Vertical or living walls are arrangements of live plants planted vertically that can range from a few square feet to entire walls.

Indoor vertical gardens are used for aesthetics and can act as focal accents in living rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Vertical gardens can moderate temperature and have been shown to reduce wall surface temperature by as much as 5°C in installations in Dar es Salaam.

Scholars have established positive links between green infrastructure, temperature moderation and improved health outcomes in cities.

Indoor plant walls can provide fresh air and contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

Living walls also support mental well-being by bringing greenery and joy into indoor spaces.

Large professional living wall installations can be costly, with some reported costs around $125–$225 per square foot.

Maintenance needs for indoor green walls include regular watering, monitoring light and humidity, and periodic cleaning or plant care.

Design approaches that simplify upkeep include wooden shelves or mounts that hide removable pots so plants can be taken down for easy watering.

Mounted plants benefit from organic mounting materials and specific care practices, and cork bark is recommended as a lightweight, mold-resistant mounting surface that should be soaked and drip-dried before hanging.

Choose plants based on light and maintenance needs; for low-light indoor walls use species such as prayer plants and trailing types like pothos and heartleaf philodendron.

For lower-maintenance or drier indoor conditions prefer succulents such as aloe vera and donkey’s tail which require less frequent watering.

In warm or tropical settings vertical gardens have been used to grow edible vegetables for household consumption while also cooling building walls.

Vertical plant walls are adaptable to bathrooms and can create a tropical or spa-like atmosphere when humidity and light conditions are appropriate.

Before investing, consider your budget, the expected maintenance effort, and select plant types that match your home's light and humidity conditions.

Conclusion: Indoor vertical gardens can enhance aesthetics, help cool walls, and support health and wellbeing, but they require appropriate plant selection and regular maintenance, so weigh budget, light, and humidity before installing.

Vertical or living walls are arrangements of live plants planted vertically that can range from a few square feet to entire walls.

Title:

Content: Invite nature into your home by creating a verdant "living wall" display

Humans need plants to survive.

We eat them, drink them, use them as medicine, and even decorate with them in order to bring joy to our daily lives.

Once you start caring for a couple of houseplants, it's easy to spiral into an obsession with our magnificent, leafy friends. If your collection of 20-plus houseplants isn't enough to satiate your need for greenery in your home anymore, why not take it to the next level with a full-blown living wall?

Living walls, or vertical gardens as they're sometimes called, are made up of an array of live plants that are planted vertically and can range in size from just a few square feet to entire walls in large atrium spaces.

However, larger installations can cost upwards of $125-$225 per square foot of wall and aren't exactly feasible for renters or homeowners who are on a strict budget or have limited space.

While you can certainly contract a company to install a living wall in your home, there are also local and handcrafted options to consider depending on your budget, your lifestyle and what look you're going for.

click to enlarge
Chiana McInelly photo
Dominic Villareal in front of A Modern Plantsman's living wall display.

Dominic Villareal, the owner of A Modern Plantsman, weighed his own options when expanding his Colfax plant store to downtown Spokane in late 2021.

"My partner and I were scoping out the local plant scene, and we noticed immediately that there was a lack of living wall installations in Spokane," he says. "There are no plant stores or nurseries in the area that have one."

When Villareal secured the space for his shop on the main floor of the Hotel Indigo building, he began designing a plant wall that was eye-catching as well as functional for his customers. The plant wall, constructed by Villareal himself, features wooden shelves that are just deep enough to hide the pots that the plants reside in, giving it the appearance of a living wall.

"That's very doable for a home setting," he says. "You can take the pots off the shelf for easy watering and care."

Villareal recommends plants that trail for any DIY living wall project, but also says that including plants of different heights can give the wall a much more textured and varied appearance.

"Start with plants like pothos, heart leaf philodendrons and prayer plants," Villareal says. "Prayer plants specifically can deal with very low-light situations, which is perfect for a home installation. They'll disguise any nonnatural elements of the wall once they start to trail down."

Previous owner of Sage + Moss and seasoned houseplant parent Annecia Paulson recommends utilizing organic elements when creating your display for ease of watering and a more harmonious facade.

The most common way to do this is by creating mounted plant displays. Mounted plants are plants that have been affixed onto an object using moss or other organic materials.

"Creating mounted plants is actually a really easy process," she says. "You simply remove most of the dirt from the roots, place the plant on the piece of bark and then attach it using sphagnum moss and fishing line."

The upkeep and care of mounted plants lie in the choice of wood, Paulson says.

"Using cork bark is the best option — it's lightweight and naturally mold-resistant. Just soak the whole thing in water, let it drip dry and then hang it on your wall using Command hooks or string. Super simple," she says.

If the trial and error of diving in headfirst just isn't your thing, many area plant stores, including A Modern Plantsman, offer workshops on how to create mounted plants and products that can assist you in your journey to creating a living wall.

"We really try to act as a resource for people in the community," Villareal says. "We want to help people learn how to do these things. I've already gone through the trial and error of the projects that people attempt at home, so I'm happy to give people that knowledge." ♦

Lila Shaw Girvin: Gift of a Moment @ Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through March 12
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About The Author

Madison Pearson

Madison Pearson is the Inlander's Listings Editor, managing the calendar of events and regularly contributing to the Arts & Culture section of the paper. She joined the staff in 2022 after graduating from Eastern Washington University.

Indoor vertical gardens are used for aesthetics and can act as focal accents in living rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Title:

Content: Flower decor in the house
homify _
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Decorating with flowers is perhaps the most popular method of decorating the premises and garden.
The variety of colors in color, shape and size is simply innumerable.
There are also a variety of ways to decorate flowers.
A hedge of flowers, bright flower arrangements or bouquets in a nice vase - these and many other ideas can arise if you decide to decorate your home with flowers.
Let ’ s look at how we can decorate our home with flowers.
Winter garden
Sometimes it is so desirable that summer always reigns around us, evergreen plants grow and bright sun shines.
But the climatic conditions of our country, contrary to our wishes, suggest a smaller number of warm sunny days.
In any case, this is not a reason for frustration, because it is not in vain that winter gardens have been specially built in the premises for a long time.
For some, the winter garden is a composition of large plants in the corner of the hall or living room.
Of course, the collection of your favorite plants on the windowsill is your miniature winter garden.
But speaking the language of designers, a winter garden is much more difficult.
It requires a separate room, for example, a special room or glazed and insulated loggia.
It should be borne in mind that the arrangement of a full-fledged winter garden will require compliance with a number of conditions important for its existence: this is the humidity of the air, and the presence of a sufficient amount of sunlight, as well as the appropriateness and compatibility of the plants themselves.
Vertical gardening
Vertical landscaping, installation completed
RaStenia
Fashionable vertical gardening in the favorites of interior designers.
Such a living wall decorates the walls of solid offices, fashionable restaurants and has long taken root in the interiors of many apartments and houses.
The most spectacular flowers on the wall look in the living room, where they can take up more space.
No less harmonious it can look in the bathroom, giving the feeling of a tropical jungle, and in the bedroom, pacifying and giving fresh air for a comfortable sleep.
Vertical gardening is possible
Live flowers
An indispensable attribute of floral decor in the house are fresh flowers, or bouquets.
This method of decorating the house has its advantages:
- Firstly, you can always change the variety of colors of your bouquets;
- secondly, decorative bouquets smell nice and are able to give a chic fresh aroma;
- Thirdly, they do not require care in case you do not have the desire or opportunity to care for the flowers in the pots.
However, this method of decoration has its drawbacks: ripped flowers do not live long, which causes them to be sufficiently expensive for permanent use.
Flower decor as a continuation of the interior style
Flowers can be effectively used in the continuation of the style of the room.
Take for example vases, the widest selection of which is presented in the modern market.
And for each style, there is undoubtedly its own.
Fill it with your favorite colors and the interior of your home will sparkle with new colors.
Flowers in pots
Flowers in pots are perhaps the basic and simplest element of floral decor in the house.
Here everything depends on the individual preferences of the owner, and the modern market will definitely be able to offer flowers for every taste and budget.
In addition, a separate element of the decor can be considered flower pots, the choice of which is also infinitely large.
With a thoughtful selection, they will help add colors to evergreen plants and, conversely, dilute the brightness of abundantly flowering plants.
Separately, the types of flower pots are described in the article What are flower pots.
Flower arrangement in a pot
Creating compositions from plants in one pot is simple and at the same time original and creative.
To do this, it is enough to take several plants of different appearance and size and a large pot.
Fill the pot with expanded clay to half, and put the selected plants so that they do not protrude above the level of the pot.
Voids need to be filled with expanded clay, small stones or a ground-sand mixture.
It is important to remember that when choosing flowering indoor plants, they must be in harmony with the tones of curtains, upholstery, bedspreads and other textiles.
And the main thing to remember that flowers require care, only then, they will not only decorate the room, but also recreate a cozy atmosphere of warmth and life in your home.
Need help with a home project?
Contact us!
Find inspirational ideas for your home

Vertical gardens can moderate temperature and have been shown to reduce wall surface temperature by as much as 5°C in installations in Dar es Salaam.

