**Summary of Extracts on Indoor Green Walls (Vertical Gardens):**

- **Aesthetics & Space Maximization:** Indoor green walls—often achieved through mounted plant displays or woven panels—bring lush, natural beauty into living spaces.

They are perfect for small yards or tiny backyards, providing the illusion of more space (for example, with the use of mirrors) and creating living "privacy walls" that double as attractive focal points.

- **Climate Suitability:** Choice of plants depends on your local climate.

For tropical climates (e.g., as seen with Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd in Singapore), select species that thrive in warmth and humidity.

For other climates, adaptable or native plants should be chosen for better survival and lower maintenance.

- **Practical Benefits:**
  - **Air Purification:** Green walls improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants and adding oxygen, contributing to a healthier living environment.

- **Temperature Regulation:** These installations act as insulation, helping regulate indoor temperature, reduce heat in summer, and retain warmth in winter.

This can contribute to energy efficiency—important for environmental and budget reasons.

- **Enhanced Comfort & Mental Health:** Vertical gardens provide a tranquil, peaceful atmosphere.

Their presence can create sensory gardens, offering a retreat from daily stress, increasing relaxation, and improving mental wellbeing.

They also help dampen indoor noise—aiding those seeking quiet, restful spaces.

- **Energy Efficiency:** Integrating living walls can decrease energy consumption by reducing dependence on HVAC systems, which is both wallet and eco-friendly.

- **Flexibility:** Vertical gardens can be implemented outdoors—even in small, urban settings on patios, rooftops, or balconies—as well as indoors.

They can also serve as natural privacy screens or eye-catching design elements.

Using durable, climate-appropriate plants minimizes upkeep.

**Summary of Extracts on Indoor Green Walls (Vertical Gardens):**

- **Aesthetics & Space Maximization:** Indoor green walls—often achieved through mounted plant displays or woven panels—bring lush, natural beauty into living spaces.

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

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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.

They are perfect for small yards or tiny backyards, providing the illusion of more space (for example, with the use of mirrors) and creating living "privacy walls" that double as attractive focal points.

Title:

Content: Jump directly to the content
HAnging gardens

I have a tiny backyard so created a living privacy wall from Lowe’s – the mirror helps the space look bigger

A DESIGNER has brought a tropical forest to her tiny backyard by creating a living privacy wall from Lowe's.

She added a large mirror to her look, giving the illusion of an even bigger space.

Her vision was the bijou version of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

But making the most out of restrictive spaces is nothing new for this TikToker.

It is her specialism and she has rocked it with this lush backyard look.

Whitney Leigh Morris of Rightsizing Home and Garden (@whitneyleighmorris) has 200,000 followers and another 2.8 million likes on her platform.

"Sustainable small space designer,” is how she describes her remit.

In this post, she had fun using a woven fence panel as the foundation of her look.

“Creating a vertical garden in our tiny outdoor space," she wrote.

First, she installed a woven privacy wall from Lowe’s.

Once this was fixed into position, the creative work could begin.

First she hung a large round mirror onto it, helping this limited space look far bigger.

Then plants were pinned onto and around the fence panel.

The effect was that of a lush green canopy.

There were grapes, succulents, cacti, and flowering shrubs.

Gardening paraphernalia were also artfully hung on the wall.

Commenters loved the finished look.

“Wow beautiful," said one.

While another simply said: “Stunning.”

Topics

- **Climate Suitability:** Choice of plants depends on your local climate.

Title:

Content: Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd Now Provides Singapore Properties with Vertical Green Walls

Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd is famous for its vertical wall planters, green walls and flower backdrop in Singapore. The company caters to residential and commercial clients as well.

Singapore, 2023-Jan-04 — /EPR Network/ — Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd, the leading landscaping company in Singapore is offering vertical green walls to commercial and residential properties. Whether it is a retail showroom or a high rise, the vertical green wall is an innovative approach towards introducing nature amidst the concrete jungle.

The company uses quality vertical wall planters, ensuring the healthy growth of the plants. These vertical walls are easy to maintain, assemble, install, disassemble, and reinstall. The technique used by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd ensures the user does not have to spend much time tending and taking care of the plants.

Along with green walls, the company also provides clients with exquisite flower backdrops in Singapore to complement the greenery around them. It’s a long-term investment as a green wall can last up to 25 years.

Vertical walls by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd come with some unique features:

  • Custom design to suit the client’s needs.
  • Minimal watering of the green wall plants.
  • Ultra-low maintenance ensured.
  • Quick installation due to a modular system.
  • Use of plants that can survive in a tropical climate.

