Green walls (also known as plant walls, living walls, and vertical gardens) have become a new trend in building design. These dense facade coverings not only transform dull surfaces into vibrant botanical masterpieces, they also offer a number of benefits to buildings and communities alike.
Increasingly, green walls are being used as a means of creating dynamic facades that sway in the wind and change with the seasons. They are also a highly-efficient building envelope, minimizing energy loss and cooling loads, reducing rainwater runoff, and filtering pollutants out of the air.
Benefits for People and Environments
Green Walls are often used as part of biophilic design plans, a concept that advocates for connections with nature in workplaces and other public spaces to increase productivity, reduce stress, and improve indoor air quality. Studies have shown that incorporating plants into workplaces can help improve mental health, boost morale, decrease absenteeism, and increase worker satisfaction.
They also help with noise absorption, which can be beneficial to both employees and patrons. They can also provide a sense of privacy, which is important in today’s increasingly busy and noisy society.
Environmentally Conscious
Green walls can make a building more eco-friendly by providing additional insulation. They also absorb excess rainwater, which helps reduce pollution. They also promote natural cooling processes by releasing oxygen into the air.
A green wall can also be designed to include a specific type of plant or a blend of different types of plants. The type of plants that are used for a green wall depend on the building and its location, and a specialist will be able to advise you on which ones are best for your area.
Smart and Active
A smart and active green wall is a more advanced way of growing plants that requires more technology and installation than traditional green walls. It is a more environmentally conscious option and the plants that are chosen for this type of installation have to be resilient, and able to withstand the air circulation that is created by their placement.
These types of green walls also need to be kept well-maintained, so that they continue to thrive. Regular irrigation, regular nourishment, and good light are all important aspects in ensuring that the plants stay healthy.
For outdoor green walls, it is a good idea to use native plants that are suited for your local climate and conditions. Xeric plants like Tillandsias are particularly suited for this type of wall because they have adapted to survive droughts and hot weather, and are able to absorb water and nutrients via trichome leaf cells.
They are also able to absorb chemicals that pollute the air, and can be a great way to purify streets by filtering out nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.
A smart and active green wall also needs to be kept well-maintained, so a professional will be able to advise you on how to keep your wall looking its best. Getting started with your green wall can be a daunting task, but a professional should be able to give you all the information that you need and help you get on your way to a beautiful, sustainable space.