Title:

Content: Africa Has Its First Chief Heat Officer. Five Things Should Be On Her Agenda

24 February 2023
analysis

Freetown's heat officer can set an example to Africa and the world as temperatures and risks rise.

Eugenia Kargbo has an unusual job: she is the city of Freetown's chief heat officer. Her role in Sierra Leone's capital is the first of its kind in Africa. She has been tasked with raising public awareness about extreme heat, improving responses to heat waves, and collecting, analysing and visualising heat impact data for the city, which is home to 1.2 million people.

Freetown is increasingly threatened by dangerous temperatures. In 2017, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ranked Sierra Leone third, after Bangladesh and Guinea Bissau, on its list of countries most vulnerable to climate change.

The risks are concentrated in its capital and largest city, Freetown, where some 35% of the population live in 74 informal settlements like Kroo Bay, often in disaster-prone areas like the seafront or hillsides. Houses are densely built and typically temporary structures made of "heat trapping" materials. Services that supports cooling, such as water and electricity, are usually inadequate.

As an architect whose work includes researching ways to reduce heat in African cities, I think the creation of an Heat Officer position is a good move. The world's cities are almost all getting hotter and, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned, temperatures will only keep rising.

But, while this is a global challenge, African cities are unique. The significant proportion of urban dwellers who are poor and those whose living conditions do not provide adequate shelter from the elements make the African context unique and deserving special attention.

With these realities in mind, here are five things I'd suggest should be on the agenda of both Kargbo and any other heat officer appointed elsewhere on the continent in future.

1. Take a diverse approach to urban greening

Nature-based approaches are a great way to address increasing temperatures linked to climate change. Scholars have established positive links between green infrastructure, temperature moderation and even health outcomes in African cities as well as elsewhere in the world.

This has informed a growing number of tree-planting initiatives and the development of urban parks. But it is important that municipalities move beyond only these kinds of spaces. African cities are becoming densely populated; that means less space will be available for greening initiatives on land.

Vertical systems of building (for example on walls, roofs, columns) and urban infrastructure (for example on bridges, road furniture) should be explored to make up for the lack of space on the ground.

In the last few years, I have led the design and development of experimental vertical gardens in low-income areas of Nigeria and Tanzania. We have shown that these vertical gardens reduce wall temperature of residential buildings by as much as 5°C in Dar es Salaam. The gardens have other benefits like providing fresh vegetables for household consumption. Similar ways of growing vegetation vertically have been seen elsewhere in the world, including in Mexico City.

2. Strengthen the link between heat and health

Exposure to extreme heat usually comes with health problems - and can even kill people, as I and many other scholars have documented. It exacerbates underlying health conditions.

One area of concern when it comes to the heat-health nexus in African countries is that mosquito numbers increase in higher temperatures. This means malaria and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes might become significant problems for Freetown and other African cities.

These health problems are further complicated by the fact that many city dwellers across the continent can't access adequate and affordable health care. Community health initiatives within cities and efforts to ramp up health services in qualitative and quantitative terms must be integral to heat adaptation plans and actions.

3. Focus on early warning and improved awareness

It is far better to be proactive than reactive. Heat vulnerability patterns within Freetown and other African cities must be studied and used to make sense of weather predictions in order to inform warning systems.

In the warning systems, for example, an alert level can be triggered when the weather forecast shows three or more consecutive days with daytime maximum temperature and humidity above a threshold of, say, 30°C. Other levels of alerts can correspond with higher temperatures. This sort of system has been implemented in Toronto, Canada, with good outcomes. A recent study of urban areas in Ontario (the province where Toronto is located) shows that early warnings may have meant fewer heat-related illnesses severe enough to warrant hospital or clinic visits.

4. Encourage the transfer of knowledge

Cities can adapt to heat faster when they share knowledge and experiences. Some scholars argue that inter-city collaboration and knowledge-sharing can enhance municipalities' resilience and improve urban residents' skills to deal with heat-related issues.

Kargbo's work will generate many lessons that can be shared with other African cities; she, too, will learn from other cities' successes and failures.

5. Let locals lead

While there is plenty to learn from more developed countries outside Africa, it is important to also draw from local indigenous knowledge and practices. An examination of knowledge and awareness about climate-related and environmental problems in African traditional society shows there is much to be learned from indigenous systems.

Top-down approaches are not enough. They must be complemented by bottom-up approaches in the planning, funding, execution and assessment of heat adaptation initiatives.

Inclusion is also important because it shifts power to those who are most affected by heat - people living in low-income and informal areas are disproportionately affected. Involving them enhances the impacts of initiatives and interventions.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Olumuyiwa Adegun is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.

Scholars have established positive links between green infrastructure, temperature moderation and improved health outcomes in cities.

Indoor plant walls can provide fresh air and contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

Living walls also support mental well-being by bringing greenery and joy into indoor spaces.

Large professional living wall installations can be costly, with some reported costs around $125–$225 per square foot.

Maintenance needs for indoor green walls include regular watering, monitoring light and humidity, and periodic cleaning or plant care.

Title:

Content: Indoor Plants

Indoor Plants

Wondering which Indoor plants can add a touch of green elegance and freshness to your home. Check out our large collection of gardening articles and photos to get your answers.
Wondering which Indoor plants can add a touch of green elegance and freshness to your home. Check out our large collection of gardening articles and photos to get your answers.

What Type of Indoor Plants Should I Buy according to my house/flat?

Adding a dash of green is a great idea that suits all types of home décor. Be it eclectic, contemporary or traditional, you’ll find indoor plants that match your taste and style. What’s more, you’ll also find the ones that can work well with your maintenance requirements. If you have a modern home with sharp and geometrical designs you can go for plants like cacti and flower like succulents which are ‘finite’ in appearance and retain their shape. If your home follows an eclectic design, you can make your plants stand out with unusual pot materials and planters. From Ming vases to transparent plastic pots to terrariums, to those that combine a pot with a mini aquarium, your plants can match your style at every step. You need to keep three things in mind when buying plants for your house. The first is that the indoor plants should match your maintenance schedule. If you can water and care for the plants only once a week, its best to go for sturdy succulents. Another thing is that you need to choose the planter type carefully to match with the rest of your décor. The third is to know how to care for the plant so that it retains its freshness and appeal.

Which Indoor Plants are Popular?

Most varieties of pothos, foliage plants like arrow heads, canary date palms, ferns and Chinese evergreens among the popular choices in indoor plants. Among succulents, aloe vera and donkey’s tail and polka dot cactus can be found widely. The spider lily and bird of paradise plant are among the popular choices in flowering indoor plants. Some plants like bamboo and dwarf jade are said to bring good luck to your home too.

Need help with your home project?
Get in touch!

Design approaches that simplify upkeep include wooden shelves or mounts that hide removable pots so plants can be taken down for easy watering.

Mounted plants benefit from organic mounting materials and specific care practices, and cork bark is recommended as a lightweight, mold-resistant mounting surface that should be soaked and drip-dried before hanging.

Choose plants based on light and maintenance needs; for low-light indoor walls use species such as prayer plants and trailing types like pothos and heartleaf philodendron.

For lower-maintenance or drier indoor conditions prefer succulents such as aloe vera and donkey’s tail which require less frequent watering.

In warm or tropical settings vertical gardens have been used to grow edible vegetables for household consumption while also cooling building walls.

Vertical plant walls are adaptable to bathrooms and can create a tropical or spa-like atmosphere when humidity and light conditions are appropriate.