Why choose a vertical green wall?

  • Reduces waste of energy.
  • Improves air quality.
  • Makes the structure sustainable.
  • The space becomes more fire-resistant.
  • Minimizes ambient noise.

The general installation cost for a vertical green wall by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd ranges between $200 per square meter and $1200 per square meter, depending on the design, the kind of plants used and the installation process.

About the company:

One of the oldest nurseries in Singapore, Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd has 50 years of experience in the industry. Started out humbly as a flower shop, Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd have evolved into a full-fledged landscape design and installation specialist.

Contact Details

Telephone: 65 6763 7000

Fax: 65 6892 2700

WhatsApp: +65 8838 3479

Email: buzz@prince.com.sg

Address: 53 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 698998

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For tropical climates (e.g., as seen with Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd in Singapore), select species that thrive in warmth and humidity.

For other climates, adaptable or native plants should be chosen for better survival and lower maintenance.

- **Practical Benefits:**
  - **Air Purification:** Green walls improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants and adding oxygen, contributing to a healthier living environment.

- **Temperature Regulation:** These installations act as insulation, helping regulate indoor temperature, reduce heat in summer, and retain warmth in winter.

Title:

Content: Raised Patios, Rooftop Lounges and More: How Homeowners Are Transforming Small Yards In Big Ways

While most homeowners would love a spacious corner lot, the majority aren’t so lucky. Fortunately, limited space doesn’t have to mean limited use when it comes to your yard.

With a little creativity — and some clever use of space — today’s homeowners are transforming their small yards in some pretty big ways.

Do you have a backyard with limited square footage? Here are five ways to expand it and get more use from your yard.

[Building a Backyard Pond: Is It Worth It?]

Second-Floor Decks

Second-floor decks are “one of the most cost-effective” ways to transform a small outdoor area, according to Andrew Brown, a real estate advisor with Keller Williams Next Move Boston. With these, your deck expands off a room on your second floor — often a bedroom, den or game room — and then offers stairs down to the actual yard area.

“This option not only provides homeowners with a private outdoor retreat but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the property,” Brown says. “It can incorporate ideas like built-in seating, retractable awnings for shade and vertical gardens that add a touch of greenery without occupying floor space.”

You can also create staggered, multilevel decks that stem from a second or third floor.

“This can give you separate areas for dining, lounging or a fire pit,” says Artem Kropovinsky, founder of interior design firm Arsight in New York.

The cost of building a second-story deck varies widely, but according to HomeAdvisor, the average sits around $4,800 to $6,000 for a 10-foot by 12-foot space, or about $40 to $50 per square foot.

Rooftop Lounges

For homeowners with flat roofs — typically those in more urban settings — expanding to the top of the house may be an option. These rooftop areas can include everything from putting greens, herb gardens and workout areas to entertaining elements like pizza ovens, fire pits and hot tubs.

“For homes equipped to support them, transforming rooftop areas into garden terraces or entertainment spaces offers a unique outdoor living experience,” Brown says. Just be sure to consider marketability and resale value when building yours out, he says. (So don’t include extra-niche features that only you will enjoy.)

Also check with city building codes, as well as your homeowner’s association if you have one, before moving to the roof, as there may be rules dictating how your roof can be utilized.

[15 Cheap DIY Backyard Game Ideas for Summer]

Vertical Gardens

If you’re itching for a lush garden but don’t have the space, think upward — not outward, experts say. Just choose a fence or exterior wall of your home, and build a garden vertically instead.

“Use the space up from above and not from the ground,” Kropovinsky says. “Vertical gardening can make a little backyard into a verdant, space-effective sanctuary.”

As for how these work, it depends on your setup. You may be able to attach plants in individual baskets or planters to the wall directly, or you could install a trellis, wire or shelving system to support your foliage. Stacking upturned concrete blocks or bricks — and housing small plants and succulents within them — is also an option.

“When it comes to plants, the options are nearly endless,” says Joe Raboine, vice president of design at landscaping solutions company Belgard. “You can use green vining plants, edible plants or other colorful blooms.”

Smarter Seating

Everyone wants a place to kick back and relax in the great outdoors, but if you’re short on square footage, traditional patio furniture can be challenging — often taking up much more space than it’s worth.

One alternative here is to add a bench (or several.) You can even have benches installed on a wall or fence and fold out, allowing you to save even more space.

“Bench seating is a great way to create more usable space in a small backyard,” says Jared Blumberg, a real estate agent with Compass Werner Blumberg in New York. “A bench can generally accommodate more people and take up less space than a traditional outdoor chair.”

