Gabion Green Wall for Acoustic Screening BBC Wales Roath Lock Studios Cardiff

As part of the planning conditions for the construction of BBC Wales’ Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff Bay, a large-scale environmental and acoustic screening solution was required. The project called for a 126-metre-long and 6.5-metre-high free-standing green wall to effectively screen the studio’s drama village from public view while also delivering enhanced acoustic protection. The key challenge was to design a structure that combined high-performance noise reduction and visual screening with an attractive, natural-looking finish that complemented the coastal surroundings and met strict planning and sustainability requirements.

A bespoke free-standing Gabion wall system was developed using double-sided welded wire baskets to create a robust and visually striking solution. The design replicated a natural cliff face, aligning with the coastal character of Cardiff Bay. Locally sourced sandstone paving off-cuts were used as sustainable infill material, reducing waste while reinforcing the project’s environmental credentials. Carefully selected variations in stone colour were arranged to form horizontal banding, enhancing the natural stone aesthetic and creating a distinctive architectural feature.

To ensure structural integrity, the Gabion wall was supported by integrated structural steel columns. Some of these columns were intentionally exposed on the public-facing side and clad in timber, introducing vertical design elements that added texture and visual interest to the façade. This combination of Gabion stone wall construction and timber detailing created a balance between engineered performance and natural design.

The green infrastructure aspect of the project was achieved by planting the top of the Gabion wall with coastal plant species and ivy. Over time, this vegetation establishes itself, transforming the structure into a living green wall that improves biodiversity, softens the visual impact, and enhances long-term landscape integration. The result is a sustainable Gabion retaining and screening wall that delivers acoustic attenuation, visual screening, and an evolving natural appearance—meeting both functional and aesthetic project goals.