When designing vertical green walls and facades, it’s important to keep key considerations in mind such as light and shade, wind, temperature and rainfall. Each vertical green wall is unique because it is customised to suit the individual site and its environment.
Light and shade
Plants need sunlight to grow and thrive, regardless of whether they are in a garden or on a vertical green wall. This means that factors such as light intensity, reflection and shading on the site need to be considered.
Light intensity, for instance, will be stronger at higher levels as there is greater reflection and direct exposure to solar radiation. Also, based on the building’s position in relation to other structures, there will be shadows and shading.
Both light intensity and shade affect onsite climate, making it imperative to study the levels of light and shade on the site across all seasons of the year, before beginning the design process.
Wind
Stronger winds at higher levels of the building can influence temperature and lead to increased risk of plant dehydration. Downdrafts from adjacent tall buildings can also influence wind factor.
Temperature
Site temperature is a critical consideration when it comes to plant selection. Temperatures tend to be higher at upper levels of the wall due to greater thermal mass and heat gain at height.
Rainfall
Local rainfall patterns over the year must be analysed to determine the irrigation needs of the vertical green wall. In rain-deficient regions, the green wall will require another source of water. One should also be aware of the water needs of the selected plant species.
Getting assistance
Installing and maintaining vertical garden walls requires a very different set of skills than what’s required for the common garden.
Tensile advises you to get sound professional advice from experts in vertical green wall installation and maintenance.