You can also opt for multipurpose items that function as seats and serve other purposes. Modular ottomans or stools with built-in storage are one option, for example.

[How to Make Your Yard a Pet-Friendly Oasis]

An Extension of Your Home

Last but not least, you can just skip the idea of having a traditional “yard” and have your outdoor space serve more of an extension of your home — like an extra room, almost. You can dedicate it to entertaining, dining or even playing a sport, experts say.

“At some point, a backyard becomes too small to really function as a proper yard,” says Rafi Friedman, chief executive officer at Coastal Luxury Interiors in Florida. “In these cases, you can often get the most value out of these spaces if you completely finish them into something else.”

This might mean turning your yard into a full-size swimming pool or pickleball court, or paving the lawn and adding a large table and chairs for al fresco dining.

And if you’re looking to become the new go-to spot among your neighbors, Friedman says, “Outdoor kitchens, bars and fire pits can be great ways to turn your small yard into a low-maintenance social gathering space.”

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Raised Patios, Rooftop Lounges and More: How Homeowners Are Transforming Small Yards In Big Ways originally appeared on usnews.com

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This can contribute to energy efficiency—important for environmental and budget reasons.

Title:

Content: Five must-have features of your dream home

Dani Meager and Stannard HomesSponsored

Your home is more than just a place to live. It’s an extension of your dreams and aspirations, a place to make memories with your loved ones, and a sanctuary to retreat from the world.

Everyone’s ‘dream home’ will be different but in essence, it should encompass that harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and personal preferences. Whatever your dream home looks like, certain features can help transform a house into the ultimate place to call home.

We’ve partnered with expert home builders Stannard Homes to discover some of the most popular features to incorporate into your ‘dream home’.

Spacious entryways and hallways

General Manager Stannard Homes Glenn Stannard said a well-designed entryway offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.

“It’s the first glimpse visitors have of your personal style and sets the stage for the rest of your home,” he said.

Beyond their aesthetic value, spacious hallways enhance the functionality of your home. They facilitate smooth and efficient movement, ensuring easy access to different areas without any feeling of congestion. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply going about your daily life, spacious hallways provide a sense of flow and allow for a seamless transition from one space to another.

Expert kitchen configuration

From fostering family togetherness to accommodating your culinary aspirations, the kitchen tends to be the heart of the home. A large kitchen serves as a hub for social interaction and family togetherness.

“With a spacious layout, there is room for everyone to gather and participate in meal preparation or engage in conversations, and a good configuration ensures that everything is within easy reach and well-organised,” Mr Stannard said.

Harmonious indoor/outdoor living

“We believe that incorporating outdoor living spaces into a home is important, as it creates a relaxed and unified living space,” Mr Stannard said.

By blurring the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors, you effectively expand your living space, giving you effortless access to the natural beauty and tranquillity of the outdoors. Whether it’s a spacious patio, a lush garden, or a cosy courtyard, these outdoor spaces become seamless additions to your living area, providing more room for relaxation, entertainment, and connection with nature.

“When designing outdoor spaces, we prioritise functionality and comfort, and of course ensure that they are beautiful and practical.”

Energy-efficient design

“Energy efficiency is crucial, not only for the environment but also for your wallet,” Mr Stannard said.

As environmental consciousness and sustainable living are becoming increasingly important, an energy-efficient home makes absolute sense.

“We always prioritise energy efficiency in our designs by incorporating solar passive design features including wide passageways for ventilation, north facing living zones and solar power and water.”

As well as improved comfort, lower costs and a minimal carbon footprint, energy efficiency is a forward-thinking approach that future-proofs your home and increases market value.

A large garage

When it comes to envisioning your dream home, a large garage may not be the first feature that comes to mind. However, the benefits of having ample garage space extend far beyond simply parking your cars.

With sufficient space, you can store not only your vehicles but also other belongings such as tools, seasonal equipment, sports gear, gardening supplies, and more. Incorporating shelving, cabinets, and workbenches allows you to keep everything neatly organised, maximising the efficiency of the space.

Stannard Homes believe that a well-designed home should be a source of pride and joy for its owners, and they strive to achieve this with every project they undertake. Visit the website to find out more.

- **Enhanced Comfort & Mental Health:** Vertical gardens provide a tranquil, peaceful atmosphere.

Title:

Content: The Most Popular Home Design Trends Coming in 2024, According to Zillow

While soft, cozy interiors dominated during the first few years of the pandemic, new data from the real estate website Zillow suggests that home decor is going to head in a different direction next year. Here’s a look at some of their predictions for the hottest home trends of 2024.

