What to Consider When Specifying a Living Wall
A living wall makes for an excellent addition to a workplace or home. With the chance to add more greenery to any space, add visual excitement and improve air quality, there are many reasons to invest in a green wall for your property. When it comes to specifying a green wall, you’ll want to think about the various factors that will impact the type of living wall plants that are best for your home or office. Here at Calathology, we are excited to support you with adding a living wall to your space, so keep reading as we share the key things to keep in mind when specifying a living wall.
The Purpose of Your Living Wall
One of the key factors to consider when specifying a living wall is the purpose of this installation in the first place. Some people opt to add this installation to create a good first impression, whereas others might be concerned about air quality or noise pollution. Understanding the desired results will influence the wall’s size, location, plant selection, and design. A living wall aimed at maximising biodiversity will want to include a wide range of native plants, while a wall designed for interior use may prioritise low-maintenance species. For a statement wall in a high-traffic area, you’ll need to focus on creating a striking and visually cohesive design with bold and exciting plants for living walls. Have a goal in mind for the project first before you can start looking at the plants you will add.
Building Conditions
When it comes to choosing the plants that you want to add to your living wall, one of the top challenges in specifying a living wall will be the factors in your building that will impact the living walls UK and the plants you choose. The success and longevity of a living wall will be based on the initial assessment of the site. Factors such as sunlight exposure, wind, humidity levels, and temperature should be evaluated to ensure the chosen plants thrive and survive for months or years to come. In the UK, the climate varies significantly across regions and throughout the year, so it’s crucial to select plants suited to the conditions of your building.
If you are opting to add an outdoor wall, consider seasonal changes in the UK. You’ll want to plan for frost in the winter and rainfall throughout the year, which may impact plant health. Indoor installations will require you to analyse artificial lighting, ventilation, and room temperature, making adjustments as needed to improve the quality of life for your living wall plants.
Plant Selection
Plant choice is one of the hardest decisions when it comes to creating a living wall. Our team will be here to help you choose the right plants based on the unique factors we’ve shared above so far. Select plants that can withstand the local climate and microclimate of the wall’s location within your building. This will ensure they live a long and healthy life and can also minimise the amount of watering and care they require. If you are creating a vertical wall, make sure the plants are compatible with vertical growth and will not overshadow other plants on your wall.
Many people are adding living walls into busy homes and workplaces and don’t have the time to spend hours each week tending to the plants. If that’s the case for you, opt for low-maintenance species, which are ideal for installations with limited access for upkeep. Finally, when it comes to the appearance of your wall, choose plants with varying colours, textures, and growth patterns to create a visually engaging design. Native species should be prioritised where possible to support local wildlife and help make decisions that are more eco-friendly.
Irrigation and Drainage Systems
An efficient irrigation system is vital for the health of a living wall and the plants you place upon it. Automated systems are often easier for business owners and homeowners, as they ensure your plants are consistently watered while minimising waste. Just as important is a proper drainage system to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and structural damage. For indoor walls, you’ll need to create a drainage system to capture and manage excess water without affecting surrounding areas.
Working with a Team of Professionals
Given the challenges of installing a living wall and selecting the best plants for the wall, we recommend you work with a team who specialises in living wall design and installation. We can recommend appropriate systems and wall designs and oversee the installation to ensure the project’s success. Our team will be here to guide you through the full process from start to finish and work with you to create a living wall that acts as a centrepiece for your home or office.
Contact us today for more information about how we can help you to install a living wall within your property this year.