We've all heard about green roofs, but what about green walls?

If this leaves you scratching your head, then here's how the growing trend for 'living walls' can benefit you and your environment.

We love this design trend, having written about this in an earlier Houseporn.ca article called Vertical Landscaping.

 

 

 

 

According to Health Canada, we spend close to 90% of our time indoors. This exposes us to many indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, radon, mold and bacteria. Exposure to these pollutants can cause (or increase) effects of asthma, allergies, eye irritations, fatigue, and headaches. 

Why not combat these indoor air pollutants in a simple and aesthetically pleasing design?

Meet Green Over Grey, a Vancouver based company's goal is to "create living works of art that purify the air you breathe, make life more sustainable, and add some green to the grey of our cities."

 

 

 

 

In addition to purifying the air in our homes, and being a work of art, living walls have energy saving and property value benefits.

In terms of energy savings, through the process of transpiration, plants are able to cool the surrounding air.

Studies have shown that installing a living green wall in your home provides a layer of insulation which can cut electricity bills during the summer months by up to 20%, while reducing heating costs during the winter.  

 

 

 

 

A living wall - whether inside or out - will make any property stand out distinctively above others.

Not only is it visually arresting, but green living walls imbue a sense of luxury and comfort.

Research shows landscaping in or around your home can increase your property's value by up to 20%. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some facts to consider about Green Over Grey's living walls

- The system consists of a frame, waterproof panels, an automatic irrigation system, special materials, lights (when needed), and plants. 

- A living wall provides no damage to the wall it's built over.

- Green walls are low maintenance, thanks to an automatic irrigation system.

- The irrigation system is water efficient.

-  The walls are very light, weighing less than 4 lbs/square feet. 

- A lightweight porous material takes the place of soil. 

- Hundreds of plant species thrive on Green Over Grey's living walls.

 

 

 

 

I am very excited about this new housing trend! 

Thinking about adding a living wall to your home? Book a consultation with Green Over Grey to find out more. 

 

All photos courtesy of Green Over Grey. 

Researched and Written by Brennan Guse, Environment and Sustainability Undergraduate, University of British Columbia