Living façade - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 12:06, 27 February 2023

2023-02-27T12:06:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:06, 27 February 2023
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	* The Vertical Garden: A Scientific and Artistic approach, Patrick Blanc.		* The Vertical Garden: A Scientific and Artistic approach, Patrick Blanc.
	* [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036013230900198X Thermal evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls, Wong, 2010].		* [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036013230900198X Thermal evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls, Wong, 2010].
−	* ~~[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132306003957~~ Temperature decreases in an urban canyon due to green walls and green roofs in diverse climates, Alexandri and Jones, 2008].	+	* Temperature decreases in an urban canyon due to green walls and green roofs in diverse climates, Alexandri and Jones, 2008.
	* Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure for Improvement of Air Quality in Urban Street Canyons, Pugh et. al, 2012.		* Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure for Improvement of Air Quality in Urban Street Canyons, Pugh et. al, 2012.
	* Wildlife in our walls..., Biotecture Blog, 2012.		* Wildlife in our walls..., Biotecture Blog, 2012.

Editor at 11:42, 6 January 2023

2023-01-06T11:42:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:42, 6 January 2023
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	* Biotecture celebrates 15 year anniversary.		* Biotecture celebrates 15 year anniversary.
	* Biotecture living hoardings installed at Stonecutter Court, London.		* Biotecture living hoardings installed at Stonecutter Court, London.
		+	* Biotecture living hoarding front to Belgravia development.
	* CityTrees.		* CityTrees.
	* Dynamic façade.		* Dynamic façade.

Editor at 11:32, 6 January 2023

2023-01-06T11:32:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:32, 6 January 2023
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−	[[File:~~Cheshire Oaks~~ - ~~Living Wall banner~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Cheshire_Oaks_-_Living_Wall_banner.jpg\|link=File:Cheshire_Oaks_-_Living_Wall_banner.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
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	* Kinetic facade.		* Kinetic facade.
	* Landscape design.		* Landscape design.
		+	* Living Walls and Fire Safety. Best Practice Guide Dec 2022.
	* Rain garden.		* Rain garden.
	* Sustainability.		* Sustainability.

Editor at 11:18, 6 January 2023

2023-01-06T11:18:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:18, 6 January 2023
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		+	[[File:Cheshire Oaks - Living Wall banner.jpg]]
		+
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

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	* With soil.		* With soil.

−	Both of these methods have advantages and disadvantages and many of the benefits attributed to living facades will apply to both. However, soil-based walls tend to be confined to free-standing walls or gardens, and due to their weight, are rarely used in conjunction with buildings. Therefore, this article will deal mainly with hydroponic walls.	+	Both of these methods have advantages and disadvantages and many of the benefits attributed to living facades will apply to both. However, soil-based walls tend to be confined to free-standing walls or gardens, and due to their weight, are rarely used in conjunction with buildings. Therefore, this article will deal mainly with hydroponic walls. Further broader information covering history and general use of hydroponics in buildings can be found in the article hydroponics and buildings.

	= Hydroponics =		= Hydroponics =

−	~~plural~~ noun [treated as singular] 'the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil.' (Oxford English Dictionary)	+	Plural noun [treated as singular] 'the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil.' (Oxford English Dictionary)

	The idea that vegetation can grow anywhere as long as it has water, light and nutrients is the basis of hydroponics and many living facade systems.		The idea that vegetation can grow anywhere as long as it has water, light and nutrients is the basis of hydroponics and many living facade systems.
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	* The need for trimming.		* The need for trimming.

−	= Future/incorporation with sustainability =	+	= Future / incorporation with sustainability =

	There are many other areas of sustainability that living walls have the potential to be integrated with:		There are many other areas of sustainability that living walls have the potential to be integrated with:
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	To truly understand the effects of living facades, long term testing needs to be carried out on buildings.		To truly understand the effects of living facades, long term testing needs to be carried out on buildings.

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Algae.		* Algae.
		+	* Biotecture celebrates 15 year anniversary.
		+	* Biotecture living hoardings installed at Stonecutter Court, London.
	* CityTrees.		* CityTrees.
	* Dynamic façade.		* Dynamic façade.
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	* Rain garden.		* Rain garden.
	* Sustainability.		* Sustainability.
		+	* Urban treescape.
	* Vertical Forest.		* Vertical Forest.