Title:

Content: 11 great ideas to create a beautiful bathroom at an affordable price
ROBIN – HOMIFY
Loading admin actions …
Tired of a day, full of sweat makes people feel sticky kicking and uncomfortable, at this time the most want to do is to kill the bathroom, take a good shower, let the water wash away the whole day of boredom and fatigue.
The bathroom is an important area where you can relax and have healing effects. How can you not put a lot of effort into creating this living area?
If you don ’ t have a lot of money to spend on the bathroom, don ’ t worry, even if you don ’ t have enough money to spend on the bathroom.
This book will introduce you to 11 affordable ways to create a beautiful bathroom ideas.
Come and see it soon!
1.
Put on the orchids!
Bathroom 3
JSD Interiors
Nothing brings more energy to space than plants!
If you want to create an elegant atmosphere, then a pot of white orchids is definitely the best choice.
2.
Unique Frame
Guest Bathroom
JSD Interiors
Large mirrors take up a lot of space in the bathroom, so if you choose a unique frame, you can immediately give the bathroom a focus.
3.
Tile floor
Tiles are the perfect way to make up the bathroom!
Take a look at this pure white bathroom, which is more attractive because of the patterned tile floor.
4. Paint color
Or you can paint one of the walls in bold red or other colors, so that the bathroom will have a different style.
5. Lamps
The shape of the lamp can also make your bathroom more divided, and now there are many modeling lamps on the market for less than NT $1,000, which is very cost-effective.
6.
Hidden lighting
Add hidden lighting in the sink, so that the bathroom has a spa atmosphere.
7. White tiles
Who says white is monotonous? You can use white tiles to create more layers by using the paved seams.
8.
Lighting in the dressing room
Installing lighting like a makeup room on your mirror makes the overall space even more different.
9. Brick wall
In the concrete wall, ask experts to create a brick wall, is it a modern feeling, giving off the rustic taste of the countryside?
10. Accessories
On the ordinary bathroom wall, hang your favorite collection, such as this style of home accessories in the picture, will make the bathroom a small surprise.
11.
Vertical plant wall
It is a good way to make the bathroom wall into a vertical botanical garden, so that green is the best decoration.
Extended reading: 12 beautiful little bathrooms decorated with special materials
Do you need someone to help you design or build your home?
Find a professional now!
Find out more about home design!

Before investing, consider your budget, the expected maintenance effort, and select plant types that match your home's light and humidity conditions.

Conclusion: Indoor vertical gardens can enhance aesthetics, help cool walls, and support health and wellbeing, but they require appropriate plant selection and regular maintenance, so weigh budget, light, and humidity before installing.


Experimental vertical gardens in low‑income areas have reduced residential wall temperatures by as much as 5°C and can provide fresh vegetables for household consumption.

Scholarly sources link green infrastructure, including vertical systems on walls and roofs, with temperature moderation and positive health outcomes.

Green building measures are associated with improved air quality and with improved occupant health and well‑being.

Indoor living walls are used as decorative interior features in living rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms and are described in the context as calming or 'healing'.

Practical installation approaches include modular wall systems, multi‑level container arrangements and hanging or suspended containers to maximize planting in limited spaces.

Successful indoor green walls require attention to adequate sunlight, appropriate humidity, compatible plant selection and regular care.

Contextual plant recommendations include ivy and ferns for humid bathroom conditions and edible species for food‑producing vertical systems.

Vertical green walls can save floor space and serve as striking interior accents in modern interiors.

Conclusion: Indoor vertical gardens provide measurable cooling, air‑quality and wellbeing benefits but require appropriate plant choice, light, humidity control and routine care.

Experimental vertical gardens in low‑income areas have reduced residential wall temperatures by as much as 5°C and can provide fresh vegetables for household consumption.

Title:

Content: Africa Has Its First Chief Heat Officer. Five Things Should Be On Her Agenda

24 February 2023
analysis

Freetown's heat officer can set an example to Africa and the world as temperatures and risks rise.

Eugenia Kargbo has an unusual job: she is the city of Freetown's chief heat officer. Her role in Sierra Leone's capital is the first of its kind in Africa. She has been tasked with raising public awareness about extreme heat, improving responses to heat waves, and collecting, analysing and visualising heat impact data for the city, which is home to 1.2 million people.

Freetown is increasingly threatened by dangerous temperatures. In 2017, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ranked Sierra Leone third, after Bangladesh and Guinea Bissau, on its list of countries most vulnerable to climate change.

The risks are concentrated in its capital and largest city, Freetown, where some 35% of the population live in 74 informal settlements like Kroo Bay, often in disaster-prone areas like the seafront or hillsides. Houses are densely built and typically temporary structures made of "heat trapping" materials. Services that supports cooling, such as water and electricity, are usually inadequate.

As an architect whose work includes researching ways to reduce heat in African cities, I think the creation of an Heat Officer position is a good move. The world's cities are almost all getting hotter and, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned, temperatures will only keep rising.

But, while this is a global challenge, African cities are unique. The significant proportion of urban dwellers who are poor and those whose living conditions do not provide adequate shelter from the elements make the African context unique and deserving special attention.

With these realities in mind, here are five things I'd suggest should be on the agenda of both Kargbo and any other heat officer appointed elsewhere on the continent in future.

1. Take a diverse approach to urban greening

Nature-based approaches are a great way to address increasing temperatures linked to climate change. Scholars have established positive links between green infrastructure, temperature moderation and even health outcomes in African cities as well as elsewhere in the world.

This has informed a growing number of tree-planting initiatives and the development of urban parks. But it is important that municipalities move beyond only these kinds of spaces. African cities are becoming densely populated; that means less space will be available for greening initiatives on land.

Vertical systems of building (for example on walls, roofs, columns) and urban infrastructure (for example on bridges, road furniture) should be explored to make up for the lack of space on the ground.

In the last few years, I have led the design and development of experimental vertical gardens in low-income areas of Nigeria and Tanzania. We have shown that these vertical gardens reduce wall temperature of residential buildings by as much as 5°C in Dar es Salaam. The gardens have other benefits like providing fresh vegetables for household consumption. Similar ways of growing vegetation vertically have been seen elsewhere in the world, including in Mexico City.

2. Strengthen the link between heat and health

Exposure to extreme heat usually comes with health problems - and can even kill people, as I and many other scholars have documented. It exacerbates underlying health conditions.

One area of concern when it comes to the heat-health nexus in African countries is that mosquito numbers increase in higher temperatures. This means malaria and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes might become significant problems for Freetown and other African cities.

These health problems are further complicated by the fact that many city dwellers across the continent can't access adequate and affordable health care. Community health initiatives within cities and efforts to ramp up health services in qualitative and quantitative terms must be integral to heat adaptation plans and actions.

3. Focus on early warning and improved awareness

It is far better to be proactive than reactive. Heat vulnerability patterns within Freetown and other African cities must be studied and used to make sense of weather predictions in order to inform warning systems.

In the warning systems, for example, an alert level can be triggered when the weather forecast shows three or more consecutive days with daytime maximum temperature and humidity above a threshold of, say, 30°C. Other levels of alerts can correspond with higher temperatures. This sort of system has been implemented in Toronto, Canada, with good outcomes. A recent study of urban areas in Ontario (the province where Toronto is located) shows that early warnings may have meant fewer heat-related illnesses severe enough to warrant hospital or clinic visits.

4. Encourage the transfer of knowledge

Cities can adapt to heat faster when they share knowledge and experiences. Some scholars argue that inter-city collaboration and knowledge-sharing can enhance municipalities' resilience and improve urban residents' skills to deal with heat-related issues.

Kargbo's work will generate many lessons that can be shared with other African cities; she, too, will learn from other cities' successes and failures.

5. Let locals lead

While there is plenty to learn from more developed countries outside Africa, it is important to also draw from local indigenous knowledge and practices. An examination of knowledge and awareness about climate-related and environmental problems in African traditional society shows there is much to be learned from indigenous systems.

Top-down approaches are not enough. They must be complemented by bottom-up approaches in the planning, funding, execution and assessment of heat adaptation initiatives.

Inclusion is also important because it shifts power to those who are most affected by heat - people living in low-income and informal areas are disproportionately affected. Involving them enhances the impacts of initiatives and interventions.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Olumuyiwa Adegun is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.

Scholarly sources link green infrastructure, including vertical systems on walls and roofs, with temperature moderation and positive health outcomes.

Green building measures are associated with improved air quality and with improved occupant health and well‑being.

Title:

Content: Meeting the demand for sustainable housing and green buildings

August 11, 2021 2:21 PM

Sustainability in the real estate context is not only limited to energy conservation but also includes the use of resources, impact on the surrounding environment and living conditions for inhabitants.

India ranks only second after the US in terms of the number of green technology projects and built-up area.

The climate change conversation in India has picked pace in the last few years. Millennials and Gen X consistently rate the environment and climate change as the two issues they worry most about. All industries and sectors have now consciously been working towards reducing the carbon footprint and even real estate sector is doing its bit. Even governments are now giving various incentives to push eco-friendly development. To put things in perspective, buildings contribute to one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions and consume 40 per cent of the world’s energy. In addition to this, the construction sector in India is responsible for about 22 per cent of our total CO2 emissions.

Hence, to cope with changing as well as challenging times, it has become extremely important for us to think about sustainability in this sector. The focus needs to shift on using alternate resources and technologies which help in saving cost and resources and at the same time align in regards to the objective of having minimal impact on the environment for a balanced life.

In the post-COVID-19 world, where increased focus is being laid on overall wellbeing, it is said that sustainability will be the main element.

What are Green Buildings and Why do they matter

The global green building movement started about two decades back. The genesis of this movement was to cut down the use of extravagant resource consumption in modern buildings. In India too, the demand for having Green Buildings has increased tremendously in the last 10 years. As per estimates, India’s green building market will double by 2022 and reach 10 billion sq ft and will be valued at USD 35-50 billion.

