Installed onto wasted vertical space, living walls can transform
even the most unlikely structure into a thriving oasis, from concrete
car parks and listed buildings, to dated residential properties
and developments. Reducing waste by utilising the exterior of
an existing structure, green installations can also go a long way in
securing approval from planners, with local authorities often looking
favourably on designs which promote urban greening. Working with a living wall specialist is strongly advised to ensure
that the correct method of installation complements and protects
the structure. For example, listed buildings require a more careful
approach, with a steel frame installed first to a build’s exterior.
Leaving the building’s exterior undisturbed and protected, the
living wall is then mounted onto the frame, doubling up as a
natural defence to a listed exterior.
With over 90% of the world’s population living in areas where air
quality exceeds recommended guidelines, living walls offer a range
of benefits to tackle the problems presented by densely populated
cities, including filtering out harmful toxic pollutants generated
by vehicles, as well as restoring nature and wildlife in urban areas.
Reintroducing green space back into communities can also have a
positive effect on mental health and well-being, with plants shown
to have an impact on occupant mood and stress levels; while creating
places where people want to live, work and socialise. As a sustainable, green approach to traditional rendering,
specialists will also be able to advise on the type of plants needed
to ensure the feature thrives in the long term, while integrating
and enhancing the environment which surrounds it. Often arriving
as a modular system, the installation process is relatively simple,
while automated irrigation systems help keep maintenance to a
minimum.
When applying to existing structures, living walls camouflage a
build’s exterior, while protecting it from aging and the elements. As
well as moderating temperatures and improving overall efficiency –
even for older buildings – in some cases, living walls can also increase
a property’s value. Applicable to almost any surface and often
featuring a variety of wall-mounted plants, from vibrant flowers and
lush foliage, living walls provide an opportunity to maximise outdoor
space in urban areas where accessible green space is limited.
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GREEN SPACE IS NOW CONSIDERED TO
BE AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF FUTURE
CITY LIVING.
With space only set to become more limited, living walls are an
efficient green solution to not only reintroducing nature back into
communities, but also in adapting to rising global environmental
pressures. Paving the way for greener design and offering lasting
social, environmental, cultural and economic benefits, plants
are the key to a healthier construction and development future,
helping to transform cities into living, breathing urban forests.