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	* [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132306003957 Temperature decreases in an urban canyon due to green walls and green roofs in diverse climates, Alexandri and Jones, 2008].		* [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132306003957 Temperature decreases in an urban canyon due to green walls and green roofs in diverse climates, Alexandri and Jones, 2008].
	* Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure for Improvement of Air Quality in Urban Street Canyons, Pugh et. al, 2012.		* Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure for Improvement of Air Quality in Urban Street Canyons, Pugh et. al, 2012.
−	* Wildlife in our walls..., ~~Biotecure~~ Blog, 2012.	+	* Wildlife in our walls..., Biotecture Blog, 2012.
	* [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132309001632 Acoustics evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls, Wong et. al., 2010].		* [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132309001632 Acoustics evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls, Wong et. al., 2010].
	* Green Walls Column, George Irwin, 2012.		* Green Walls Column, George Irwin, 2012.

Designing Buildings at 05:49, 7 October 2020

2020-10-07T05:49:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:49, 7 October 2020
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	* [[BREEAM\|BREEAM]].		* [[BREEAM\|BREEAM]].

−	[[Category:~~Sustainability~~]] [[Category:~~Construction_techniques~~]] [[Category:~~Products_/_components~~]] [[Category:~~DCN_Product_Knowledge~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

131.111.5.146 at 15:50, 25 September 2019

2019-09-25T15:50:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:50, 25 September 2019
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	* Human Responses to Vegetation and Landscapes, Ulrich, 1985.		* Human Responses to Vegetation and Landscapes, Ulrich, 1985.
	* [http://www.environmentdesignguide.com.au/media/TEC26.pdf Living Walls - A way to green the built environment, Loh, 2008].		* [http://www.environmentdesignguide.com.au/media/TEC26.pdf Living Walls - A way to green the built environment, Loh, 2008].
		+	* [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.11.014 Living walls in indoor environments, Gunawardena and Steemers, 2019.]
	* Thermal Performance of a Vegetated Cladding System, Cheng et. al, 2010.		* Thermal Performance of a Vegetated Cladding System, Cheng et. al, 2010.
	* [[BREEAM\|BREEAM]].		* [[BREEAM\|BREEAM]].

−	[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]	+	[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]]

Designing Buildings at 15:53, 28 March 2019

2019-03-28T15:53:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:53, 28 March 2019
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	= Negative aspects =		= Negative aspects =

−	Living walls can require a high level of maintenance depending on the system chosen, and there have been ~~[http://www.greenroofs.com/archives/green_walls.htm~~ documented problems] with:	+	Living walls can require a high level of maintenance depending on the system chosen, and there have been documented problems with:

	* Root rot.		* Root rot.

Designing Buildings at 15:52, 28 March 2019

2019-03-28T15:52:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:52, 28 March 2019
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	To truly understand the effects of living facades, long term testing needs to be carried out on buildings.		To truly understand the effects of living facades, long term testing needs to be carried out on buildings.

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* Algae.		* Algae.
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	* Vertical Forest.		* Vertical Forest.

−	=== External references ===	+	= External references =

	* The Vertical Garden: A Scientific and Artistic approach, Patrick Blanc.		* The Vertical Garden: A Scientific and Artistic approach, Patrick Blanc.

Designing Buildings at 17:38, 21 March 2019

2019-03-21T17:38:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:38, 21 March 2019
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	* Wildlife in our walls..., Biotecure Blog, 2012.		* Wildlife in our walls..., Biotecure Blog, 2012.
	* [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132309001632 Acoustics evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls, Wong et. al., 2010].		* [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132309001632 Acoustics evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls, Wong et. al., 2010].
−	* ~~[http://www.greenroofs.com/archives/green_walls.htm~~ Green Walls Column, George Irwin, 2012].	+	* Green Walls Column, George Irwin, 2012.
	* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCnwTflo7QI George Urwin on Living Walls, youtube, 2009].		* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCnwTflo7QI George Urwin on Living Walls, youtube, 2009].
	* Human Responses to Vegetation and Landscapes, Ulrich, 1985.		* Human Responses to Vegetation and Landscapes, Ulrich, 1985.

Editor at 11:44, 29 March 2018

2018-03-29T11:44:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:44, 29 March 2018
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	Also known as; living walls, vertical greenery systems, vertical gardens and vertical vegetated complex walls, they should not be confused with green walls (the process of allowing climbing plants such as ivy to scale a wall while being rooted in the ground).		Also known as; living walls, vertical greenery systems, vertical gardens and vertical vegetated complex walls, they should not be confused with green walls (the process of allowing climbing plants such as ivy to scale a wall while being rooted in the ground).