Environmentally responsible and resource-efficient buildings are usually classified as a green building. These buildings not only reduce or eliminate negative impacts on the environment, by using less water, energy or natural resources, but in the long run even have a positive impact on the environment. This is possible as they are capable of generating their own electricity, have better ways to harvest water and even increase biodiversity.

The homebuyers of today are not just aware of these buildings but are also looking for these features for the obvious benefits that they offer. There is an increased demand for a home that has ample sunlight, proper ventilation and access to freshwater. People are also increasingly aware of the materials that are being used in construction and the impact these have on the environment.

Benefits of Green Building

Sustainability in the real estate context is not only limited to energy conservation but also includes the use of resources, impact on the surrounding environment and living conditions for inhabitants. Green homes can help in saving time and money as the materials used are easily accessible. In some of these buildings, developers buy the materials locally, which not only saves time but also reduces the carbon footprint by minimising the distance they need to be shipped. This helps in creating a sense of community and supporting the domestic economy.

Apart from the cost-benefit, there are many social drivers for green buildings that include improved occupant health and well-being and increased worker productivity. Given the environmental benefits and the satisfaction, it brings to the workforce green buildings are increasingly being sought after by the corporate sector.

Need for Affordable Green Buildings

It is a known fact that eco-friendly buildings help in saving operational costs by cutting down electricity, water and other utility bills. However, it is often perceived that the cost of construction for these buildings can be higher. Green concepts and techniques in the affordable housing sector can help attain a reduction in energy and water consumption, improved health, hygiene, sanitation; better ventilation and light in the dwellings, etc.

There are many low-cost techniques that are being deployed that help in cutting down even the cost of building. In addition, the use of recyclable products that are locally available can further help in bringing down the cost of development. Most importantly, the use of eco-friendly materials will help enhance the occupants’ quality of lives.

In India, the market for affordable housing has seen a strong uptick in the last two years and that, in turn, is also fuelling the demand for green buildings.

Key aspects that green building focus on are:

# Waste Nothing – Avoiding wastage is one great way to cut down the materials that are being used.

# Adapt to the place/location/building – Every place has its own set of challenges and solutions. Solutions that work for a building in Shimla will not hold true for, say, another one in Mumbai. So, builders need to think on their feet and adapt to the environment.

# Optimise rather than maximise – Whatever materials are available, one should try and use them in very optimised manner rather than maximizing the number of materials.

# Build sustainable designs that last longer – In the bid to use sustainable material one should never compromise on durability.

# Use materials that can be reused/recycled – There are many materials that can be reused and thus help in saving cost. For example, corridor and verrandah flooring has can be made using waste marble, kadappah, kota and red Agra pieces, with a simple IPS Border. This move alone can help save at least 30% cost over regular floor options. Another option could be using natural stones instead of using ready-made colours from the market. This gives graceful look to the bare concrete structure.

# Adopt energy efficient measures that help in saving costs in the long run – The focus should be to adopt methods that help in lowering cost of day-to-day living. Relying on renewable energy can help in reducing the monthly bills by up to 20-30 per cent.

The big Green push

Though at a nascent stage, India has emerged as one of the leading countries in terms of green building projects. India ranks only second after the US in terms of the number of green technology projects and built-up area. The Indian government too has played a pivotal role in promoting green building. A significant step in this direction was taken in 2007 with the introduction of the Energy Conservation Building Code, which was launched by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and later updated in 2017.

Additionally, several government agencies have acknowledged and incentivised green buildings, including central agencies such as the Ministry of Skill Development and the Small Industries Development Bank of India, as well as State governments and municipal bodies across India.
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) in the past few years has been working intrinsically with several Central and State Government agencies to promote the green building movement in the country. Some of the Central and State Government agencies have given recognition to IGBCs’ Green Rating Systems. This too has helped in fuelling the trend for green building in India.

There is a huge scope for Green buildings in India. Given the advantages it offers, the incentives that the government is providing to this construction and the growing demand by the environment-conscious consumers, the future for this segment seems very bright.

(By Vinit Dungarwal, Director, AMs Project Consultants)

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Title:

Content: A Stunning House From Another World

Leigh
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Spanish architects Miba Architects have created an open plan home inspired by creativity, imagination, colour, and shapes. Dynamic and diverse, this home suits anyone with a flare for adventure.

The architects have played with space, developing different layers and levels. Nature plays an intrinsic role here, working with the architecture at every stage.

Henry Ward Beecher said, Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.

No saying is more appropriate for this type of house, which despite its clean lines and fresh look is jam-packed with soul and character. Every detail adds to this gorgeous home, where each accessory and every ornament has been thought through, adding to the overall look and feel.

Follow us on a tour of of this beautiful, eclectic display of architecture.

Layer cake

Nicknamed the Lara Rios House, notice how the architects have contoured the house into the landscape, shaping each piece perfectly against a magnificent natural backdrop.

The house takes on the shape of a bird, with aspects of it unfolding like beautiful wings. Big glass sections of the house open it up, fusing the interior to the exterior. A beautiful clean white exterior works together with the large glass windows and doors as well as a wooden facade.

The open plan nature of this house is evident from the outside, which each layer and level flowing into one another.

The exterior of the house is simple and minimalist, while the inside opens up to reveal something more colourful and creative.

Garden roof

This angle shows from the top how the architects have worked with the surrounding landscape, working the lush grass into the design. The roof juts out from the hill, with the building flowing out from underneath it.

The grass flows from the hill onto the roof, creating a lush roof garden. A garden roof or a green roof has a variety of benefits. Not only does it look beautiful but there are other functional advantages too:

1. Energy efficiency

2. Waste diversion

3. Improved air quality

4. Noise reduction

5. Stormwater management

6. Improved health

This is something that can be recreated for just about any home. Speak to experts in the local industry about starting your own green roof—you can even plant your favourite veggies on it!

Spectacular space

The front door opens up to reveal a rustic-looking landing, where the stairs descend into a gorgeous open plan area. Big, glass skylights cum windows allow an abundance of light to stream into the beautiful, white space.

White is a prominent feature here, from the floors to the ceiling. The architects aren't boring, however, opting for a structure that is shaped magnificently, twisting and turning into different shapes, nooks and crannies.

Even from here it is clear that the architects are keen for charm and character in an otherwise simple house. Each little accessory and detail enhances this wide open space.

Check out these gorgeous accessories for corridors, hallways and stairs if you're looking for something similar.

View from down below

The sheer volume of the architecture is absolutely stunning, seen from down below. The sweeping floors are simple and vast, creating a platform for all sorts of creativity.

The open space allows for those who live in the house to paint, draw, colour-in, sculpt or create to their heart's desire. This is a messy array of design and style, which leads to a funky and fun space. Forget using coasters under your coffee mugs or perfectly categorising your books on your bookshelf, this is where cheese and wine is enjoyed while sitting on the floor working on the latest art work and music leads to spontaneous dancing in the corridors.

The use of glass is also apparent here, where it adds a gorgeous, clean and modern look to the space.

You can achieve this type of look in your own home, just by introducing large windows and skylights. Let the light flow in!

Kitchen magic

The kitchen is an example of how white works beautifully with a brassy colour as well as greys, blacks and browns.

Art also plays a role in this space, featured on the walls, which makes it homely and funky. Grey and black are strong colours in terms of the art. If this is something you'd like to feature in your own kitchen, remember that you don't have to spend a fortune on art. You can get some fantastic prints for much cheaper as well as order your favourite type of art to be printed on canvas, for a reasonable price.

The architects have placed a gorgeous, modern-looking island in the kitchen, breaking up the open plan space. This allows for a fantastic social space, where the kids can chat to their parents after school while eating their lunch and guests can have an informal glass of wine in the kitchen while chatting to the host.

Little ornaments and accessories add soul to the kitchen, making it cosy and warm.

Glass doors allow this room to transcend into the exterior, where natural light, grass and trees play a huge role in the design of this house.

Basic bedroom

The bedroom in this house is phenomenally simple, elegant and funky. The main feature is of course the views of the outside, where nature collides with modern architecture, framed by beautiful, big glass windows.

The rest of the room is rather simple and sleek, with a bed and a little basket in the corner of the room for decoration. A wooden piece of furniture also enhances the room. This is a place to relax and unwind, escaping the clutter and the chaos of everyday life.

Because of the abundance of natural light, you'll notice that only one simple overhead light is needed in this room, illuminating the white space. Simplicity in its purest form!

The designers of Lara Rios House have managed to combine creativity with a minimalist structure, resulting in a house that is absolutely spectacular in every aspect.

If you like this house, check out: A Modern Family Palace In The Suburbs.

Need help with your home project?
Get in touch!

Discover home inspiration!

