Green Wall (Living)
Key Benefits
- Amenity & Aesthetics: Transforms building façades, visual interest, potential for 'wow' factor.
- Building Performance: Building Temperature Regulation (shading, evaporative cooling, insulation); Noise Reduction (9.8 db); Protects building fabric.
- Environmental: Air Quality Improvement (particulate capture, NO2 removal 18-35%); Urban Cooling.
- Biodiversity: Provides habitat/foraging for invertebrates, potentially nesting sites for birds if designed appropriately.
- Metrics: Energy Saving (Adjacent): 8%; Indoor Temperature Reduction: 4.8°C; Air Temperature Reduction: 0.5-4.1°C; Exterior Wall Temperature Reduction: 3.8°C; Rainwater Runoff Retained: <75%; Water Quality (NO3 Reduction): 30-83%; Water Quality (TSS Reduction): 33-99%; Water Quality (P Reduction): 15-30%; Property Value Uplift: 2.5%.
Technical Guidance
Structural Assessment
Supporting wall MUST be assessed by structural engineer for load (system weight, saturated substrate, vegetation, wind load - can be 50-100+ kg/m²).
Wall Condition & Waterproofing
Underlying wall must be sound. Ensure system design includes adequate waterproofing/protection for the building fabric, often with a ventilated cavity behind the system.
System Selection
Choose system (modular panels, felt pockets, troughs on frame) based on scale, budget, aspect (sun/shade), plant choice, maintenance capacity. Consider system lifespan, fire resistance (Building Regs Part B), guarantees.
Mounting & Framework
Secure fixing to structural wall essential, follow manufacturer/engineer specs. Ensure appropriate fixings for wall type. Ventilation cavity usually required behind system for wall health.
Irrigation & Drainage
Automated irrigation (usually drip) is ESSENTIAL. Requires reliable water supply (often mains), pressure regulation, filtration, controller, possibly frost protection and nutrient dosing (fertigation). Manage drainage at base to collect runoff (gutter/planter) and connect to drainage system (C753 Ch 28 principles) - prevent damage/staining below. Rainwater harvesting (C753 Ch 11) can supplement irrigation water.
Growing Medium
Use specialist lightweight, stable, free-draining vertical growing media/substrate appropriate for the system.
Plant Selection (GI Guide - Planting)
Choose species adapted to vertical growth, system type, light/wind exposure, UK climate. Consider maintenance needs, desired aesthetic (evergreen/deciduous mix, texture, colour). UK natives possible (ferns, ivies, bellflowers, thyme, sedums) but often mixed with suitable non-natives.
Installation
Follow manufacturer's instructions precisely for all components (frame, panels, irrigation, planting, commissioning).
Maintenance (GI Guide - Maintenance)
High and regular specialist maintenance required. Includes irrigation checks/adjustment (vital), pruning, plant replacement, feeding/nutrient management, pest/disease control, structural checks. Failure to maintain irrigation will lead to rapid plant death.