Introduction to Green Wall Installations
Green wall installations, also known as living walls or vertical gardens, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Both commercial and residential spaces are embracing these stunning vertical gardens as eco-friendly design elements that bring nature indoors. But what exactly are green walls, and what are the key differences between the various types?
Often there is a misunderstanding that all green walls are the same. However, there are some notable variations between the two main types – living walls and moss walls. While both add vibrant greenery and a touch of nature to indoor spaces, they have distinct components, maintenance needs, costs, and visual impacts.
In this introductory section, we will briefly examine what constitutes a green wall installation and provide a high-level overview of the benefits they offer. The following sections will then do a deep dive into the composition, care requirements, pros and cons, and ideal use cases of living walls versus moss walls. We will also look at key factors to evaluate when selecting the right type of green wall for a given commercial space.
The goal is to equip readers with a nuanced understanding of the key differences between these two main forms of green walls. This knowledge can empower you to make informed choices when installing green walls in lobbies, offices, hotels, retail stores, and other commercial environments. Let’s get started by looking at what exactly makes a wall “green”.
Understanding Living Walls
Living walls, also known as green walls or vertical gardens, are interior or exterior wall surfaces that have been covered with vegetation. Unlike conventional gardening, living walls display plants on vertically mounted structures, rather than horizontally on the ground. There are two main types of living walls:
Modular Panel Systems
These consist of interlocking plastic containers that hold growing media and plants. The panels are attached to a structural wall or frame. This modular system makes installation and maintenance easy, as panels can be readily replaced. The containers provide sufficient root space for plants to thrive.
Felt Systems
These use porous synthetic felt mats that are affixed to the wall. The mats hold growing media and plant roots within. An irrigation system provides nutrients and water. Felt walls can be more challenging to install but offer a seamless, flowing appearance.
The main benefits of living walls in commercial spaces are:
- Improved indoor air quality – plants filter pollutants and increase oxygen.
- Noise reduction – plants absorb and block sound.
- Aesthetic appeal – walls are transformed into vertical gardens.
- Energy efficiency – plants provide insulation and reduce heating/cooling needs.
Potential drawbacks include:
- Higher upfront costs compared to conventional walls.
- Requirements for adequate sunlight, ventilation, and irrigation.
- Regular maintenance to trim, replace, and care for plants.
Overall, living walls can be a worthwhile investment for many commercial spaces seeking an eco-friendly design with health and aesthetic benefits. When properly maintained, they provide a lush, calming ambiance.
Delving into Moss Walls
Moss walls, also known as vertical gardens, are a unique type of green wall that utilise preserved or living moss as their primary plant material. Unlike living walls, which require irrigation systems and intensive maintenance, moss walls are much simpler in their composition and care requirements.
The base of a moss wall consists of a waterproof backing attached to the wall surface. On top of this is an absorbent material like soil or fabric, which holds moisture and provides a growing medium for the moss. Sheets of preserved moss or living moss plants are then affixed to the wall. Some moss wall systems use modules that can be clicked together for easy installation.
The benefits of moss walls in commercial spaces include:
- Lower maintenance than living walls – moss only needs occasional misting or drip irrigation.
- Cost savings from reduced upkeep and simpler systems.
- Soft, lush appearance from the moss that adds natural beauty.
- Air purification qualities of moss that can improve indoor air quality.
Potential drawbacks to be aware of:
- Limited plant diversity compared to living walls.
- Preserved moss loses its ability to purify air over time.
- Possibility of moss drying out if proper moisture is not maintained.
- Less dramatic impact than a towering living wall.
Overall, moss walls provide an attractive, low-maintenance alternative to living walls. The simple care and greenery make them ideal for commercial spaces like offices, retail stores, restaurants, and hotels that want to add a touch of nature without a major commitment. Their sustainability, air purifying properties, and unique aesthetic offer compelling benefits for many business settings.
Key Differences Between Living Walls and Moss Walls
Living walls and moss walls may seem similar at first glance, but they have some notable differences when it comes to maintenance, costs, and aesthetics.
Maintenance Requirements
Living walls require more intensive maintenance than moss walls. Living walls need consistent monitoring of the health of the plants, along with pruning, fertilising, and replacing dead plants. Moss walls are lower maintenance, only requiring occasional misting and pruning.
Cost Differences
Living walls have higher upfront and ongoing costs. The initial installation requires soil, irrigation systems, and a diversity of plant species. Ongoing costs include fertiliser, replacement plants, and maintenance labour. Moss walls have lower startup costs with simpler installations. Long-term costs are also less since moss requires little maintenance.