Indoor living walls are used as decorative interior features in living rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms and are described in the context as calming or 'healing'.

Title:

Content: Make your home more stylish!
6 wonderful examples of ornamental plants
Genie Chien
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Do you like gardening? If you like flowers and plants, you can use ornamental plants as materials for interior decoration! Green has a natural beauty and charm, and it is easy to match with furniture and space, which is an indispensable element of interior decoration.
With them, even if it is not a beautiful house, it can make your home look radiant with fresh green.
Let ’ s take a look at the 6 ideas that make a stylish home out of plants!
Example 1: The Little Forest in the House
Do you want to live in a forest?
The designer saw through your mind and specially redesigned this house into a forest landscape.
This home is made of light wood and white, where green plants grow everywhere, creating a beautiful visual feel.
Living here, you can feel the natural atmosphere in all seasons, and your body and mind will feel extremely relaxed and comfortable!
Example 2: Bold use of plants to decorate home space
This open space combines a living room, dining room and kitchen, where designers use plants to make bold décor.
The rows of trees grow against the wall to form a beautiful vision. The indoor movement line is unparalleled, and living here is not only extremely relieving, but also can breathe the green verdant at the same time!
Example 3: Green interior wall
The interior is decorated with a vertically-green botanical garden, from the ceiling to the floor. Not only is it impressive at first glance, but the three-dimensional shape is even more impressive! Facing these greenery every day is the most healing secret of the busy world!
Example 4: A relaxing bathroom with a vacation style
Bathrooms with high humidity are also good for growing plants.
Here, the designer uses white and green to make your bathroom a vacation retreat.
Ivy and ferns are ideal choices, and the space forms a balanced color, so beautiful that people do not want to leave!
Example 5: Small green garden on the shelf
It is also a good idea to combine small ornamental plants with small accessories.
This way, using a rustic vine basket and small utensils, with beautiful green plants, creates a mini botanical garden in the space.
It not only makes the space more efficient, but also adds a lot of fun to life.
Example 6: Smart use of the outdoor garden
This residence has green plants planted on the outdoor balcony, allowing their verdant greenery to penetrate the interior.
Sitting in the living room, you can observe the growth of plants through a large area of glass windows.
In order to make the whole picture look beautiful as a painting, the designer took special care to choose the right plant to make the perfect match, so that the visual beauty is more divided!
If you are looking for inspiration to decorate your home, you must not miss the following articles:
12 Lighting Designs to Light Up the Appearance of Your Home!
Do you need someone to help you design or build your home?
Find a professional now!
Find out more about home design!

Title:

Content: Flower decor in the house
homify _
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Decorating with flowers is perhaps the most popular method of decorating the premises and garden.
The variety of colors in color, shape and size is simply innumerable.
There are also a variety of ways to decorate flowers.
A hedge of flowers, bright flower arrangements or bouquets in a nice vase - these and many other ideas can arise if you decide to decorate your home with flowers.
Let ’ s look at how we can decorate our home with flowers.
Winter garden
Sometimes it is so desirable that summer always reigns around us, evergreen plants grow and bright sun shines.
But the climatic conditions of our country, contrary to our wishes, suggest a smaller number of warm sunny days.
In any case, this is not a reason for frustration, because it is not in vain that winter gardens have been specially built in the premises for a long time.
For some, the winter garden is a composition of large plants in the corner of the hall or living room.
Of course, the collection of your favorite plants on the windowsill is your miniature winter garden.
But speaking the language of designers, a winter garden is much more difficult.
It requires a separate room, for example, a special room or glazed and insulated loggia.
It should be borne in mind that the arrangement of a full-fledged winter garden will require compliance with a number of conditions important for its existence: this is the humidity of the air, and the presence of a sufficient amount of sunlight, as well as the appropriateness and compatibility of the plants themselves.
Vertical gardening
Vertical landscaping, installation completed
RaStenia
Fashionable vertical gardening in the favorites of interior designers.
Such a living wall decorates the walls of solid offices, fashionable restaurants and has long taken root in the interiors of many apartments and houses.
The most spectacular flowers on the wall look in the living room, where they can take up more space.
No less harmonious it can look in the bathroom, giving the feeling of a tropical jungle, and in the bedroom, pacifying and giving fresh air for a comfortable sleep.
Vertical gardening is possible
Live flowers
An indispensable attribute of floral decor in the house are fresh flowers, or bouquets.
This method of decorating the house has its advantages:
- Firstly, you can always change the variety of colors of your bouquets;
- secondly, decorative bouquets smell nice and are able to give a chic fresh aroma;
- Thirdly, they do not require care in case you do not have the desire or opportunity to care for the flowers in the pots.
However, this method of decoration has its drawbacks: ripped flowers do not live long, which causes them to be sufficiently expensive for permanent use.
Flower decor as a continuation of the interior style
Flowers can be effectively used in the continuation of the style of the room.
Take for example vases, the widest selection of which is presented in the modern market.
And for each style, there is undoubtedly its own.
Fill it with your favorite colors and the interior of your home will sparkle with new colors.
Flowers in pots
Flowers in pots are perhaps the basic and simplest element of floral decor in the house.
Here everything depends on the individual preferences of the owner, and the modern market will definitely be able to offer flowers for every taste and budget.
In addition, a separate element of the decor can be considered flower pots, the choice of which is also infinitely large.
With a thoughtful selection, they will help add colors to evergreen plants and, conversely, dilute the brightness of abundantly flowering plants.
Separately, the types of flower pots are described in the article What are flower pots.
Flower arrangement in a pot
Creating compositions from plants in one pot is simple and at the same time original and creative.
To do this, it is enough to take several plants of different appearance and size and a large pot.
Fill the pot with expanded clay to half, and put the selected plants so that they do not protrude above the level of the pot.
Voids need to be filled with expanded clay, small stones or a ground-sand mixture.
It is important to remember that when choosing flowering indoor plants, they must be in harmony with the tones of curtains, upholstery, bedspreads and other textiles.
And the main thing to remember that flowers require care, only then, they will not only decorate the room, but also recreate a cozy atmosphere of warmth and life in your home.
Need help with a home project?
Contact us!
Find inspirational ideas for your home

Practical installation approaches include modular wall systems, multi‑level container arrangements and hanging or suspended containers to maximize planting in limited spaces.

Title:

Content: 8 good ideas for container gardening in a limited area
3: 36
When you have limited space, you can use container gardening to create a cozy and beautiful garden.
Containers allow you to grow a variety of plants even on the balcony or roof.
1.
Multi-level containers
One way to make the most of the limited space is to use multi-level containers.
You can create a vertical garden by placing containers on different levels.
For example, you can hang containers on the wall or use racks to accommodate multiple containers at different heights.
This approach allows you to grow more plants in a limited area.
2.
Mixed containers
Create an interesting and aesthetically pleasing container garden using mixed containers.
You can combine different plant species in one container to create a beautiful compositional effect.
For example, you can mix flowering plants with herbs or create a contrasting color accent with different shades of colors.
3.
Vertical gardens
Vertical gardens are a great way to use vertical space to grow plants.
You can create vertical gardens using special structures or modular systems to place containers on a wall or fence.
This allows you to create beautiful green walls or plant partitions.
4.
Suspended gardens
If you have limited space on the ground, hanging gardens are the perfect solution.
You can use hanging containers to create hanging gardens on balconies, windows or roofs.
In hanging gardens, you can grow flowers, herbs or vegetables, creating beautiful and practical compositions.
5.
Mini Herb Containers
Growing your own herbs is a great way to always have fresh aromatic herbs on hand.
If you have limited space, you can use mini-containers to grow herbs on a windowsill or table.
Small pots or containers with herbs will not only be useful, but also decorate your interior.
6.
Containers with vegetables
Even in a limited area, you can grow fresh vegetables.
Use containers with sufficient volume for the root system of plants, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers or greens.
Growing vegetables in containers allows you to control their growth and provide the necessary conditions for successful ripening.
7.
Garden compositions
Create attractive garden compositions by combining various containers with plants.
You can use containers of different sizes and shapes to create interesting compositions.
Don ’ t be afraid to experiment with the colors, textures and heights of plants to get a unique garden design.
8.
Container gardens with the habit of guests
Don ’ t forget to attract birds and insects to your container garden.
Place containers with plants that attract birds and butterflies, such as flowers with bright flowers or plants that attract insects with their aroma.
Creating an environment attractive to animals will add life and beauty to your garden.
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CONTAINER GREENING / / what plants to plant in pots and flowerpots
Author Petr Deryabin
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Curator Andrey Tumanov
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Successful indoor green walls require attention to adequate sunlight, appropriate humidity, compatible plant selection and regular care.

Contextual plant recommendations include ivy and ferns for humid bathroom conditions and edible species for food‑producing vertical systems.

