10 Benefits of Grass Walls
As I mentioned in my previous blog’ “Bau Biology and Sustainability,” building biology is the study of the indoor environment can how it can affect our health, this includes the holistic relationships between humans and their built environment. It’s all about creating a healthy, natural, sustainable, and beautifully designed living and working environment.
In one of my recent trips to California, I was driving down Santa Monica Boulevard and I see this building with the most beautiful grass wall. I spotted in quickly after learning all about the benefits in one of my sustainability classes, which teaches all about living in harmony with the built environment.
Grass walls are being used in these eco-communities and I just so happen to see it on my drive. Eco communities are a current trend and one of the easiest ways to keep our resources local. I always loved California as they have always been the forward thinkers in sustainability, by using these grass wall it made the area visually appealing, but did you know they also offer various sustainability benefits? I am talking about living plants not the artificial plastic ones that have been flooding the market.
A grass wall, also known as a green wall or living wall, is a vertical structure that incorporates living plants, typically grasses and other vegetation, to cover the surface of a wall or building façade. The plants are grown in a specialized support system, which allows them to thrive vertically. These walls can be installed both indoors and outdoors, providing various environmental and aesthetic benefits.
There are two main types of grass walls:
Green Facade: In a green facade, climbing plants such as ivy or other vine-like species are trained to grow up a trellis or mesh fixed to the wall. As the plants climb, they cover the wall surface, creating a green, living layer.
Living Wall: A living wall is a more complex and structured system that consists of a series of modules or panels containing pockets or containers for growing plants vertically. These modules are attached to the wall, forming a cohesive and self-sustaining green wall.
The plants used in grass walls can vary widely, including grasses, ferns, mosses, succulents, and other vegetation that can thrive in vertical conditions. The selection of plants depends on factors such as the climate, sunlight exposure, and maintenance requirements.
They have become popular in urban areas where green space is limited, as they allow for vertical gardening, contributing to improved air quality, biodiversity support, and energy efficiency in buildings. Additionally, grass walls can be integrated into architectural designs to enhance the overall aesthetic and create a more environmentally friendly urban environment.
(Photo Credit: Unsplash)
Using grass walls as a sustainable design element can offer several benefits for both the environment and human well-being.
Here are some advantages of incorporating grass walls into buildings or landscapes:
Improved Air Quality: Grass and other plants naturally filter the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. They also help remove pollutants and particulate matter from the air, contributing to improved air quality in and around the building.
Thermal Regulation: Grass walls can act as effective insulators, helping to regulate indoor temperatures by providing additional insulation. This can reduce the need for excessive heating or cooling, thus lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Stormwater Management: Grass walls can absorb and retain rainwater, helping to reduce stormwater runoff and alleviate the strain on urban drainage systems. This can mitigate the risk of flooding and erosion in urban areas.
Biodiversity Support: Green walls can serve as habitats for various plant species, insects, and birds, promoting biodiversity in urban environments. This is particularly valuable as cities expand and natural habitats diminish.
Noise Reduction: Grass walls can act as natural sound barriers, absorbing and diffusing sound waves. This can be especially beneficial in urban areas with high noise pollution, providing a quieter and more peaceful environment.
Aesthetic and Psychological Benefits: Greenery has a positive impact on human psychology, promoting feelings of relaxation, tranquility, and well-being. Grass walls can enhance the aesthetics of a building or landscape, making it more visually appealing.
Urban Heat Island Mitigation: Urban areas often experience higher temperatures due to the heat absorbed and radiated by buildings and concrete surfaces. Grass walls can help mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing green spaces that cool the surroundings.
Energy Savings: By providing additional insulation and shading, grass walls can reduce the energy demand for cooling and heating in buildings, leading to cost savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Recycling of Graywater: In some cases, the water used to irrigate grass walls can be sourced from graywater (lightly used water from sinks, showers, etc.), promoting water recycling and conservation.
Long-Term Sustainability: Grass walls, if properly maintained, can have a long lifespan, providing sustainable benefits for years to come.
While grass walls offer numerous advantages, it's essential to consider factors such as maintenance requirements, irrigation needs, and the structural integrity of the building to ensure their successful implementation and long-term sustainability. Grass walls follow on trend within the 25 principles of Building Biology by creating healthy, beautiful, and sustainable buildings that are also aesthetically design friendly.
Did I mention that I will also be visiting the main facility I have been studying all along? Yes, I am going to be in Germany to interview and tour the building that utilizes the 25 principles of building biology! It’s going to be a very busy fall season for me with many photos and finally I will be finished writing my book which will be packed with travel stories all on design and sustainability from around the world.
Stay tuned!!!
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