Zillow’s home design trend predictions for 2024

In order to determine next year’s hottest interior design trends, the team at Zillow tracked “nearly 300 home features and design styles mentioned in for-sale listing descriptions, then identified the keywords showing up far more frequently than a year ago,” according to a release from the company.

Here are three of the top trends to watch next year:

Murals

Instead of opting for gray walls with white shiplap, Zillow’s data indicates that people are ready to add some personality to their homes—specifically, in the form of murals. Their surge in popularity is likely due, at least in part, to being more accessible than ever before, thanks to wallpaper murals.

Brutalism

After years of emphasis on all-things comfy and cozy, Brutalist interior design takes things in another direction: Think concrete floors and other raw, exposed materials. While it’s unlikely to become as ubiquitous as other home design styles, like modern farmhouse, Zillow has seen a 452% increase in the share of for-sale listings that mention Brutalist design.

Sensory gardens

Both sensory gardens and sensory garden paths are poised to take off in 2024, according to Zillow. If you’re not familiar with the concept, here’s how we described sensory gardens in a 2021 Lifehacker article:

Essentially, a sensory garden is exactly what it sounds like: a garden designed to be experienced using all five senses (touch, smell, taste, sound and sight). There isn’t a single “formula” for a sensory garden—it’s all about adding certain features to a new or existing garden to fully engage anyone who visits, providing them with an immersive experience.

Having outdoor space continues to be important to potential homebuyers—especially if it’s both beautiful and functional.

Their presence can create sensory gardens, offering a retreat from daily stress, increasing relaxation, and improving mental wellbeing.

They also help dampen indoor noise—aiding those seeking quiet, restful spaces.

Title:

Content: Why background noise at home is driving us mad – and how to get away from it

The chugging, huffing, whirring or gurgling of our homes and interiors can feel deafening and distracting, but there is another way to live

Just the other day, I was working from home while my two young adult sons were both isolating. One was on the PlayStation obliterating endless Action Man types, while the other was blasting old-school Pulp from his Spotify. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the tumble drier was humming, the oven fan was droning, the kettle was bubbling and my email was ping-ping-pinging. Suddenly, my two dogs, who must have detected a murmur only accessible to canine ears (how overwhelming must this modern world be for our pets?), started barking like loons. In a fit of acute tension, I bellowed at them, “Be quiet!” (Yes, I am aware of the irony).

Our world today is thick with noise. Everything is either bleeping, chugging, huffing, whirring or gurgling. There aren’t enough verbs to describe it all. And while most of us have conditioned ourselves to live alongside it, there are repercussions. On a daily basis, when we are exposed to a loud or sudden sound, our primary stress hormone, cortisol, kicks in and anxiety surges – we all know how agitated we can get when there is an onslaught of tech and electronic chatter. The World Health Organisation says that noise pollution has a considerable detrimental effect on our wellbeing, and is second only to air pollution as the world’s largest killer pollutant.

Noise is also a significant distraction. It blurs the edges of clarity and stymies our thought process. Studies have shown that continuous background noise plays a negative role in the development of child learning capabilities. While a British Journal of Psychology study found, whether reading or writing, invasive sound killed productivity. From personal experience, I always notice how my mind wanders off on amazing tangents whenever I am immersed in silence for lengthy periods of time. Once the outside world is muffled, the power of the creative brain is liberated.

So, what can we do to turn down the volume on our lives? Much of it is about personal choice, especially when it comes to our homes and the way we want to exist. Since the pandemic, and the enforced time in our four walls, people are more conscious of the hullabaloo their environment creates. Simon Gosling, CMO of Quiet Mark, a certification programme for quiet products, says, “Our homes are getting noisier due to mass consumerism and tech. There is so much stuff available, but most of it makes a racket. Products are often created with their aesthetic appeal in mind, however we’re seeing a growth in manufacturers prioritising quiet innovation to improve the sound of their appliances. Consumers are getting increasingly savvy about what they buy.”

Taking noise abatement a step further, Quiet Mark recently launched their Acoustics Academy platform, an online guide to inform architects, building specifiers and homeowners on the best acoustic building materials and interiors. “There are all sorts of incredible advances out there,” reveals Simon, “Like sound reduction floors and walls, special acoustic plaster which can be used in ceilings, and lighting and furniture that absorbs noise… When a home is being built or renovated from scratch its sound design can now be at the top of the list. We’ve all sat in those kitchens with hard flat surfaces where you feel you’re in an echo chamber. That doesn’t have to be the case.”