−	= Growing ~~Systems~~ =	+	= Growing systems =

	Living facades can be grown and supported in two ways:		Living facades can be grown and supported in two ways:
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	= Hydroponics =		= Hydroponics =

−	plural noun [treated as singular] the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil. (Oxford English Dictionary)	+	plural noun [treated as singular] 'the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil.' (Oxford English Dictionary)

	The idea that vegetation can grow anywhere as long as it has water, light and nutrients is the basis of hydroponics and many living facade systems.		The idea that vegetation can grow anywhere as long as it has water, light and nutrients is the basis of hydroponics and many living facade systems.
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	* Wire mesh (with container for roots).		* Wire mesh (with container for roots).

−	= Structural ~~Systems~~ =	+	= Structural systems =

	The structure of living facades varies between suppliers, however, there are three main structural systems, each with their own advantages and disadvantages:		The structure of living facades varies between suppliers, however, there are three main structural systems, each with their own advantages and disadvantages:

−	== Modular ~~Panel System~~ ==	+	== Modular panel system ==

	Panels of pre-planted vegetation are fitted to a support system that provides structure and a mechanical watering system. Pre-planting means that an instant green effect can be achieved upon completion. Composition of the modules will vary depending on the requirements of the vegetation, but will need to contain nutrients and material for the roots to hold. Soil can be used, but due to its weight it can only realistically be of use for small scale walls.		Panels of pre-planted vegetation are fitted to a support system that provides structure and a mechanical watering system. Pre-planting means that an instant green effect can be achieved upon completion. Composition of the modules will vary depending on the requirements of the vegetation, but will need to contain nutrients and material for the roots to hold. Soil can be used, but due to its weight it can only realistically be of use for small scale walls.

−	== Synthetic ~~Felt~~ ==	+	== Synthetic felt ==

−	Pioneered by Patrick Blanc, this system uses synthetic felt as a base for vegetation, with water and nutrients provided mechanically. A metal frame is used for the structure, with a ~~10mm~~ PVC layer riveted to it and the felt stapled to this. The metal frame allows the structure to be attached to the facade allowing an air gap between the two layers which prevents vegetation from affecting the building structurally while aiding the thermal and acoustic properties of the facade. The PVC layer prevents moisture escaping and provides rigidity to the entire structure. The polyamide felt layer consists of two overlapping sheets with various pockets that secure the plants. The choice of material is determined by its resistance to rotting and a high capillarity allowing water and nutrients to be distributed well. This facade has the benefit of only weighing 30kg per metre squared.	+	Pioneered by Patrick Blanc, this system uses synthetic felt as a base for vegetation, with water and nutrients provided mechanically. A metal frame is used for the structure, with a 10 mm PVC layer riveted to it and the felt stapled to this. The metal frame allows the structure to be attached to the facade allowing an air gap between the two layers which prevents vegetation from affecting the building structurally while aiding the thermal and acoustic properties of the facade.

−	== Container and ~~Trellis~~ ==	+	The PVC layer prevents moisture escaping and provides rigidity to the entire structure. The polyamide felt layer consists of two overlapping sheets with various pockets that secure the plants. The choice of material is determined by its resistance to rotting and a high capillarity allowing water and nutrients to be distributed well. This facade has the benefit of only weighing 30 kg per metre squared.
		+
		+	== Container and trellis ==

	A series of containers house the plants with trellis in-between, allowing the vegetation to climb and create an uninterrupted face of vegetation. Water and nutrients can be provided mechanically with either a synthetic or soil based growing medium.		A series of containers house the plants with trellis in-between, allowing the vegetation to climb and create an uninterrupted face of vegetation. Water and nutrients can be provided mechanically with either a synthetic or soil based growing medium.

−	= Positive ~~Effects~~ =	+	= Positive effects =

	The majority of the positive effects of living facades are environmental, although aesthetic, social and economic benefits can also be identified.		The majority of the positive effects of living facades are environmental, although aesthetic, social and economic benefits can also be identified.

−	== Air ~~Quality~~ ==	+	== Air quality ==

	It has long been recognised that indoor plants can help improve the air quality in offices and an internal living wall can provide a similar effect and help rejuvenate 'sick' buildings. The plants absorb carbon dioxide and other particulates purifying the air.		It has long been recognised that indoor plants can help improve the air quality in offices and an internal living wall can provide a similar effect and help rejuvenate 'sick' buildings. The plants absorb carbon dioxide and other particulates purifying the air.

−	The external air quality can also be improved by a living facade as it is able to absorb the carbon dioxide and pollutants from traffic. It has been shown that a living facade can have a major impact on the levels of ~~Nitrogen Dioxide~~ (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) in urban areas in which there are street canyons (where the height of buildings exceeds the distance between them). Street canyons cause the air to swirl and eddy around the vegetation enabling increased levels of particles to be absorbed.	+	The external air quality can also be improved by a living facade as it is able to absorb the carbon dioxide and pollutants from traffic. It has been shown that a living facade can have a major impact on the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) in urban areas in which there are street canyons (where the height of buildings exceeds the distance between them). Street canyons cause the air to swirl and eddy around the vegetation enabling increased levels of particles to be absorbed.