Aesthetic Outcomes
Living walls offer more visual interest and colour variation with many different plants. Moss walls provide a simpler, more uniform look. Both can be aesthetically pleasing, but living walls provide more diversity. Living walls can also be designed with flowering plants for added visual appeal.
Choosing the Right Green Wall for Your Space
When deciding between a living wall or a moss wall for your commercial space, there are several key factors to consider. Here are some tips on choosing the right green wall installation for your needs:
Maintenance Requirements
Living walls require more frequent maintenance and care, like watering, pruning, and replacing plants. Moss walls are lower maintenance, only needing occasional misting and trimming. Consider your ability to upkeep the wall long-term.
Budget
In general, moss walls have lower upfront and ongoing costs compared to living walls. Living walls require a complex irrigation system and specialty growth medium. Analyse installation and maintenance fees for each type of wall.
Aesthetic Goals
Moss walls have a simpler, more minimalist look, while living walls offer lush, vibrant plants and flowers. Decide which aesthetic aligns best with your commercial space and brand.
Environmental Conditions
Living walls require adequate sunlight and ventilation. Moss thrives in shadier, more humid environments. Evaluate lighting, humidity, and airflow in your space.
Wall Structural Integrity
Both living and moss walls can be heavy. Have a structural engineer assess if your walls can support the weight without compromising integrity.
Evaluating Your Space
When evaluating your commercial space, look at the wall location, dimensions, sunlight exposure, ventilation, accessibility for maintenance, and visibility. An open, visible spot highlights the wall’s beauty, while a more enclosed space suits moss’s preference for shade.
By weighing factors like maintenance, costs, aesthetics, plant needs, and your wall’s structure and placement, you can determine the best green wall solution for your commercial space.
The Environmental Impact of Green Walls
Green walls, whether living walls or moss walls, provide numerous environmental benefits. By incorporating greenery into the built environment, green walls help improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and regulate temperatures.
Improving Air Quality
Plants naturally filter pollutants and dust from the air through their leaves and root systems. Living walls and moss walls actively filter and purify indoor air, removing contaminants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This leads to improved indoor air quality and healthier interior spaces.
Reducing Noise
The dense foliage of green walls helps absorb and block sound. Living walls can reduce indoor noise pollution by up to 10 decibels, while moss walls act as natural sound absorbers. This acoustic insulation makes green walls ideal for offices, restaurants, and other noisy commercial spaces.
Regulating Temperatures
Green walls moderate indoor temperatures year-round. In winter, they act as insulation, reducing heat loss. In summer, their evapotranspiration cooling effects can decrease wall surface temperatures by up to 50°F. This cuts energy costs for heating and cooling.
Earning BREEAM Credits
Installing green walls can help commercial spaces achieve credits toward BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) certification. BREEAM is the most widely used green building rating system in the UK. Green walls qualify for credits related to indoor environmental quality, innovation, and more.
Showcasing Sustainability
Visually striking green walls showcase a commitment to sustainability. For hotels, retail stores, and offices, living walls and moss walls provide an appealing way to highlight green practices to customers and employees.
In summary, green walls like living walls and moss walls provide real environmental benefits, from purifying air to reducing energy usage. They are an impactful sustainability measure that contributes to healthier, more eco-friendly buildings.
Embracing Green Walls in Commercial Spaces
After exploring the key differences between living walls and moss walls, it’s clear that both offer unique benefits for commercial spaces looking to go green. Here’s a quick recap of the main points:
Recap of the Key Differences
- Living walls require more intensive maintenance like daily watering and fertilising, while moss walls are lower maintenance.
- Moss walls are simpler systems focused just on moss, while living walls support a wider diversity of plants.
- Living walls can be more expensive upfront but provide greater air purification benefits.
- Moss walls have a more subtle, earthy aesthetic compared to the lush, jungle-like look of living walls.
Consider a Green Wall for Your Space
Whether you opt for a living wall or moss wall, embracing green walls is an impactful way for commercial spaces to express their commitment to sustainability. As well as being visually striking, green walls provide real environmental benefits:
- They improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants.
- They can reduce noise levels within a space.
- They regulate humidity and temperature.
From offices to hotels, retail stores to restaurants, green walls create healthier, more inspiring spaces for occupants and visitors alike. They can even contribute to green building certifications like BREEAM or LEED. As green walls grow in popularity, new technologies and creative designs emerge all the time. So if you’re looking for a way to give your commercial space a sustainable facelift, it’s time to consider joining the green wall movement!