And if you want the whole package, coming soon: the Kiss House. A new modern style of home, pre-designed and built to Passivhaus international gold standard for ecological efficiency. Mike Jacob, Director of Product and Innovation, says: “These homes have such high levels of installation and attention to detail, you feel cocooned from any external noise pollution. There is a deep sense of privacy, comfort and quality.”

But if moving home, or even renovating, isn’t on your agenda right now, there are easier things we can all do to lower the tone. Creating a sense of serenity might simply mean altering your colour palette to softer hues, or bringing nature into the home with a display of plants, or conceiving a quiet nook where you can unplug and be still. It might just be thinking about what you can let go. Do you really need a TV in the bedroom? A whizzy toothbrush in the bathroom? Or Alexa backchatting your every request?

Ayshea McCormack, founder of The Small Home, an online shop committed to paired-back ethical products, is mindful about her own interiors. “I select shades of white as a backdrop for my rooms, and I love the paint brand, Atelier Ellis. They have the most exquisite different whites - Warm White is my all-time favourite. It’s also important for me to create zones where one can retreat. We have an unspoken house rule that this is a place you can go to withdraw, to read or write undisturbed. I have a pair of noise cancelling headphones in my calm corner which I wear regularly with nothing playing through them - just to remind my family I don’t want to be interrupted!”

Muting life should not be seen as turning your back, but simply a chance to take a breath. Because when the volume is lowered, it might just be quiet enough to hear what’s really going on around you.

‘Silent except for the soporific trickling of the fountain’

Sue Ashton is a garden designer based in Burford, Oxfordshire. Her conservatory is a legacy from her parents, and the place where she retreats from the hubbub of the world

There’s one word to sum up Sue Ashton’s garden conservatory: enchanting. Bursting with greenery, dotted with blooms and silent except for the soporific trickling of the fountain in one corner, it truly is a haven. Sue moved to this house 11 years ago after her parents passed away; the garden and conservatory had always been the family’s much-loved homage to nature.

“My mother was a botanist and both she and my father were keen gardeners,” reveals Sue. “When they bought this house in 1985, there was a dilapidated Victorian glass orangery but it was too rundown to restore, so my father had this conservatory built to his specifications. A fountain was installed and the space divided into two parts: a cool end to grow his favourite auriculas, and a larger section with a fireplace to help support more exotic plants.”

As a designer, Sue spends a lot of her time on various sites where, she says, she sees gardens turned into mud pits and stripped of foliage before being transformed to create a client’s dream landscape.

Returning to her conservatory always acts as a reassuring constant in her life. “I enjoy the thought that I am continuing the process started by my parents; I think about them a lot when I am in here,” she says. “I also love the fact that it is forever either in bloom or awash with greenery. Like now, there are tons of ferns, succulents, pelargoniums, grape vines and a beautiful blue plumbago. Glorious.”

From spring onwards, when the weather starts to warm up, this space serves many purposes. Sue and her husband will often eat in here, or sit reading, or even entertain friends with a glass of wine in the evening. (“It looks beautiful lit up with loads of candles.”) But most of all, Sue retreats to her conservatory to soothe her mind. “I do a lot of pottering,” she laughs.

“When I am alone, immersed in my tending, it completely calms me. To keep a happy-looking conservatory going, a lot of fiddling is required. But it’s the best way to relax and stops me thinking about all the other issues running through my mind. There’s a quote by the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, which goes something like: “Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but the peace within the storm.” That’s how I feel when I retreat to my conservatory. I am at peace there.”

Sue opens her garden by private arrangement in aid of local charities

‘Whenever I can, I’ll sit in this room and take time to pause’

Shalini Misra, is an interior designer specialising in holistic and biophilic design. The family home in northwest London is testimony to her style

“It’s extremely important for me to be connected to nature,” reveals Shalini, “so when I designed this garden room, I wanted floor-to-ceiling windows so that the inside would blend with the outside. We’ve been in this house 20 years; the family before lived here 30 years and they put a lot of energy into the 150ft garden. There are incredible mature trees everywhere: red beech, oak, silver birch, chestnut; it’s so wonderful to relax in this room and absorb that view.”

Shalini is drawn to this space when she wants time out, so it was crucial for the interiors to exude comfort and calm. “I’ve chosen soft colours and a mix of tactile textures, two vintage 1950s chairs for their lived-in factor, and an Italian Fornasetti floor with a distinctive pattern, which actually reminds me of the twigs and branches in the garden. As a practitioner of luminotherapy, considered lighting is key, so I’ve included a chandelier which gives a more subtle glow and works as a focal point for the room. I love anything upcycled – the sofa was an old Flexform design, which I had reupholstered. It’s so well-worn and comfy; my absolute favourite thing is to cosy up on it and read a book.”

