Transforming Domiciles with Greenery: Strategies for Eco-Friendly Wall Enhancements
Embracing a lush, green facade? Go for it! As urban jungles become trendier, wouldn't you love a piece of that eco-friendliness for yourself? Let's dive into how to create your own vertical oasis without breaking a sweat. 🌱
Decide on your Green Wall Type
Green walls come in two flavors: Green Facades and Living Walls. Here's a quick rundown:
Green Facades
These beauties are walls draped with climbing or cascading green friends. You can plant them right onto the wall, or use supportive frames close by. They're light on the wallet and maintenance, making them a great starting point for beginners.
Living Walls (Biowalls or Vertical Gardens)
Living walls consist of three parts: a metal frame, a PVC layer, and an air layer. They can accommodate more plants than green facades, but they require some extra TLC (Tender Loving Care) due to their complexity.
Pick a Spot and medium
Indoors or outdoors? Choose wisely based on sunlight. If you're outside, ensure your green babies get ample sunlight; inside, replace Mother Nature with artificial lighting to keep those green guys thriving.
Vegetation needs a medium to root in, which comes in various forms like loose growth media, mats, sheets, or structural media. Each offers unique possibilities for your lush creation.
Irrigation System
Welcome to the heart of your vertical garden - the irrigation system! Most incorporate an irrigation system to keep plants watered and help them flourish. Choose between recirculating (water conservation champion) or direct irrigation systems (collects water using an external source and drains excess into the sewer).
Plant Selection
The fun part! Pick your favorite greenery based on factors like climate, shading, and water efficiency. If you're opting for a green facade, here are some top picks:
- Chinese Trumpet Vine
- Fortune's Spindle
- Common Ivy
- Japanese Morning Glory
- Japanese Honeysuckle
- Blume
- Chinese Firethorn
- Star Jasmine
- Chinese Wisteria
For living walls, consider these options:
- Erigeron
- Gaillardia
- Heuchera
- Honeysuckle
- Hops
- Laburnum
- Marjoram
- Pachysandra
- Pelargoniums
- Strawberries
- Thyme
- Vinca Minor
EPA advises planting vines to the west, as it's most effective for cooling a building, especially if they shade windows as well. Remember, when plants wither, remove them – roots included – to prevent disease spread and keep your wall in tip-top shape.
Install your Living Art
Once you've covered the basics, it's time to dive in and start building your masterpiece! With these steps under your belt, you'll have a vibrant green wall in no time. 🎉
Benefits Galore!
So, what's the point of all this green goodness? Here are some perks:
Beat the heat
In an urban jungle, green facades help reduce temperatures by up to 8.4°C by shading, evapotranspiration, and solar reflection.
Save that dough in winter
During the colder months, the wind reduces insulation. With a living wall, buildings are better protected from the cold winds, potentially saving up to 25% on heating bills.
Better air quality
Plants munch on carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other air pollutants, purifying the air around us. In fact, plant walls help reduce CO2 levels and lower the risk of respiratory illnesses.
Enhance Biodiversity
Green walls create a haven for birds, bees, and bugs, increasing local biodiversity.
Reduce noise pollution
Wall vegetation has low noise reflectivity, making it a winner for soundproofing your cozy abode.
Keep Calm and Carry On
The presence of greenery has a calming effect on those living in the building, reducing stress and boosting productivity. Plus, snazzy green walls can hide unsightly architecture. 😉
The Price is Right
The cost of constructing a green wall varies depending on the medium, irrigation system, and plants you choose, but the most affordable option could be a smaller green wall with loose media and a basic irrigation system. In the U.S. and the U.K., green walls average around €150 per square meter. Maintenance costs, including replanting, weeding, and watering, are around €12/month.
Keep in mind, because of the unique conditions in urban settings, about 5% of green wall plants die annually. On average, your yearly cost for replacing plants would be around €25.
Real-life Green Wonders
To prove it's possible, we're sharing a couple of impressive green wall gigantes!
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
This enormous green facade is the epitome of green wall beauty, standing proud at 2,593.77 meters long, taking the Guinness World Record in 2015. It covers a landfill site and was designed by Cleanaway Company Limited and Shine Green Energy Enterprise Co., Ltd.
Bogotá, Colombia
The multi-family residence Santalaia, situated in Bogotá, Colombia, flaunts an astounding green wall measuring 3,117 meters long. This green beauty purifies the air, reducing CO2 levels, and offers oxygen for 3,000 people. Phenomenal!
In a nutshell, transforming your barren wall into a lush, thriving haven is easier than you think! With the right plants, green walls can help fight urban heat islands, save energy, and purify the air, all while creating a beautiful, calming space to enjoy.
Consider expanding your lifestyle by incorporating a fashion-and-beauty touch with plant-inspired patterns and eco-friendly materials in your home-and-garden. A green wall could serve as the perfect backdrop for your favorite outfits and provide an instant photogenic spot for travel memories.
Why not take your love for all things green one step further? Try cultivating a mini urban garden filled with herbs and spices from your favorite food-and-drink recipes. Growing your own ingredients can add a personal touch to your cooking, and you'll be able to savor the global cuisine from the comfort of your own home!
