FAQs

The subframe (sometimes referred to in our materials as the “c-rail”), is the structural backing that supports the wall. It can be steel, aluminium, timber, concrete, or a suitable board, as long as it is designed to take the load and provide space for services and drainage.

Common issues include poor system choice, unsuitable plants, the wrong substrate, weak water management, lack of maintenance, and planning or access constraints. As an end-to-end provider, we address these at the design stage and through aftercare, so the wall is set up for long-term success.

In principle, no. Height is governed more by compliance and logistics, such as fire strategy and access for maintenance, rather than by the system itself. We design each wall to meet the regulations and practicalities of the project.

Yes. We deliver concept design through to production, installation, and maintenance. Typically, the main contractor provides the subframe, drainage, and M&E (mechanical & electrical) connections. Our proposals clearly set out assumptions and exclusions so there are no surprises.

Very little. Energy use relates only to the irrigation system and is minimal compared to other building services. Exact demand depends on wall size, design, and site conditions.

Yes. Our living walls are planting schemes that can contribute to credits for biodiversity, water management, and energy performance, especially as we use natural substrates, can use native species, pollinator‑friendly plants, rainwater harvesting, and recycled materials.

Our teams operate to recognised industry standards across quality, environment, health and safety, and compliance:

• Quality & Environment: ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management). We have also applied for an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for our system, which is currently in review.
• Health & Safety: SSIP SafeContractor, CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme), CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme), and SSSTS / SMSTS (Supervisor and Site Manager Safety Training).
• Industry & Supply Chain: Achilles Network membership and Constructionline Platinum.
• Workforce Compliance: Reset Compliance membership.

Current certificates are available on request.

Soil is a natural growing medium that offers resilient support for root development, stable moisture and nutrients, and greater biodiversity. Because plants establish as they would in nature, soil-based systems reduce water use, limit chemical inputs, and extend plant life.

Artificial substrates such as rockwool carry a high level of embodied carbon, can restrict root growth, and do not provide the same biodiverse habitats as soil. They may also need more frequent replacement.

A soil-based system delivers fuller coverage, lower replacement rates, and a more sustainable long-term solution.

Yes. We select planting based on the aspect and conditions. For north-facing facades, we use shade-tolerant species that thrive in lower light.

Water use varies depending on factors such as wall size, aspect, plant selection, local climate, and time of year. Soil-based systems are designed to be water-efficient, using automated irrigation that delivers precise amounts when needed. As a guide, we can calculate estimated water requirements for your project during the design stage to support planning and sustainability goals.

Yes. Modular panels can be cut to shape and detailed neatly around windows, doors, and other openings, ensuring a clean finish.

Yes. Rainwater can be collected and used for irrigation. While harvesting is encouraged, the wall should not rely on it as the sole source. Early coordination ensures storage and controls are sized correctly for reliable performance.

As a category, living walls are limited by the plants themselves, which are combustible. This in addition to living walls not creating a uniform surface means that they cannot be tested in the same way as non-organic claddings. The fire test has therefore been adapted to real-world conditions, which the industry refers to as “ad hoc”.  

Our system has been tested by Warringtonfire, who issued an ad hoc classification of Class B s2-d0. This was derived using the principles of EN 13501-1 but is not UKAS accredited and should be treated as indicative only. Any specification or compliance decision should be based on the full fire report, which we can provide on request.

Be aware that Class A claims you may see from others often apply to a single component, such as a substrate or backing board, not the entire living wall system. We recommend checking what has been tested and certified.

Cost differences usually come down to how the system is produced and installed. Our living walls are pre-grown off-site so plants have time to acclimatise to the modules and are fully developed before installation. This reduces issues on site and supports long-term performance. While in the nursery, plants are regularly inspected for pests and diseases to ensure health. The subframe and hanging rails are metal for durability and lower combustibility, and the full system has been wind-tunnel tested to confirm resilience.

Cost reflects the full process: design, surveys, contract growing and off-site establishment, modules and irrigation, build-up materials, installation, and the first 12 months of maintenance required for the warranty. Because we provide an end-to-end service, we can also help identify savings. Early integration into the façade avoids paying for two façades, planning ahead allows us to contract-grow plugs at lower cost, and simplifying the planting palette can further reduce spend without compromising long-term performance.

