Living façade

2012-12-11T22:30:31Z

Olih:

Living façade

2012-12-11T13:57:30Z

Olih:

Living façade

2012-12-10T20:50:39Z

Olih: Protected "Living Façade": Competition ([edit=author] (indefinite))

= Introduction =

A living façade is a vertical surface incorporating vegetation into the structure or face to facilitate various aesthetic, environmental, social or economic functions/benefits. By separating the vegetation from the actual building structure and creating a double membrane the negative effects of the vegetation growing into the structure can be avoided. 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 climber plants such as ivy to scale a wall while being rooted in the ground).

= Systems =

There are three main systems of living facades, each with their own advantages or disadvantages. A little research into companies will reveal that there are many variations and innovations on these three main methods.

== Modular Panel System ==

Panels of pre-planted vegetation are fitted onto 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 feasibly be of use for small scale walls. 

== Synthetic Felt ==

Pioneered by Patrick Blanc, this system uses synthetic felt as a base for the 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 a façade 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 façade. The PVC layer prevents moisture escaping and provides rigidity to the entire structure. The polyamide felt layer doesn’t rot and has a high capillarity allowing water and nutrients to be distributed well.[4] This façade has the benefits of only weighing 25kg per metre2.

== Container and Trellis ==

A series of containers house the plants with trellis’ in-between allowing the plants to climb and create an uninterrupted face of vegetation. Water and nutrients are again provided mechanically.

= Positive Effects =

The majority of the positive effects come under environmental, although aesthetic, social and economical effects are also to be found.

== 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 buildings. The plants intake carbon dioxide and other particulates purifying the air. 

A similar effect can also take place on external living walls helping to improve the air quality surrounding the building by absorbing the carbon dioxide and pollutants from cars. It has been shown that a living façade can have a large impact on the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) in urban areas in which there are street canyons (height of buildings exceeds distance between them). The street canyons cause the air to swirl and eddy around the vegetation increasing the levels of deposition onto the façade. The study carried out by Lancaster University found a reduction in street level concentrations of up to 40% for NO2 and 60% for PM. With NO2 and particulate matter making up a large of air pollutants, a reduction in concentrations of this magnitude would have positive effect on air pollution in urban areas. 

== Thermal Performance ==

Living facades can have positive effects on the surface temperatures of buildings. This change in surface temperature can then have large effects on two main areas: reduction of Urban Heat Islands, and reduction of building heat gains.

=== Building Heat Gains ===

The vegetation shades the actual physical barrier of the façade from direct sunlight massively reducing the building’s solar heat gains. 

=== Urban Heat Islands ===

An Urban Heat Island is the localised increase of temperature in urban centres as opposed to surrounding rural areas mainly due to increase in use of heat retaining materials.

== Biodiversity ==

It is thought that living facades may contribute to the 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.[7] Any survey would have to acknowledge the potential disadvantages of increased biodiversity on a buildings façade.

== Acoustic Control ==

Vegetation is widely used to reduce the noise levels from busy roads or trainlines and it is thought that living walls may be used to control the acoustics of buildings. A study at the National University of Singapore found that living walls had a higher sound absorption coefficient than many regular building materials and that the noise reduction was also decent. However, the study pointed out that these results varied greatly depending on the frequencies used, types of plant, percentage cover of wall and type of substrate. Further testing on actual buildings is needed to work out the true acoustic merits of living facades. 

== Light ==

Living facades can be used to control light entering a building. The vegetation diffuses the light creating a soft lighting internally. It reduces the effects of glare.

= Negative Aspects =

== Lack of Research and Studies ==

== Biodiversity in Buildings ==

== ==

[[Category:Student_architect_essay_competition]]
[[Category:Student_engineer_essay_competition]]

Living façade

2012-12-10T20:50:10Z

Olih: Created page with " = Introduction = A living façade is a vertical surface incorporating vegetation into the structure or face to facilitate various aesthetic, environmental, social or economic f..."

User:Olih

2012-12-08T23:20:24Z

Olih: Created page with " I am a student at the University of Southampton studying MEng Civil Engineering with Architecture. I am very interested in design and the relationship between architecture and e..."

I am a student at the University of Southampton studying MEng Civil Engineering with Architecture. I am very interested in design and the relationship between architecture and engineering. I am hoping to pursue a career in structural engineering upon my graduation.

In my spare time i play lacrosse for the mens at mixed teams at the university. I also play the Cello and am a member of the university orchestra.

I am involved in Cameroon Catalyst. A student run charity that supports development in rural Cameroon.