As a designer, surrounded by beautiful interiors and exposed to a continual stream of the latest accessories, Shalini makes a conscious decision to balance her work with sustainable products. “I am always on the lookout for striking vintage items,” she says. “Alfie’s Antiques near to my home is a favourite. I find repurposing items an absolute joy – if there is the chance to repaint something, add a different handle, or change the material, I will. Plus I am an advocate for locally sourced products. When I design homes in the UK, I try to choose British – there are forests here growing sustainable timber. Then when I am in India, I encourage clients to buy from our own craftsmen and designers. My house in Delhi was built and decorated with everything sourced in India.”

With three children and a high-profile career, Shalini’s life is jam-packed. Taking a moment to stop, breathe and enjoy the peaceful view is integral to her wellbeing. “I am someone who is always buzzing with ideas and considering what may come next,” she laughs. “So to ground me I meditate and practice yoga every morning. Then, whenever I can, I’ll sit in this room and take time to pause. Just the process of actively slowing down helps to organise my brain and focus my thinking. Then I am ready to get on with my day.”

‘When I’m designing my home, I think about the soundscape’

Poppy Szkiler is the co-founder and CEO of Quiet Mark, the independent global certification programme which identifies the quietest home appliances and tech, building sector materials and commercial product noise reduction solutions. Poppy works from her home in south London, where she lives with her husband Paul, CEO of Truestone, and cat, Elijah

The crusade for a quiet environment is in Poppy’s DNA. Her grandfather, John Connell OBE, founded the Noise Abatement Society in 1959, a charity which campaigned against noise pollution. “Funnily enough,” laughs Poppy, “I believe my grandfather wrote to The Daily Telegraph in the 1950s, asking if anyone else was experiencing the significant increase in noise. The newspaper published his letter and loads of replies poured in, supporting him.”

An extension of the charity, and co-founded at the kitchen table with Poppy’s mother, Gloria Elliott OBE, Quiet Mark came about in 2012 as the next step in understanding how noise impacts our mental and physical health, and what alternatives we can choose to alleviate the crescendo. “There is much wonder and comfort to living in a quiet space,” says Poppy. “We need a release from the constant bleeping.”

Poppy reveals that sound awareness is rapidly moving into the public’s consciousness. “We have various partnerships with retailers, such as John Lewis who tell us they have over 10,000 online searches for quiet products every month. Our expert teams of acoustic consultants test and verify products, checking the claims of manufacturers.

“It is a complex, scientific and lengthy process which includes measuring decibels, frequency, tone and overall sound quality, culminating in our unique extensive database of acoustic performance for over 80 product categories.

“We really are very geeky, and if something is recommended by Quiet Mark, you know it has been put through its paces. Yet we never name and shame; we simply feature the top 10 to 20 per cent of the best on the market each year to make it super easy for the consumer to choose well by looking out for our Quiet Mark ‘Q’ stamp of approval.”

In her own home, Poppy has sound reduction at the top of her priority list. Although, she says, visitors may not notice anything visually different when they walk in, there are all kinds of thoughtful additions to increase aural comfort: triple-glazed windows, absorbent flooring, special acoustic plaster, a quiet extractor fan and, of course, an array of discreet appliances. She has even created a beautiful wild garden, seen from her kitchen, to encourage the lulling comfort of birdsong.

“When I’m designing my home, I don’t think immediately about the look, I prioritise the soundscape,” she says. “In this house, I’ve created a modern monastic feel, lots of white space and less things; a sanctuary to feel at peace in.

“For me, silence is crucial. It takes me back to what is most important. And when I sit in quiet, I have my best thoughts; I can find the answers. Especially now, when the world feels so strange, what I experience in quietness is my life source.”

How to live peacefully side by side…

If you live in a property that is attached to your neighbours’, you will be likely to hear each other from time to time. So, if you are doing something that is noisy (home DIY), think about the time of day you are doing it and the effect the noise may be having on them

If you are holding a party, invite the neighbours – they will be less likely to complain about the noise if they are with you!

If you are bothered by noise from your neighbours, speak to them about it first. They may not realise the noise is causing you a problem

If talking doesn’t help, you can complain to your local authority’s environmental health team. They will come and investigate to see if you are experiencing a noise nuisance. The noise must be affecting you quite badly for a nuisance to be found, so simply hearing your neighbours will not cut it

The same principle applies to noise from nearby commercial or industrial premises. Speak to them first and, if that doesn’t work, contact your local authority. In this case, however, even if a nuisance is found, it does not necessarily mean the noise will be reduced as there is a defence of Best Practicable Means, which recognises when the noise-maker has done all they reasonably can to mitigate the impact

Further information can be found at: Institute of Acoustics, the Association of Noise Consultants, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland

Courtesy of Stephen Turner – President of the Institute of Acoustics

Shop it - create a more tranquil home

- **Energy Efficiency:** Integrating living walls can decrease energy consumption by reducing dependence on HVAC systems, which is both wallet and eco-friendly.

