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A decade before London’s Low Emission Zone came into force, air pollution concerns had prompted the capital’s then-Mayor, Ken Livingstone, to introduce a Living Roofs and Walls policy. And since 2008 there has been phenomenal “growth”.
Today London has more than 40 per cent of the UK’s green roofs and walls.
Back in the early 20th century, architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy was to embed buildings in nature. Now the reverse is happening. Planted surfaces and high-rise vegetation help combat air pollution by reducing nitrogen dioxide levels and harmful particulates.
Interactive website Londonair.org.uk allows Londoners to identify areas with the best and worst air quality.
Parkside living at Colindale Gardens
Barnet, one of the best boroughs, is promoting urban greening at Colindale Gardens, a new 2,900-home neighbourhood spanning 47 acres.
When complete, more than 6,000 people will live in homes overlooking parks and sports pitches. There will be an on-site primary school, shops and community facilities, green roofs, podium gardens, new wildlife habitats, allotments and spaces for urban agriculture. From £339,000. Call Redrow on 020 3811 6580.
We all know that green space promotes quality of life. Indeed, every £1 invested in green space contributes £30 towards health and wellbeing, and £23 towards community safety, according to an independent survey commissioned by the Land Trust charity.
London’s biggest Zen garden at Islington Square
Penthouses at Islington Square have large roof terraces and private rooftop swimming pools
Islington Square, a former Edwardian Royal Mail depot, has been transformed into a fashionable new address with 263 homes.
The historic four-and-a-half-acre site with a grand, double-arched entrance in Upper Street has been opened up and a new shopping arcade and civic square created behind the façade.
The 8,560sq ft Zen sanctuary was designed by Chelsea Flower Show Gold medallist and bonsai artist Peter Chan, with copious rooftop green space on restored buildings and new-build apartment blocks.
Penthouses have big terraces and private rooftop swimming pools, while street-level maisonettes have an internal courtyard — an outdoor lounge — and a garden.
A new pedestrian route links to a neighbouring conservation area of Victorian garden squares. This route takes the form of a glass-roofed internal garden and retail mall plus an open-air, tree-lined street. Prices from £725,000. Call Galliard Homes on 020 3874 0927.
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