Hillyfield Primary Academy

Green Walls, Boosting Creativity & Wellbeing in Schools

Hillyfield Primary Academy, Walthamstow, East London

156 m² of Jakob Webnet wire mesh, together with 6mm diameter vertical ropes and planters, has been used to create an exterior Green Wall façade at Hillyfield Primary Academy. Installed between the building’s striking timber-clad projecting classrooms, the V-shaped climbing plants provide a slice of nature in the playground and striking views from inside the school.  

Studies have shown that greening projects like this can boost creativity and support the wellbeing of students in school environments.

“Direct exposure to the natural environment can enhance learning by improving student attention and behaviours” Frontiers in Psychology

Vertical plants are also proven to minimise directed attention fatigue. Helping students to concentrate and focus in the classroom by connecting them to nature and so supporting Hillyfield’s mission; Brilliance in Every Child, Excellence Every Day

Hayhurst and Co – Project designers | Forbes Massie – Render

Greening is especially important in densely populated urban areas such as London, where green landscapes can be quite rare and thanks to the exterior balcony, the planters provide an opportunity for each class to grow and maintain their own plants.   

But this modern system delivers so much more than just aesthetic gains. The 1.5 mm diameter Webnet with 60mm mesh appature also acts as a ball stop fence; protecting the glass elevation from the playground below. 

Neighbours living in the area are also now enjoying a quieter environment thanks to Webnet’s ability to absorb shocks and so significantly reduce any noise.

Read more about the benefits of our Jakob Webnet and our Green Wall systems here.