Case Study: Gabion Facade (Lee Valley Ice Centre)

Lee Valley Ice Centre with limestone gabion cladding along the front wall beside the glazed entrance

Project: Gabion Building Facade
Client: Lee Valley Ice Centre
Construction: 2023

About this project: This is a project by Enviromesh, our partner company. We share a gabion fabrication site in Burton-on-Trent, and this project uses the same BBA-certified welded gabions we supply. Photos: LDA Design, shared by Enviromesh with permission.

Project Background

The Lee Valley Ice Centre was designed to combine modern architecture with natural materials. Gabion baskets were chosen to create a durable facade while adding texture and visual interest. Filled with limestone, the cladding contrasts against the glass and timber-effect finishes.

Installation Process

The cladding consists of multiple layers of gabion baskets, carefully installed side by side to create clean, consistent lines and offer great stability. The baskets have been filled with interlocking limestone, offering a straight edge finish to the structure.

“Gabions work particularly well alongside climbing plants, as the welded wire mesh panels provide an ideal structure for vines to attach to and develop over time.”

Erno, Sales Support Specialist at Wire Fence