Vertical green walls can save floor space and serve as striking interior accents in modern interiors.

Conclusion: Indoor vertical gardens provide measurable cooling, air‑quality and wellbeing benefits but require appropriate plant choice, light, humidity control and routine care.


Vertical gardens and living walls are a popular interior feature that decorate walls in offices, restaurants, and homes and can serve as striking focal elements.

Vertical systems are recommended in dense urban contexts to make up for lack of ground space by using walls, roofs, columns and other infrastructure for planting.

Experimental vertical gardens in low‑income areas of Nigeria and Tanzania reduced building wall surface temperatures by as much as 5°C and provided fresh vegetables for household consumption.

Green infrastructure such as green roofs and walls has been associated with energy efficiency, improved air quality, noise reduction, stormwater management and improved health.

Indoor vertical gardens can contribute to perceived fresher indoor air and improved indoor air quality.

Scholars have established positive links between green infrastructure, temperature moderation and improved health outcomes in cities.

Vertical gardens are a space‑efficient strategy and can be implemented with modular systems, multi‑level containers, hanging containers or racks to place plants at different heights.

Typical maintenance needs include ensuring adequate sunlight, monitoring humidity, selecting compatible species, providing regular watering and carrying out standard plant care.

Practical plant choices include ferns and ivy for humid indoor spaces such as bathrooms, herbs and compact vegetables for container-mounted vertical systems, and local edible varieties for household food production in suitable climates.

Design decisions should take into account light availability, humidity levels and the mounting system when selecting species and installation methods for indoor green walls.

Indoor green walls have psychological benefits described in the sources as calming or 'healing' and can improve occupant wellbeing.

Indoor vertical gardens and green walls offer aesthetic, thermal‑regulation, air‑quality and mental‑health benefits when designed with suitable plants and appropriate maintenance.

Vertical gardens and living walls are a popular interior feature that decorate walls in offices, restaurants, and homes and can serve as striking focal elements.

Title:

Content: Make your home more stylish!
6 wonderful examples of ornamental plants
Genie Chien
Loading admin actions …
Do you like gardening? If you like flowers and plants, you can use ornamental plants as materials for interior decoration! Green has a natural beauty and charm, and it is easy to match with furniture and space, which is an indispensable element of interior decoration.
With them, even if it is not a beautiful house, it can make your home look radiant with fresh green.
Let ’ s take a look at the 6 ideas that make a stylish home out of plants!
Example 1: The Little Forest in the House
Do you want to live in a forest?
The designer saw through your mind and specially redesigned this house into a forest landscape.
This home is made of light wood and white, where green plants grow everywhere, creating a beautiful visual feel.
Living here, you can feel the natural atmosphere in all seasons, and your body and mind will feel extremely relaxed and comfortable!
Example 2: Bold use of plants to decorate home space
This open space combines a living room, dining room and kitchen, where designers use plants to make bold décor.
The rows of trees grow against the wall to form a beautiful vision. The indoor movement line is unparalleled, and living here is not only extremely relieving, but also can breathe the green verdant at the same time!
Example 3: Green interior wall
The interior is decorated with a vertically-green botanical garden, from the ceiling to the floor. Not only is it impressive at first glance, but the three-dimensional shape is even more impressive! Facing these greenery every day is the most healing secret of the busy world!
Example 4: A relaxing bathroom with a vacation style
Bathrooms with high humidity are also good for growing plants.
Here, the designer uses white and green to make your bathroom a vacation retreat.
Ivy and ferns are ideal choices, and the space forms a balanced color, so beautiful that people do not want to leave!
Example 5: Small green garden on the shelf
It is also a good idea to combine small ornamental plants with small accessories.
This way, using a rustic vine basket and small utensils, with beautiful green plants, creates a mini botanical garden in the space.
It not only makes the space more efficient, but also adds a lot of fun to life.
Example 6: Smart use of the outdoor garden
This residence has green plants planted on the outdoor balcony, allowing their verdant greenery to penetrate the interior.
Sitting in the living room, you can observe the growth of plants through a large area of glass windows.
In order to make the whole picture look beautiful as a painting, the designer took special care to choose the right plant to make the perfect match, so that the visual beauty is more divided!
If you are looking for inspiration to decorate your home, you must not miss the following articles:
12 Lighting Designs to Light Up the Appearance of Your Home!
Do you need someone to help you design or build your home?
Find a professional now!
Find out more about home design!

Title:

Content: Flower decor in the house
homify _
Loading admin actions …
Decorating with flowers is perhaps the most popular method of decorating the premises and garden.
The variety of colors in color, shape and size is simply innumerable.
There are also a variety of ways to decorate flowers.
A hedge of flowers, bright flower arrangements or bouquets in a nice vase - these and many other ideas can arise if you decide to decorate your home with flowers.
Let ’ s look at how we can decorate our home with flowers.
Winter garden
Sometimes it is so desirable that summer always reigns around us, evergreen plants grow and bright sun shines.
But the climatic conditions of our country, contrary to our wishes, suggest a smaller number of warm sunny days.
In any case, this is not a reason for frustration, because it is not in vain that winter gardens have been specially built in the premises for a long time.
For some, the winter garden is a composition of large plants in the corner of the hall or living room.
Of course, the collection of your favorite plants on the windowsill is your miniature winter garden.
But speaking the language of designers, a winter garden is much more difficult.
It requires a separate room, for example, a special room or glazed and insulated loggia.
It should be borne in mind that the arrangement of a full-fledged winter garden will require compliance with a number of conditions important for its existence: this is the humidity of the air, and the presence of a sufficient amount of sunlight, as well as the appropriateness and compatibility of the plants themselves.
Vertical gardening
Vertical landscaping, installation completed
RaStenia
Fashionable vertical gardening in the favorites of interior designers.
Such a living wall decorates the walls of solid offices, fashionable restaurants and has long taken root in the interiors of many apartments and houses.
The most spectacular flowers on the wall look in the living room, where they can take up more space.
No less harmonious it can look in the bathroom, giving the feeling of a tropical jungle, and in the bedroom, pacifying and giving fresh air for a comfortable sleep.
Vertical gardening is possible
Live flowers
An indispensable attribute of floral decor in the house are fresh flowers, or bouquets.
This method of decorating the house has its advantages:
- Firstly, you can always change the variety of colors of your bouquets;
- secondly, decorative bouquets smell nice and are able to give a chic fresh aroma;
- Thirdly, they do not require care in case you do not have the desire or opportunity to care for the flowers in the pots.
However, this method of decoration has its drawbacks: ripped flowers do not live long, which causes them to be sufficiently expensive for permanent use.
Flower decor as a continuation of the interior style
Flowers can be effectively used in the continuation of the style of the room.
Take for example vases, the widest selection of which is presented in the modern market.
And for each style, there is undoubtedly its own.
Fill it with your favorite colors and the interior of your home will sparkle with new colors.
Flowers in pots
Flowers in pots are perhaps the basic and simplest element of floral decor in the house.
Here everything depends on the individual preferences of the owner, and the modern market will definitely be able to offer flowers for every taste and budget.
In addition, a separate element of the decor can be considered flower pots, the choice of which is also infinitely large.
With a thoughtful selection, they will help add colors to evergreen plants and, conversely, dilute the brightness of abundantly flowering plants.
Separately, the types of flower pots are described in the article What are flower pots.
Flower arrangement in a pot
Creating compositions from plants in one pot is simple and at the same time original and creative.
To do this, it is enough to take several plants of different appearance and size and a large pot.
Fill the pot with expanded clay to half, and put the selected plants so that they do not protrude above the level of the pot.
Voids need to be filled with expanded clay, small stones or a ground-sand mixture.
It is important to remember that when choosing flowering indoor plants, they must be in harmony with the tones of curtains, upholstery, bedspreads and other textiles.
And the main thing to remember that flowers require care, only then, they will not only decorate the room, but also recreate a cozy atmosphere of warmth and life in your home.
Need help with a home project?
Contact us!
Find inspirational ideas for your home

Vertical systems are recommended in dense urban contexts to make up for lack of ground space by using walls, roofs, columns and other infrastructure for planting.

Title:

Content: Africa Has Its First Chief Heat Officer. Five Things Should Be On Her Agenda

24 February 2023
analysis

Freetown's heat officer can set an example to Africa and the world as temperatures and risks rise.

Eugenia Kargbo has an unusual job: she is the city of Freetown's chief heat officer. Her role in Sierra Leone's capital is the first of its kind in Africa. She has been tasked with raising public awareness about extreme heat, improving responses to heat waves, and collecting, analysing and visualising heat impact data for the city, which is home to 1.2 million people.

Freetown is increasingly threatened by dangerous temperatures. In 2017, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ranked Sierra Leone third, after Bangladesh and Guinea Bissau, on its list of countries most vulnerable to climate change.

