Biophilic Transformation at Sheffield Hallam University’s New Campus Buildings

• 5m tall Bucida buceras tree, planted in a custom planter-bench, serves as a centre piece in the university’s atrium
• 34m2 living wall showcases a diverse range of plant species adding colour and texture to the space
• Custom grid joinery houses hydroponic plants offering a clean soil free solution that enhances the aesthetic appeal

Inleaf were invited to install a comprehensive planting scheme across three new buildings at Sheffield Hallam University’s campus.

The University wanted to incorporate a biophilic design to utilise the natural benefits that plants have on students/employees. 

This installation was completed in phases, the first being a striking 5m tall indoor Bucida tree known as “shady lady” or “black olive”. This tree was planted in a custom-made planter that also serves as bench seating, providing a relaxing spot for students.

To ensure the tree’s health, it was planted in a mix of peat free compost and Vulkastrat – a volcanic mineral that retains water and releases it slowly.

The Inleaf team managed the installation of the tree with coordinated transport and lifting equipment, negotiating unique challenges; As the tree being installed towards the end of the construction, internal finishes such as flooring and internal walls were already completed. We worked with the main contractor and University to ensure the installation ran smoothly and all surfaces were protected as the tree navigated its way through the building.

For the second phase of the large scale planting scheme, we installed a 34m2 living wall in a double-height area of the building. This living wall features a variety of plants, including Aglaonemas, Calathea, Epipremnum, Scheffelras, multiple variations of Dracaenas, Nephrolepis, Philodendron, Tradescantia and Aspleniums. This diverse plant selection provided a variety of colours and textures to the space.

The wall also features a lighting track with a dedicated timer to provide sufficient light to the plants and allow them to rest overnight.

To maintain this wall Inleaf installed an automatic irrigation system with remote programming that provides water and feed. As part of our proactive maintenance we also installed sensors in the living wall and tree to allow temperature and moisture levels to be monitored and optimised. 

The final phase of the project introduced individual, bespoke plant displays located in custom grid joinery furniture through the multiple floors of the buildings. Plants including variations of Dracaenas, Aglonemas and Sansevieras were used to tie in with the living wall planting. We specified hydroponic plants to allow them thrive without soil, offering a clean and environmentally-friendly solution to the modern environment.

Inleaf will now maintain the scheme for the University to ensure it continues to thrive, with regular visits to maintain the plant displays and the irrigation system.