Aurora, Glasgow

PROJECTS » The Aurora Building

THE BRIEF:

In July 2023, we were approached to collaborate with TP Bennett and HFD on the design and installation of a biophilic rooftop terrace as part of the redevelopment of the Aurora office building in Glasgow.

Aurora, a landmark 175,000 sq. ft corporate office HQ, sits in the heart of Glasgow’s central business district and the city’s International Financial District. Developed by Forma and HFD Group, the building is renowned for its outstanding ESG credentials, including an EPC A+ rating, BREEAM Excellent certification, and pre-assessment for WELL Gold certification.

Surrounded by a vibrant mix of restaurants, bars, fitness centres, and public transport links, Aurora offers tenants exceptional amenities, including a 4,000 sq. ft communal rooftop terrace.

Our task was to enhance this rooftop area with greenery, creating a space that fosters wellness, relaxation, and social interaction while providing stunning views over the city. The project’s primary focus was the installation of a living green wall, as well as custom-built planters to seamlessly integrate natural elements into the terrace.

THE SOLUTION:

To bring this vision to life, we developed a bespoke design, installation, and maintenance plan tailored to the specific needs of the rooftop terrace:

Living Wall Installation
The living wall was constructed using a modular vertical garden system made from 100% recycled materials. The system featured an in-built water reservoir, simplifying maintenance and ensuring the plants were consistently hydrated. An automatic irrigation controller was installed, linked to an existing mains pressure water source for regular, automated watering. Vertical support straps were custom-fitted to the building’s framework to ensure a secure and stable installation.
Custom ‘Grigio’ Trough Planters
In addition to the living wall, we positioned Grigio natural concrete trough planters around the terrace perimeter and within the sheltered areas to help define the space. These planters offer the best of both worlds, combining the robust, natural appearance of concrete with the advantages of being lightweight, durable, and low-maintenance, thanks to their glass fibre reinforced resin construction. With built-in frost and UV protection, they are designed to withstand outdoor conditions all year round.
Ongoing Maintenance
We provided a comprehensive maintenance plan for the living wall and planters, including:
• Seasonal adjustments to the irrigation system.
• Regular health checks on plant growth and condition.
• Pruning, tidying, and the replacement of any plants that failed to thrive, ensuring the display remains vibrant and healthy.

THE RESULTS:

The result is a dynamic, biophilic rooftop terrace that enhances the overall tenant experience at Aurora while aligning with the building’s sustainability goals:

Enhanced Tenant Experience: The lush living wall and greenery-filled terrace offer tenants a peaceful retreat from the office environment. This space fosters relaxation, encourages social interaction, and provides a stunning setting for informal meetings and client entertainment, all while offering breathtaking views of Glasgow’s skyline.
• Sustainability in Action: Both the living wall and planters align with Aurora’s exceptional ESG credentials, using recycled materials and energy-efficient irrigation systems. These green elements support the building’s WELL Gold certification and reinforce Aurora’s commitment to sustainability and tenant wellbeing.
• Low Maintenance, Long-Term Impact: The automatic irrigation system and regular maintenance plan ensure the long-term success of the living wall and planters, keeping the space vibrant and engaging for years to come with minimal manual intervention.
• Promoting Biophilia in the Workplace: By integrating plants into the rooftop terrace, the design embraces biophilic principles that are known to increase mental wellbeing, foster productivity, and stimulate creativity in the workplace.