The risks are concentrated in its capital and largest city, Freetown, where some 35% of the population live in 74 informal settlements like Kroo Bay, often in disaster-prone areas like the seafront or hillsides. Houses are densely built and typically temporary structures made of "heat trapping" materials. Services that supports cooling, such as water and electricity, are usually inadequate.

As an architect whose work includes researching ways to reduce heat in African cities, I think the creation of an Heat Officer position is a good move. The world's cities are almost all getting hotter and, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned, temperatures will only keep rising.

But, while this is a global challenge, African cities are unique. The significant proportion of urban dwellers who are poor and those whose living conditions do not provide adequate shelter from the elements make the African context unique and deserving special attention.

With these realities in mind, here are five things I'd suggest should be on the agenda of both Kargbo and any other heat officer appointed elsewhere on the continent in future.

1. Take a diverse approach to urban greening

Nature-based approaches are a great way to address increasing temperatures linked to climate change. Scholars have established positive links between green infrastructure, temperature moderation and even health outcomes in African cities as well as elsewhere in the world.

This has informed a growing number of tree-planting initiatives and the development of urban parks. But it is important that municipalities move beyond only these kinds of spaces. African cities are becoming densely populated; that means less space will be available for greening initiatives on land.

Vertical systems of building (for example on walls, roofs, columns) and urban infrastructure (for example on bridges, road furniture) should be explored to make up for the lack of space on the ground.

In the last few years, I have led the design and development of experimental vertical gardens in low-income areas of Nigeria and Tanzania. We have shown that these vertical gardens reduce wall temperature of residential buildings by as much as 5°C in Dar es Salaam. The gardens have other benefits like providing fresh vegetables for household consumption. Similar ways of growing vegetation vertically have been seen elsewhere in the world, including in Mexico City.

2. Strengthen the link between heat and health

Exposure to extreme heat usually comes with health problems - and can even kill people, as I and many other scholars have documented. It exacerbates underlying health conditions.

One area of concern when it comes to the heat-health nexus in African countries is that mosquito numbers increase in higher temperatures. This means malaria and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes might become significant problems for Freetown and other African cities.

These health problems are further complicated by the fact that many city dwellers across the continent can't access adequate and affordable health care. Community health initiatives within cities and efforts to ramp up health services in qualitative and quantitative terms must be integral to heat adaptation plans and actions.

3. Focus on early warning and improved awareness

It is far better to be proactive than reactive. Heat vulnerability patterns within Freetown and other African cities must be studied and used to make sense of weather predictions in order to inform warning systems.

In the warning systems, for example, an alert level can be triggered when the weather forecast shows three or more consecutive days with daytime maximum temperature and humidity above a threshold of, say, 30°C. Other levels of alerts can correspond with higher temperatures. This sort of system has been implemented in Toronto, Canada, with good outcomes. A recent study of urban areas in Ontario (the province where Toronto is located) shows that early warnings may have meant fewer heat-related illnesses severe enough to warrant hospital or clinic visits.

4. Encourage the transfer of knowledge

Cities can adapt to heat faster when they share knowledge and experiences. Some scholars argue that inter-city collaboration and knowledge-sharing can enhance municipalities' resilience and improve urban residents' skills to deal with heat-related issues.

Kargbo's work will generate many lessons that can be shared with other African cities; she, too, will learn from other cities' successes and failures.

5. Let locals lead

While there is plenty to learn from more developed countries outside Africa, it is important to also draw from local indigenous knowledge and practices. An examination of knowledge and awareness about climate-related and environmental problems in African traditional society shows there is much to be learned from indigenous systems.

Top-down approaches are not enough. They must be complemented by bottom-up approaches in the planning, funding, execution and assessment of heat adaptation initiatives.

Inclusion is also important because it shifts power to those who are most affected by heat - people living in low-income and informal areas are disproportionately affected. Involving them enhances the impacts of initiatives and interventions.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Olumuyiwa Adegun is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

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Title:

Content: 8 good ideas for container gardening in a limited area
3: 36
When you have limited space, you can use container gardening to create a cozy and beautiful garden.
Containers allow you to grow a variety of plants even on the balcony or roof.
1.
Multi-level containers
One way to make the most of the limited space is to use multi-level containers.
You can create a vertical garden by placing containers on different levels.
For example, you can hang containers on the wall or use racks to accommodate multiple containers at different heights.
This approach allows you to grow more plants in a limited area.
2.
Mixed containers
Create an interesting and aesthetically pleasing container garden using mixed containers.
You can combine different plant species in one container to create a beautiful compositional effect.
For example, you can mix flowering plants with herbs or create a contrasting color accent with different shades of colors.
3.
Vertical gardens
Vertical gardens are a great way to use vertical space to grow plants.
You can create vertical gardens using special structures or modular systems to place containers on a wall or fence.
This allows you to create beautiful green walls or plant partitions.
4.
Suspended gardens
If you have limited space on the ground, hanging gardens are the perfect solution.
You can use hanging containers to create hanging gardens on balconies, windows or roofs.
In hanging gardens, you can grow flowers, herbs or vegetables, creating beautiful and practical compositions.
5.
Mini Herb Containers
Growing your own herbs is a great way to always have fresh aromatic herbs on hand.
If you have limited space, you can use mini-containers to grow herbs on a windowsill or table.
Small pots or containers with herbs will not only be useful, but also decorate your interior.
6.
Containers with vegetables
Even in a limited area, you can grow fresh vegetables.
Use containers with sufficient volume for the root system of plants, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers or greens.
Growing vegetables in containers allows you to control their growth and provide the necessary conditions for successful ripening.
7.
Garden compositions
Create attractive garden compositions by combining various containers with plants.
You can use containers of different sizes and shapes to create interesting compositions.
Don ’ t be afraid to experiment with the colors, textures and heights of plants to get a unique garden design.
8.
Container gardens with the habit of guests
Don ’ t forget to attract birds and insects to your container garden.
Place containers with plants that attract birds and butterflies, such as flowers with bright flowers or plants that attract insects with their aroma.
Creating an environment attractive to animals will add life and beauty to your garden.
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CONTAINER GREENING / / what plants to plant in pots and flowerpots
Author Petr Deryabin
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Experimental vertical gardens in low‑income areas of Nigeria and Tanzania reduced building wall surface temperatures by as much as 5°C and provided fresh vegetables for household consumption.

Green infrastructure such as green roofs and walls has been associated with energy efficiency, improved air quality, noise reduction, stormwater management and improved health.

Title:

Content: Meeting the demand for sustainable housing and green buildings

August 11, 2021 2:21 PM

Sustainability in the real estate context is not only limited to energy conservation but also includes the use of resources, impact on the surrounding environment and living conditions for inhabitants.

India ranks only second after the US in terms of the number of green technology projects and built-up area.

The climate change conversation in India has picked pace in the last few years. Millennials and Gen X consistently rate the environment and climate change as the two issues they worry most about. All industries and sectors have now consciously been working towards reducing the carbon footprint and even real estate sector is doing its bit. Even governments are now giving various incentives to push eco-friendly development. To put things in perspective, buildings contribute to one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions and consume 40 per cent of the world’s energy. In addition to this, the construction sector in India is responsible for about 22 per cent of our total CO2 emissions.

Hence, to cope with changing as well as challenging times, it has become extremely important for us to think about sustainability in this sector. The focus needs to shift on using alternate resources and technologies which help in saving cost and resources and at the same time align in regards to the objective of having minimal impact on the environment for a balanced life.

In the post-COVID-19 world, where increased focus is being laid on overall wellbeing, it is said that sustainability will be the main element.

What are Green Buildings and Why do they matter

The global green building movement started about two decades back. The genesis of this movement was to cut down the use of extravagant resource consumption in modern buildings. In India too, the demand for having Green Buildings has increased tremendously in the last 10 years. As per estimates, India’s green building market will double by 2022 and reach 10 billion sq ft and will be valued at USD 35-50 billion.

Environmentally responsible and resource-efficient buildings are usually classified as a green building. These buildings not only reduce or eliminate negative impacts on the environment, by using less water, energy or natural resources, but in the long run even have a positive impact on the environment. This is possible as they are capable of generating their own electricity, have better ways to harvest water and even increase biodiversity.

The homebuyers of today are not just aware of these buildings but are also looking for these features for the obvious benefits that they offer. There is an increased demand for a home that has ample sunlight, proper ventilation and access to freshwater. People are also increasingly aware of the materials that are being used in construction and the impact these have on the environment.

Benefits of Green Building

Sustainability in the real estate context is not only limited to energy conservation but also includes the use of resources, impact on the surrounding environment and living conditions for inhabitants. Green homes can help in saving time and money as the materials used are easily accessible. In some of these buildings, developers buy the materials locally, which not only saves time but also reduces the carbon footprint by minimising the distance they need to be shipped. This helps in creating a sense of community and supporting the domestic economy.

