What are Living Green Walls?

living green wall install
These vegetated surfaces don’t just look pretty, they can slash air pollution!
Patrick Blanc, regarded as the inventor of the modern Living Green Wall
In an era where urban landscapes are increasingly dominated by concrete and steel, living green walls offer a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. Their innovative structures are designed to cover exterior or interior surfaces of buildings with a dense, lush vegetation. Unlike traditional gardens that spread horizontally, these vertical ecosystems transform walls into canvases of greenery, creating visually stunning and environmentally beneficial landscapes, both inside and out.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, living green walls play a crucial role in modern architecture and urban planning. They act as natural air purifiers, improve thermal insulation, and contribute to biodiversity by providing habitats for various species. In cities striving to balance development with environmental sustainability targets, these verdant installations stand out as innovative solutions.

By integrating nature into built environments, living green walls not only enhance the visual appeal of urban spaces, enhancing the mental well being of city dwellers, but also addressing critical issues like air quality and energy efficiency, marking a significant step towards more sustainable and livable urban environments.

But what is a Living Green wall? (or living wall or green wall)

A living green wall is essentially a plant-covered wall or surface that incorporates a variety of greenery, from flowering plants and shrubs to grass and mosses. They can be installed indoors or outdoors, bringing nature into spaces that would otherwise remain barren and utilitarian. The concept of living green walls is rooted in biophilic design—a philosophy that emphasizes the integration of natural elements into a built up environment to enhance human well-being and ecological sustainability.

Green Living Wall Components

A successful living wall relies on several key components that work together to support plant life:

  • Structure: This forms the backbone of the wall, providing the necessary strength to hold the plants and growing medium in place. The structure must be robust enough to support the weight of the fully grown plants and any associated systems like irrigation.
  • Growing Medium: Unlike traditional soils, living green walls use specialized mediums that can range from soil-based substrates to hydroponic systems where plants grow directly in nutrient-rich water. This medium must provide adequate support, moisture, and nutrients to keep the plants healthy.
  • Irrigation System: Given their vertical orientation, efficient irrigation system is crucialensuring that water is evenly distributed. Many systems are automated and can include sensors to optimize water usage.
  • Plant Selection: The choice of plants is critical and depends on various factors such as the wall’s location, height, exposure to sunlight, local climate, and maintenance requirements. Plants must be chosen for their ability to thrive in the wall’s location and their suitability for vertical growth.
Living Green walls ability to transform bland surfaces into vibrant, living art pieces is just a bonus. They provide a connection to nature that is lost in densely built environments. They can reduce the urban heat island effect, make buildings more energy-efficient, and create microhabitats that support  diverse species of flora and fauna. In this way they act as vital components in the urban toolkit for combating climate change, reducing energy consumption, and fostering biodiversity. In fact they exemplify the innovative eco solutions that will be crucial in building resilient, adaptable urban landscapes.
Living green walls come in various forms, each suited to different needs and environments: For information on our living wall installations click here

We are always happy to discuss your plans with you without obligation. Let us help you transform your environment or project and help turn our urban landscapes into havens of health and beauty, both inside and out.  Together, we can make a greener, more sustainable world a reality. contact us if you have a project or installation you would like to talk to us about.

An office living wall we installed providing many benefits to the staff.

Living Wall Installation London uk

Our team working on the Reuban’s Hotel Living wall, one of the UK’s biggest living wall installations.

 A suburban garden finds some extra growing space and much needed biodiversity.
Another striking TUGC living wall install.