	A [http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es300826w study carried out by Lancaster University] found a reduction in street level concentrations of up to 40% for NO2 and 60% for particulate matter. With NO2 and particulate matter making up a large quantity of air pollutants, a reduction in concentrations of this magnitude would have a positive effect on air pollution in urban areas.		A [http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es300826w study carried out by Lancaster University] found a reduction in street level concentrations of up to 40% for NO2 and 60% for particulate matter. With NO2 and particulate matter making up a large quantity of air pollutants, a reduction in concentrations of this magnitude would have a positive effect on air pollution in urban areas.

−	== Thermal ~~Performance~~ ==	+	== Thermal performance ==

	The thermal effects of living facades are very similar to those of green roofs. ie, reduction in surface temperatures due to shading from vegetation, evapotranspiration and increased thermal mass. This can lead to a cooler internal climate and a reduction in urban heat island effect.		The thermal effects of living facades are very similar to those of green roofs. ie, reduction in surface temperatures due to shading from vegetation, evapotranspiration and increased thermal mass. This can lead to a cooler internal climate and a reduction in urban heat island effect.
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	However, studies have shown that living facades may be more effective than green roofs in these areas.		However, studies have shown that living facades may be more effective than green roofs in these areas.

−	=== Building ~~Performance~~ ===	+	=== Building performance ===

	The surface temperatures and therefore the internal temperature of buildings can be affected by the presence of living walls and vegetation:		The surface temperatures and therefore the internal temperature of buildings can be affected by the presence of living walls and vegetation:
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	It is thought that living facades may contribute to an increase in biodiversity in urban areas by providing a habitat for insects and birds. Although specific testing on the biodiversity of living facades has not yet been thoroughly undertaken, there are examples of wildlife such as birds using living walls as their home. Any survey would have to acknowledge the potential disadvantages of increased biodiversity on a buildings facade.		It is thought that living facades may contribute to an increase in biodiversity in urban areas by providing a habitat for insects and birds. Although specific testing on the biodiversity of living facades has not yet been thoroughly undertaken, there are examples of wildlife such as birds using living walls as their home. Any survey would have to acknowledge the potential disadvantages of increased biodiversity on a buildings facade.

−	== Acoustic ~~Control~~ ==	+	== Acoustic control ==

	Vegetation is widely used to reduce the noise levels from busy roads or railway lines and it is thought that living walls may be used to control the acoustics of buildings. A [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132309001632 study at the National University of Singapore] found that living walls had a higher sound absorption coefficient than many standard building materials and that the noise reduction was also significant.		Vegetation is widely used to reduce the noise levels from busy roads or railway lines and it is thought that living walls may be used to control the acoustics of buildings. A [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132309001632 study at the National University of Singapore] found that living walls had a higher sound absorption coefficient than many standard building materials and that the noise reduction was also significant.
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	* Increased productivity.		* Increased productivity.

−	= Negative ~~Aspects~~ =	+	= Negative aspects =

	Living walls can require a high level of maintenance depending on the system chosen, and there have been [http://www.greenroofs.com/archives/green_walls.htm documented problems] with:		Living walls can require a high level of maintenance depending on the system chosen, and there have been [http://www.greenroofs.com/archives/green_walls.htm documented problems] with:
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	* The need for trimming.		* The need for trimming.

−	= Future/~~Incorporation~~ with ~~Sustainability~~ =	+	= Future/incorporation with sustainability =

	There are many other areas of sustainability that living walls have the potential to be integrated with:		There are many other areas of sustainability that living walls have the potential to be integrated with:

−	* Integration with air purification and ventilation eg Queens University Biowall.	+	* Integration with air purification and ventilation, e.g. Queens University Biowall.
	* Vertical agriculture/farming: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCnwTflo7QI vegetables or fruit could be grown] on living walls and then harvested, increasing the surface areas available for agriculture.		* Vertical agriculture/farming: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCnwTflo7QI vegetables or fruit could be grown] on living walls and then harvested, increasing the surface areas available for agriculture.
	* Water re-use: since living walls rely on mechanically supplied water, there is the opportunity to use grey water.		* Water re-use: since living walls rely on mechanically supplied water, there is the opportunity to use grey water.
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	* Algae.		* Algae.
	* CityTrees.		* CityTrees.
		+	* Dynamic façade.
	* Façade.		* Façade.
	* Green roof.		* Green roof.