A Look at the Design Process of Living Walls

In the heart of our bustling cities, where concrete and steel reign supreme, living walls are a refreshing breath of nature. These vertical gardens transform mundane urban facades into vibrant, living ecosystems.

Beyond their visual appeal, living walls offer numerous environmental benefits, such as improving air quality, reducing urban heat islands, and even enhancing mental well-being. But how are these intricate green structures brought to life?

Let's delve into the detailed design process of living walls, uncovering the blend of horticultural knowledge, engineering precision, and creative vision that goes into their creation.

Why is There a Need for Living Walls?

Living walls, offer a plethora of benefits that address both environmental and social challenges. Here's a deeper look into why they are increasingly being incorporated into urban design and architecture:

1. Aesthetic Enhancement

Living walls transform bare, unappealing surfaces into lush, vibrant greenery. This aesthetic improvement can:

• Boost Property Values: Properties with appealing green infrastructure are often valued higher than those without.
• Create Visual Interest: Living walls add texture, colour, and life to otherwise dull urban environments, making spaces more inviting.
• Foster Community Pride: Attractive public spaces can instil a sense of pride among residents and encourage community engagement.

2. Improved Air Quality

Plants are natural air purifiers. Living walls contribute significantly to cleaner air by:

• Filtering Pollutants: They absorb pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and carbon dioxide, improving air quality.
• Oxygen Production: Through photosynthesis, plants release oxygen, enhancing the breathable air in urban areas.
• Microclimate Regulation: They help regulate temperature and humidity, contributing to more comfortable and healthier living environments.

3. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Living walls support urban biodiversity by:

• Providing Habitats: They create habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife, supporting urban ecosystems.
• Supporting Pollinators: Certain plant species in living walls attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are crucial for plant reproduction and biodiversity.
• Connecting Green Spaces: They act as green corridors, linking isolated patches of urban green space and facilitating wildlife movement.

4. Biophilia and Human Well-being

The concept of biophilia refers to humans' innate connection to nature. Living walls enhance this connection by:

• Reducing Stress: Exposure to green spaces and nature has been proven to lower stress levels and improve mental health.
• Boosting Productivity: In workspaces, living walls can enhance employee well-being, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
• Enhancing Recovery: In healthcare settings, views of greenery and nature can speed up recovery times and improve patient outcomes.

5. Energy Efficiency

Living walls contribute to energy savings in buildings through:

• Thermal Insulation: They provide an extra layer of insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and cooling loads in summer.
• Reducing Urban Heat Island Effect: By absorbing sunlight and providing shade, living walls help cool the surrounding environment, mitigating the urban heat island effect.
• Lowering HVAC Costs: The improved insulation and microclimate regulation can lead to significant reductions in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) costs.

6. Noise Reduction

Plants and their growing medium can help dampen noise pollution by:

• Absorbing Sound: Living walls can absorb, reflect, or deflect urban noise, leading to quieter and more pleasant environments.
• Creating Sound Barriers: They act as natural sound barriers, reducing the impact of traffic noise and other urban sounds.

7. Water Management

Living walls can play a role in sustainable water management by:

• Stormwater Retention: They can retain rainwater, reducing runoff and decreasing the burden on urban drainage systems.
• Water Filtration: Plants in living walls can filter and purify water, contributing to better water quality.

8. Promoting Sustainability and Green Building Practices

Incorporating living walls aligns with sustainable building practices and contributes to:

• Green Certifications: They can help buildings achieve green certifications such as BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).
• Meeting Environmental Regulations: Living walls can assist in meeting local environmental regulations and sustainability goals, such UGF (Urban Greening Factor)
• Encouraging Eco-Friendly Practices: By adopting green infrastructure, developers and property owners promote eco-friendly practices and set a positive example for sustainable urban development.

Viritopia’s Living Wall Design Process

Initial Living Wall Workshop

The design process begins with a collaborative workshop involving architects, clients, and our expert team. This stage is crucial for understanding the project’s requirements and the client’s vision.

Living Wall Concept Development

Our team creates 2-3 design options featuring both evergreen and seasonal plants to offer variety and ensure year-round greenery. These options are tailored to meet the aesthetic and functional needs identified in the initial workshop.

We develop concept designs, plant palettes, and technical drawings, ensuring that each project is unique and meets the highest standards. Plants are procured and grown in modules, allowed to acclimatise for 6-12 weeks, ensuring they are ready for installation.

Living Wall Technical Assistance

Our design team assists architects from RIBA Stage 1 (Preparation and Brief) through to Stage 4 (Technical Design). We produce all necessary technical documentation for living walls, including CAD and RVT models.

Living Wall Installation and Maintenance

Once the design is approved, our installation team steps in, taking the project through to Stage 5 (Construction) and Stage 6 (Handover and Close Out). Maintenance is an ongoing process that continues post-installation to ensure the longevity and health of the living wall.

Our dedicated installation team delivers and installs the living wall modules, along with the necessary irrigation systems, ensuring a seamless and efficient setup.

Then it provides monthly maintenance services, tailored to the specific needs of each project, ensuring the living wall remains a thriving environmental asset.

Viritopia’s Living Wall Service

We provide expert guidance to help architects and developers meet regulatory requirements and expedite the planning process. Our consultancy service is divided into two phases:

Phase 1: Feasibility and Value Analysis

This phase is ideal for projects in the pre-planning stage. We assess the purpose and values of the scheme, identify potential challenges, and provide a detailed proposal that includes:

• Feasibility study and analysis
• Guidance on solutions based on environmental goals
• Indicative drawings and visuals
• Plant selection and technical drawings

The outcome of this phase is a clear understanding of the opportunities within project constraints and how to satisfy environmental regulations, aiming for high ratings in building standards like BREEAM.

Phase 2: Comprehensive Urban Greening Scheme

This phase is suitable for projects that have achieved planning approval and seek to enhance their green infrastructure. We offer:

• In-depth feasibility analysis
• Detailed proposals with specific solutions
• Bespoke visuals and design options
• Plant palettes and indicative costs
• Technical drawings

Book a Consultation with Viritopia

With over 20 years of experience of designing and maintaining biophilic infrastructure, Viritopia can create a detailed plan of how a scheme will meet regulatory requirements.

We assist with faster planning process and provide you with what’s needed to elevate your project. Book a living wall consultation with our expert team today or find out more about our green walls and their benefits.