Elevated nature: high-rise botanical living

Wardian, Canary Wharf, London E14

OVERVIEW

Wardian isn’t just a home, but a place where nature thrives. As you step inside, the scent of greenery fills the air; leaves move gently, and every apartment opens onto its own elevated garden. Wardian reimagines what high-rise living can be: a modern sanctuary inspired by the original Victorian ‘Wardian Cases’ that once carried exotic plants across the world.

Here, two light-filled towers of 55 and 50 storeys rise above the water, housing 767 homes that range from suites and apartments to penthouses, all designed with light, texture, and nature at their core. Ballymore’s commitment to progressive building methods means that the entire development has a BREEAM Very Good rating and Code Level 4 for Sustainable Homes. But Wardian isn’t just about living well: it’s about bringing the calm and balance of nature into the city’s most dynamic district.

Residents enjoy a grand lobby, cinema room, waterfront café, and 25-metre open-air pool surrounded by lush planting. Above it all, the rooftop observatory offers remarkable near-360-degree views of London, a place to watch the sunrise over the Thames or the stars emerge beyond the skyline. Pathways, cafes, shared gardens and terraces all encourage community life.

Wardian has transformed a once-derelict corner of Canary Wharf into a living ecosystem – an award-winning, botanically inspired neighbourhood where nature is part of the architecture.

“We worked closely with Glenn Howells Architects to create a building that is beautiful on the inside and out, a sleek, geometric exterior that gives way to a lush, green oasis inside. Moments from urban, commercial Canary Wharf, Wardian creates a place to breathe and we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved here.”

Sean Mulryan, Chairman & CEO, Ballymore Group

“Wardian London was inspired by the great explorer and innovator Dr Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward who was responsible for the creation of the Wardian Case, used to transport plants around the world at the height of the British Empire.”

“A tranquil oasis of exotic foliage and high-end living … where shape, function and form are expertly balanced.”

House & Garden

“Wardian is a world-first in housing design that champions botanically inspired living, providing an oasis in one of the capital’s most cosmopolitan and commercial centres. Wardian heralds a unique ‘bringing the outside in’ design theory.”

British Homes Awards