape.

Collaborative Design and Execution

Terapia Urbana’s Retrofitting Design: Leading the initiative, Terapia Urbana's innovative approach was key in retrofitting Quadrant House with a living wall system designed for both sustainability and ecological enhancement. This was supported by detailed sunlight analyses to ensure the vitality of the plants.

Scotscape’s Innovative Irrigation Solutions: Scotscape played an instrumental role, especially in retrofitting a rainwater harvesting system for the living wall’s irrigation. This not only highlighted the project's sustainability but also guaranteed the green facade's longevity.

Ecological Collaboration with Tandridge District Council: The partnership with Tandridge District Council’s ecology team ensured the retrofit project boosted local biodiversity. Their expertise was crucial in selecting plant species that would flourish and contribute positively to the local ecological network.

Outcomes and Achievements

Quadrant House demonstrates the immense potential of retrofitting urban structures with vibrant, green spaces. This project exemplifies a successful amalgamation of aesthetic enhancement, ecological benefit, and innovative sustainability practices. By embedding a rainwater-irrigated living wall into the existing building’s structure, Quadrant House emerges as a dynamic symbol of urban green transformation.

Conclusion: Retrofitting Towards a Sustainable Urban Future

Quadrant House exemplifies how retrofitting can serve as an effective strategy in urban development, offering a path to more sustainable and biodiverse urban environments. The concerted efforts of Terapia Urbana, Scotscape, and the Tandridge District Council have not only rejuvenated an existing structure but also provided a model for future projects aiming to combine architectural ingenuity with environmental responsibility. Quadrant House leads the way in advocating for retrofitting as a pivotal approach to achieving sustainable urban greening.