As urban landscapes continue to evolve and expand, the push for sustainable architecture is more pressing than ever. Among the most exciting advancements in this field is the emergence of green walls—living, breathing marvels that transform building interior and exterior walls into lush, vibrant vertical wonders.

These living walls enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings and can help contribute to environmental sustainability by improving air quality and supporting biodiversity. With growing interest in eco-friendly design, green walls are becoming pivotal in reimagining the cities of tomorrow, blending nature seamlessly with modern living.

What is a living green wall?

A living green wall is a structure that can be attached to the exterior or interior of a building. It can host various plants, including ferns, tropical plants, and flowering plants. The choice of plants depends on the wall's location, climate, and desired aesthetic. Living green walls are supported by an irrigation system and framework that allows them to thrive vertically. 

Integrating greenery into walls dates back to ancient times, with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as a notable inspiration. In the modern era, Stanley Hart White's 1938 invention of a vegetation-bearing structure laid the groundwork, but it was French botanist Patrick Blanc who popularized living green walls in 1988 with his hydroponic "Mur Végétal" in Paris. His work, including the green wall at the Musée du Quai Branly, brought this concept into mainstream architecture. 

Today, living green walls are integral to sustainable architecture, as seen in projects like the CaixaForum Museum in Madrid, showcasing their transformative potential in urban spaces.

Living green walls vs vertical gardens vs green facades

Living green walls, vertical gardens, and green facades all add greenery to buildings, both inside and out, but differ in structure and plant support:

Living green walls are complex systems with panels or modules attached to walls featuring integrated irrigation. Plants are rooted directly into the structure, allowing for diverse and dense vegetation. They can require more maintenance but offer significant design flexibility.

a living wall of green plants in a building

Vertical gardens can range from simple stacked planters to complex modular systems. Depending on the system used, they can host various plants and have maintenance needs that vary. Ambius offers panel and tray systems as well as freestanding options.

vertical living green wall by staircase

Green facades are simpler installations in which climbing plants grow along trellises or cables attached to a building. Plants are rooted at the base, making these facades easier to maintain and less complex. They focus mainly on climbers like ivy or vines.

a building covered in green facade and a window

Types of green walls

Green walls come in various types, each with unique characteristics and materials:

Modular green walls consist of pre-planted panels or trays that are assembled on-site. The modules can be made of plastic, metal, or biodegradable substances and are often designed for easy maintenance and replacement. The plants can be grown in either soil or a soilless medium.

Panel green walls are large, pre-vegetated panels installed on a wall or structure. They can be soil-based or use other growing mediums like felt or rock wool. The panels are typically made from stainless steel or composite materials, providing a durable and stable structure for the plants.

Tray system green walls use a soilless growing system where plants receive nutrients from a water-based solution. The walls can be made from various materials, including plastic or metal, and the growing medium can include materials like coconut coir or mineral wool. 

Each type of plant wall can be tailored to specific environmental conditions, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance requirements, making them versatile solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications.

How a living green wall changes a space

A living green wall is more than just an eye-catching feature; it offers a variety of benefits that can significantly enhance a space's functionality and ambiance. From boosting aesthetic appeal to contributing to a healthier environment, green walls play a vital role in modern architecture.

Economic benefits

Green walls can help provide energy savings by acting as natural insulators, reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling. Adding a living green wall can also enhance a property’s attractiveness, potentially leading to a higher market value and increased desirability.

Psychological and health benefits

Green walls offer a range of psychological and health benefits. By creating a natural, calming environment, they can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being and relaxation, making spaces more enjoyable to inhabit. Additionally, indoor green walls help mitigate noise pollution by acting as sound barriers, and they can improve air quality by filtering out pollutants, leading to a healthier indoor environment.

 

two workers are walking up stair in a building by a living green wall

Why Ambius?

Green walls bring numerous benefits, from improving air quality to enhancing aesthetic appeal, but they can also present challenges such as high installation costs, ongoing maintenance, plant selection, and climate considerations. At Ambius, we specialize in overcoming these hurdles with our comprehensive solutions. We provide expert guidance on plant choices, efficient maintenance services, and engineering support to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your green wall.

An indoor green wall can dramatically enhance the aesthetic appeal of any office space, providing a refreshing touch of nature indoors. For example, AAR Corporation, a leader in aviation services, partnered with Ambius to create a stunning vertical living wall in its headquarters. This 45-foot by 20-foot installation, featuring nearly 4,300 plants, revitalizes its break area and executive offices, offering employees a refreshing touch of nature amidst its tech-centric environment.

Similarly, Trend Micro, a global network security firm, contacted Ambius to design and install a large green wall in their Dallas office hallway. Our team customized the design to meet their needs and managed the entire installation process, transforming the hallway into a vibrant, welcoming space for employees and visitors.

Ambius’ expertise ensures that the complexities of a plant wall installation are managed seamlessly, delivering exceptional results and enhancing your indoor environment. Ready to transform your space with a green wall? Contact Ambius today to start your project!