- **Flexibility:** Vertical gardens can be implemented outdoors—even in small, urban settings on patios, rooftops, or balconies—as well as indoors.

They can also serve as natural privacy screens or eye-catching design elements.

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Content: AD It Yourself

How to Create an Outdoor Oasis When You’re Short on Space

Experts chime in with smart solutions for limited backyard square footage, from plant propagation to thinking vertically

Though we can daydream of summer lunches beneath a pergola, the reality for many of us is that square footage is limited. But with great small backyard ideas, having limited outdoor space shouldn’t be a reason to discard your fantasy of a lush retreat at home. There are many innovative ways to craft an inviting outdoor retreat yourself, from layering your plants strategically to using multipurpose furniture. Below, we asked three experts to weigh in on how to create a compact oasis that will leave guests wondering your secrets.

Figure out your budget and plant hardiness zone

Maryah Greene, New York–based plant doctor, stylist, and founder of Greene Piece, recommends putting some thought into how much you’d like to spend and what plants will work best in your zone. “Consider this before going hard and decking your outdoor space out [completely], because you may find that you only get to enjoy those plants for a few months unless they’re perennials,” she advises. “The most common mistake that people make is investing a ton of money into their outdoor space just to realize that some of those plants won’t grow back next year!”

When choosing plants for a truly tight space, Fernando Rubio, landscape architect and founder of Defined Outdoors, picks plants that thrive in those conditions. “Opt for compact varieties such as herbs, dwarf shrubs, and container-friendly trees,” he says. “Also, consider using small-size foliage to add a layered, multidepth feel to your outdoor space.”

For budget-conscious DIY’ers, Greene suggests repurposing extra indoor items as planters or decorative elements. You should also try propagating, she says. “Different plants propagate differently, but for the ones that are cutting propagations, plop your cutting into a jar of water until it roots. From there, you can plant it in your garden or outdoor space without spending a dime on a new plant.”

Find practical solutions for your tiny footprint

Lacking a “typical” outdoor space? Small space consultant, author, designer, and stylist Whitney Leigh Morris dares you to get creative when it comes to small backyard ideas. “Even the tiniest slice of outdoor space surrounding your home can be transformed into a functional and tranquil retreat without much effort,” she says. “A stoop, driveway, porch, or miniature garden can all be effective ways to enlarge and enhance your living space. In order to maximize utility, keep reality in mind rather than being lured into styles that don’t suit your practical needs or the qualities of your surroundings.”

One of Greene’s favorite ways for urbanites to flex their green thumbs is by planting in window boxes. “If your fire escape allows you to sit a small planter right outside your window, this can make for a great place to grow herbs or add a few colorful flowers,” she adds. Just remember to keep safety first; avoid obstructing the pathway. Morris is a fan of container gardens, “whether [it’s] repurposed, staggered-height pots, wall-mounted vessels, or balcony planters,” she says.

All three experts were keen on the idea of vertical gardening. “Vertical elements like hanging planters, wall-mounted planters, trellises, and pedestals can draw the eye upwards, creating the illusion of more space. Plus these elements can also add privacy and serve as a focal point in your outdoor space,” Rubio says.

Make it an extension of your home

You don’t need a massive patio or garden for dreamy indoor-outdoor living. The key is continuity: Decorate your outdoor space just like you would your interiors. “Don’t overlook ambiance,” Morris says. “It’s not just important for visual impact, but for your nervous system and well-being too. Soft, warm-hued lighting; soothing sounds; lush greenery; textile layers such as outdoor rugs and upholstery; and privacy borders, from billowing curtains to trellises to folding screens, can all play a vital and impactful role in establishing a serene setting.”

Lighting can make all the difference in how your space feels,” Rubio adds. “Adding some ambient lighting like string lights or lanterns can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. If you’re handy, task lighting—like spotlights or pendant lights—can also highlight specific areas or features.”

Rubio also advises keeping the design simple and pared back, if that’s your vibe. “When working with limited space, a minimalist approach to layout and design can make your space feel more spacious and relaxing,” he says. “Streamlined design elements, a simple color palette, and plenty of negative space can help create a visually appealing and calming outdoor oasis. Plus it makes maintenance a lot easier in the long run.”

