The first living wall to be built in the UK has died, after the watering system failed, four years after it was created.

Paradise Park Children’s Centre in Islington, North London, won the Local Authority Award of the 2007 British Construction Industry Awards, but now its green wall, once described as inspirational, is dry and patchy.

A spokeswoman for Islington Council said: “The wall was the first of its type to be installed in the UK and, as with anything new, carried a certain element of risk. Of course we're disappointed that it hasn't thrived. It seems this could be down to its design and we are looking at the best way to restore it.”

DSDHA architects designed the building and its living wall, covered in geraniums and euphorbia, which was completed in 2005 and used recycled rainwater for irrigation. It was this irrigation system that seemed to break down, causing the plants to dry out. DSDHA said it was “dismayed” at the problems and is actively addressing them with Islington Council.

The British Construction Industry Awards described the centre as “greatly admired” when it won one of its awards. It said: “The living wall proved an effective innovation to inspire the local community, hugely welcoming of the project’s impact. It really has 'wow' factor – an uplifting and influential building.”

May saw the first vertical gardens by renowned artist Patrick Blanc unveiled in London to great fanfare (SB, June 2009).

The national press pointed out that the Liberal Democrat Council paid £100,000 for the centre’s living wall, which rival parties and bodies criticised as a waste of public money.