Apart from the cost-benefit, there are many social drivers for green buildings that include improved occupant health and well-being and increased worker productivity. Given the environmental benefits and the satisfaction, it brings to the workforce green buildings are increasingly being sought after by the corporate sector.

Need for Affordable Green Buildings

It is a known fact that eco-friendly buildings help in saving operational costs by cutting down electricity, water and other utility bills. However, it is often perceived that the cost of construction for these buildings can be higher. Green concepts and techniques in the affordable housing sector can help attain a reduction in energy and water consumption, improved health, hygiene, sanitation; better ventilation and light in the dwellings, etc.

There are many low-cost techniques that are being deployed that help in cutting down even the cost of building. In addition, the use of recyclable products that are locally available can further help in bringing down the cost of development. Most importantly, the use of eco-friendly materials will help enhance the occupants’ quality of lives.

In India, the market for affordable housing has seen a strong uptick in the last two years and that, in turn, is also fuelling the demand for green buildings.

Key aspects that green building focus on are:

# Waste Nothing – Avoiding wastage is one great way to cut down the materials that are being used.

# Adapt to the place/location/building – Every place has its own set of challenges and solutions. Solutions that work for a building in Shimla will not hold true for, say, another one in Mumbai. So, builders need to think on their feet and adapt to the environment.

# Optimise rather than maximise – Whatever materials are available, one should try and use them in very optimised manner rather than maximizing the number of materials.

# Build sustainable designs that last longer – In the bid to use sustainable material one should never compromise on durability.

# Use materials that can be reused/recycled – There are many materials that can be reused and thus help in saving cost. For example, corridor and verrandah flooring has can be made using waste marble, kadappah, kota and red Agra pieces, with a simple IPS Border. This move alone can help save at least 30% cost over regular floor options. Another option could be using natural stones instead of using ready-made colours from the market. This gives graceful look to the bare concrete structure.

# Adopt energy efficient measures that help in saving costs in the long run – The focus should be to adopt methods that help in lowering cost of day-to-day living. Relying on renewable energy can help in reducing the monthly bills by up to 20-30 per cent.

The big Green push

Though at a nascent stage, India has emerged as one of the leading countries in terms of green building projects. India ranks only second after the US in terms of the number of green technology projects and built-up area. The Indian government too has played a pivotal role in promoting green building. A significant step in this direction was taken in 2007 with the introduction of the Energy Conservation Building Code, which was launched by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and later updated in 2017.

Additionally, several government agencies have acknowledged and incentivised green buildings, including central agencies such as the Ministry of Skill Development and the Small Industries Development Bank of India, as well as State governments and municipal bodies across India.
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) in the past few years has been working intrinsically with several Central and State Government agencies to promote the green building movement in the country. Some of the Central and State Government agencies have given recognition to IGBCs’ Green Rating Systems. This too has helped in fuelling the trend for green building in India.

There is a huge scope for Green buildings in India. Given the advantages it offers, the incentives that the government is providing to this construction and the growing demand by the environment-conscious consumers, the future for this segment seems very bright.

(By Vinit Dungarwal, Director, AMs Project Consultants)

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Title:

Content: A Stunning House From Another World

Leigh
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Spanish architects Miba Architects have created an open plan home inspired by creativity, imagination, colour, and shapes. Dynamic and diverse, this home suits anyone with a flare for adventure.

The architects have played with space, developing different layers and levels. Nature plays an intrinsic role here, working with the architecture at every stage.

Henry Ward Beecher said, Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.

No saying is more appropriate for this type of house, which despite its clean lines and fresh look is jam-packed with soul and character. Every detail adds to this gorgeous home, where each accessory and every ornament has been thought through, adding to the overall look and feel.

Follow us on a tour of of this beautiful, eclectic display of architecture.

Layer cake

Nicknamed the Lara Rios House, notice how the architects have contoured the house into the landscape, shaping each piece perfectly against a magnificent natural backdrop.

The house takes on the shape of a bird, with aspects of it unfolding like beautiful wings. Big glass sections of the house open it up, fusing the interior to the exterior. A beautiful clean white exterior works together with the large glass windows and doors as well as a wooden facade.

The open plan nature of this house is evident from the outside, which each layer and level flowing into one another.

The exterior of the house is simple and minimalist, while the inside opens up to reveal something more colourful and creative.

Garden roof

This angle shows from the top how the architects have worked with the surrounding landscape, working the lush grass into the design. The roof juts out from the hill, with the building flowing out from underneath it.

The grass flows from the hill onto the roof, creating a lush roof garden. A garden roof or a green roof has a variety of benefits. Not only does it look beautiful but there are other functional advantages too:

1. Energy efficiency

2. Waste diversion

3. Improved air quality

4. Noise reduction

5. Stormwater management

6. Improved health

This is something that can be recreated for just about any home. Speak to experts in the local industry about starting your own green roof—you can even plant your favourite veggies on it!

Spectacular space

The front door opens up to reveal a rustic-looking landing, where the stairs descend into a gorgeous open plan area. Big, glass skylights cum windows allow an abundance of light to stream into the beautiful, white space.

White is a prominent feature here, from the floors to the ceiling. The architects aren't boring, however, opting for a structure that is shaped magnificently, twisting and turning into different shapes, nooks and crannies.

Even from here it is clear that the architects are keen for charm and character in an otherwise simple house. Each little accessory and detail enhances this wide open space.

Check out these gorgeous accessories for corridors, hallways and stairs if you're looking for something similar.

View from down below

The sheer volume of the architecture is absolutely stunning, seen from down below. The sweeping floors are simple and vast, creating a platform for all sorts of creativity.

The open space allows for those who live in the house to paint, draw, colour-in, sculpt or create to their heart's desire. This is a messy array of design and style, which leads to a funky and fun space. Forget using coasters under your coffee mugs or perfectly categorising your books on your bookshelf, this is where cheese and wine is enjoyed while sitting on the floor working on the latest art work and music leads to spontaneous dancing in the corridors.

The use of glass is also apparent here, where it adds a gorgeous, clean and modern look to the space.

You can achieve this type of look in your own home, just by introducing large windows and skylights. Let the light flow in!

Kitchen magic

The kitchen is an example of how white works beautifully with a brassy colour as well as greys, blacks and browns.

Art also plays a role in this space, featured on the walls, which makes it homely and funky. Grey and black are strong colours in terms of the art. If this is something you'd like to feature in your own kitchen, remember that you don't have to spend a fortune on art. You can get some fantastic prints for much cheaper as well as order your favourite type of art to be printed on canvas, for a reasonable price.

The architects have placed a gorgeous, modern-looking island in the kitchen, breaking up the open plan space. This allows for a fantastic social space, where the kids can chat to their parents after school while eating their lunch and guests can have an informal glass of wine in the kitchen while chatting to the host.

Little ornaments and accessories add soul to the kitchen, making it cosy and warm.

Glass doors allow this room to transcend into the exterior, where natural light, grass and trees play a huge role in the design of this house.

Basic bedroom

The bedroom in this house is phenomenally simple, elegant and funky. The main feature is of course the views of the outside, where nature collides with modern architecture, framed by beautiful, big glass windows.

The rest of the room is rather simple and sleek, with a bed and a little basket in the corner of the room for decoration. A wooden piece of furniture also enhances the room. This is a place to relax and unwind, escaping the clutter and the chaos of everyday life.

Because of the abundance of natural light, you'll notice that only one simple overhead light is needed in this room, illuminating the white space. Simplicity in its purest form!

The designers of Lara Rios House have managed to combine creativity with a minimalist structure, resulting in a house that is absolutely spectacular in every aspect.

If you like this house, check out: A Modern Family Palace In The Suburbs.

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Discover home inspiration!

Indoor vertical gardens can contribute to perceived fresher indoor air and improved indoor air quality.

Scholars have established positive links between green infrastructure, temperature moderation and improved health outcomes in cities.

Vertical gardens are a space‑efficient strategy and can be implemented with modular systems, multi‑level containers, hanging containers or racks to place plants at different heights.

Typical maintenance needs include ensuring adequate sunlight, monitoring humidity, selecting compatible species, providing regular watering and carrying out standard plant care.

Practical plant choices include ferns and ivy for humid indoor spaces such as bathrooms, herbs and compact vegetables for container-mounted vertical systems, and local edible varieties for household food production in suitable climates.

Design decisions should take into account light availability, humidity levels and the mounting system when selecting species and installation methods for indoor green walls.

Indoor green walls have psychological benefits described in the sources as calming or 'healing' and can improve occupant wellbeing.

Indoor vertical gardens and green walls offer aesthetic, thermal‑regulation, air‑quality and mental‑health benefits when designed with suitable plants and appropriate maintenance.