With proper care, our living walls are meant to last as long as the building. As the plants age naturally, they will need to be replaced. Viritopia’s maintenance contract covers plant replacement, and our soil-based system allows us to swap in established plants so there are no empty patches.

Interior living walls are fitted with automated irrigation systems for precise watering and 24/7 monitoring.

Where a maintenance contract is in place, our Maintenance team services the irrigation system, monitors plant health, prunes, and replaces plants where needed.

If you have an in‑house facilities management team, we can train them and provide a simple checklist, then schedule periodic service visits for auditing and seasonal care. Regular maintenance is essential to keep any living wall healthy long‑term.

Our system grows plants in soil to maximise environment benefits, plant health, and flexibility with design. Soil can boost biodiversity net gain by allowing a wider range of species and creating microhabitats for wildlife. It also retains moisture well, reducing irrigation needs. Unlike other systems, our modules are built to allow root migration — enabling plants to grow larger, live longer, and naturally regenerate the soil over time.

Both options are possible. We can fix to a structural subframe in steel, aluminium, timber, concrete, or a backing board where the building can take the load. We also deliver freestanding and island configurations for interiors.

We specialise in living plant systems only in line with our mission is to bring nature into buildings in a way that is grounded in ecology and designed to last with the right care. While aesthetically pleasing artificial walls cannot improve air quality or support living ecosystems.

Plant lifespan depends on the species. Typically, we allow 3-5 years for herbaceous plants and 5-7 years for shrubs or plants with woodier stems. Our maintenance contract covers plant replacement as needed.

Yes. Early procurement allows us to contract-grow plants for better cost efficiency, and simplifying the design with fewer species can also reduce spend where appropriate. Integrating the living wall into the existing infrastructure design can also reduce the need for additional steel subframes. We’ll recommend options that protect long-term performance and visual impact while meeting budget.

The cost factors in a number of elements like wall size, plant palettes, and build-up methods. We also include indicative maintenance fees so there are no hidden costs. Contact us for a detailed estimate for your project.

Much like caring for a horizontal garden, maintaining a living wall involves pruning, organic treatments, and monitoring for diseases or pests. We follow a regular maintenance schedule to keep our walls healthy, year-round.

Living walls can work on the exterior or interior of many buildings, including data centres, car parks, new builds, and retrofits. We offer a complimentary feasibility report to explore what’s possible for your specific building. Contact us or book a call to get started.

We grow in natural soil because it supports resilient plant health and provides a more stable store of moisture and nutrients, which reduces water use and plant replacement. Soil also enables natural root growth (so as to not become root‑bound), supports biodiversity, and avoids reliance on constant chemical dosing. The result is fuller coverage, better longevity, and a system that behaves more like a real garden.

Living walls can help new developments and retrofits meet Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), and Urban Greening Factor (UGF) targets. The plants in living walls help improve air quality, capture carbon, cool the immediate atmosphere, and support wildlife, such as birds, bats, and pollinators.

A vertical garden inside of a building can improve air quality, regulate temperatures, and support well-being. They also add visual and biophilic value to a space — helping meet credits related to health, sustainability, and design innovation.

As Viritopia focuses on natural solutions for the greatest environmental impact and value, we do not supply artificial green walls or hydroponic living wall systems. Sometimes we offer wires and climbers or hybrid façade planters when they’re a better choice for the building. Our consultants will help you select the best green wall option for your project.

We perform regular maintenance to ensure the soil has consistent moisture and the plants are healthy. To further improve a living façade’s fire safety, we can also install on a calcium board and avoid dry grasses or plants rich in natural oils, such as lavender or rosemary. To learn more, view our Best Practice Guide for Living Walls and Fire Safety.

Yes. We’ve delivered projects across the world in vastly different climates, from Qatar to Sweden. We work with local partners to install and maintain our living wall system to our same high standard. Contact us to enquire about your region.

A green wall can be built upon almost any façade. We offer 5 types of build-ups, allowing us to install living walls on brick, concrete, steel frame, solid masonry, insulated cladding, and interior structures. Our living walls can also be designed to be freestanding. Our consultants are happy to provide guidance to help you select the ideal build-up.

We advise on build-ups and handle weight calculations in an early feasibility study to design a façade that the building can easily support.