Design Spotlight: The Rise of Vertical Gardens
In the face of rising client expectations and increasing demand for sustainable, people-centric buildings, architects are challenged to create spaces that go beyond mere aesthetics. Vertical gardens, or living green walls, bring nature into the built environment. Incorporating these living, breathing art pieces into your plans can help position your work at the forefront of both innovation and impact.
But for many architectural teams, the challenge isn’t the concept—it’s the execution. Ambius offers the expertise, premium plant access, and technical support needed to introduce a green wall or vertical garden with confidence.
Why green walls belong in your design strategy
Living green walls are more than just a nice-to-have; they’re also essential for projects aiming to meet LEED®, WELL™, and Fitwel® certification standards. They offer a range of benefits that support both sustainability and occupant well-being, including:
- Thermal insulation, which helps regulate indoor temperature and reduce energy use¹
- Air purification, as live plants filter toxins and improve indoor air quality²
- Biophilic benefits, including improved mood, creativity, and productivity among building occupants³
Understanding the fundamentals of healthy building certifications can be overwhelming. That’s why Ambius created the Basics of Healthy Building Certifications series—three concise guides introducing the core principles of LEED®, WELL™, and Fitwel®.
Versatility in placement and function
Whether installed indoors or outdoors, living green walls are highly adaptable and can be tailored to the needs of nearly any project. Exterior green walls enhance building facades while aiding in cooling by absorbing sunlight. Indoors, they make bold design statements while helping to dampen noise and add a sense of calm to busy spaces.
Ambius can help architects select the most appropriate system based on the budget, goals, and technical considerations for a project:
- Panel systems
- Often used for exteriors
- Feature pre-grown plants anchored into rigid panels
- Typically use drip lines installed over each panel row for targeted watering
- Ideal for high-wind environments and unpredictable weather by offering more long-term durability
- Tray systems
- Commonly used indoors
- Allow potted plants to be inserted at a 45-degree angle
- Use cascading irrigation, where water flows top-down through a horizontal drip line network
- Easier to maintain and allow for individual plant replacement
Ambius also helps coordinate the placement of irrigation equipment, which often involves locating control units near utility rooms and ensuring proper access for future maintenance. Other environmental factors, like temperature sensitivity and airflow, are reviewed to avoid placing green walls near exterior doors or HVAC vents that could stress plants.
Endless customization
Living green walls should reflect the unique brand identity and goals for a space, so an intentional approach to plant selection is key. Our award-winning designers are well-versed in curating species that offer lasting color, thrive in most indoor environments, and deliver a wow factor that people are sure to remember.
By operating two in-house plant finishing centers and maintaining close relationships with top suppliers, we’re able to offer access to premium and rare plant species that architects often seek. Each plant is carefully cultivated and finished to maturity, helping ensure:
- Greater consistency in appearance for a refined, professional finish
- Unique, eye-catching selections that set your design apart
- Stronger plant health and fewer replacements over time
Additionally, Ambius is proud to offer ongoing maintenance services to ensure your green walls remain healthy, vibrant, and visually striking—day in and day out. From routine care to seasonal adjustments, our horticultural specialists can make sure your plants are always ready for first impressions.
When living green walls aren’t feasible
Not every space can support live plant installations. Limited sunlight, temperature fluctuations, or lack of irrigation infrastructure can all present challenges. In such cases, Ambius offers high-quality replica green walls and preserved moss walls as alternative solutions. These provide the lush, verdant look and psychological benefits of natural foliage without the requirements of live plant care.
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Vertical gardens and living green walls offer architects a powerful way to create distinct, high-impact spaces that align with modern building standards. Let Ambius’ team of Elite Designers and Staff Architects take care of the technical and horticultural aspects so you can focus on bringing the big picture to life. Contact us today!
Sources:
- ScienceDirect: Cooling, CO2 reduction, and energy-saving benefits of a green-living wall in an actual workplace
- National Library of Medicine: Mitigation of common indoor air pollutants using plant-based methods
- Horticultural Research Institute: Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Plants