Prioritize function

To make sure your small outdoor space is one you’ll actually use, consider what will make the reimagined zone work best for you. “For example, if you get abundant rain, make sure to use weather-proof pieces and incorporate waterproof storage into your design features,” Morris offers. “If you entertain a great deal, keep not only your guests in mind but also their belongings. Where will everything be placed to avoid overcrowding when you host? If your outdoor area is exposed to ongoing direct sun, explore safe methods of blocking the sun through plants, umbrellas, or sail shades.”

For Greene, it’s all about growing what you can use. “Herbs, veggies, flowers…if you cook a lot or just enjoy the occasional bouquet on your table, save yourself money and reward yourself,” she says.

Meanwhile, Rubio recommends smart outdoor furniture: “In small outdoor spaces every inch counts, so incorporating multifunctional elements can be a game changer,” he says. “Benches with built-in storage or planters that double as seating can maximize your space and make your outdoor area more practical. Modular furniture is also a smart option, allowing you to easily rearrange and adapt your space as needed.”

Using durable, climate-appropriate plants minimizes upkeep.


**Summary Nuggets: Vertical Gardens & Sustainable Design (based on extract)**

- **Resourcefulness & Reuse**: Sustainable design increasingly focuses on reusing existing materials and spaces.

Vertical gardens represent this ethos, as they often repurpose surfaces or incorporate recycled materials, turning conventional walls into living, productive elements.

- **Modularity & Adaptability**: The rise of modular meeting spaces and booths highlights the importance of flexibility in green design—vertical gardens, with their modular systems, similarly allow easy installation, reconfiguration, and maintenance in various workplace settings.

- **Nature Integration & Local Context**: The wisdom of place—drawing from local traditions and environments—guides effective sustainable design.

Vertical gardens adapted to local climates and uses maximize both environmental impact and cultural resonance.

- **Daylighting & Air Quality**: Harnessing natural light is emphasized for healthier buildings.

Green walls complement this by improving indoor air quality, acting as natural air filters, and supporting thermal comfort—reducing reliance on artificial climate control.

- **Mental Well-being & Connection**: Sustainable spaces, especially with green elements like vertical gardens, foster stronger human-environment bonds.

Employees or occupants feel more invested and connected to spaces where greenery thrives, boosting mental health and satisfaction.

- **Technology & Design Democratization**: Advances in building technology (such as sensors and digital scanning) enable architects and users to visualize, program, and easily maintain dynamic features like green walls, opening sustainable design to wider participation.

- **Material Choices & Cycles**: There are no 'villain' materials—efficacy depends on appropriate use.

Vertical gardens exemplify this pragmatic approach by utilizing available and suitable plant species and substrates aligned with the building’s context.

**Summary Nuggets: Vertical Gardens & Sustainable Design (based on extract)**

- **Resourcefulness & Reuse**: Sustainable design increasingly focuses on reusing existing materials and spaces.

Title:

Content: advertisement
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How businesses learned to embrace sustainable design—and where it’s headed next

We look at the winners of Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards over the past 10 years as a lens onto a broader shift toward sustainable design thinking.

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When Fast Company launched the Innovation by Design Awards in 2012 to honor creativity in business, just two of the winning entries embraced sustainability as a central design thesis.

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This year, roughly a third of the winners prioritize the environment, ranging from a converted coal power plant to a device that transforms salt water into electricity. As the effects of climate change become increasingly visceral, spreading fires, hurricanes, and other disasters around the globe, design is becoming a crucial tool of adaptation. “Designing for human survival will become the new necessary field of design,” says Slow Factory Foundation founder Céline Semaan in a special Fast Company report on where the industry can have the greatest impact in the next decade.

In some ways, eco-friendliness has always been a key aspect of good design. Legendary industrial designer Dieter Rams declared it nearly 50 years ago, as one of his 10 principles of good design. But the parameters of what constitutes sustainable design have shifted over time. Is a plastic coffee maker that lasts 20 years, but ultimately ends up in a landfill, really sustainable? Today, many designers understand that every part of product development, from the materials used to a product’s afterlife, must be carefully considered to limit waste. Others have gone a step further and found creative ways to actively reuse waste. Forust, the winner of this year’s Innovation by Design Award in materials, uses 3D printing to turn sawdust into furniture, bowls, and other accessories. RED, the winner of 2019’s student Innovation by Design Award, explored using red mud, a waste product of aluminum manufacturing, to create gorgeous ceramics and building materials.

Some designs were simply ahead of their time. An early winner of Innovation by Design was the Fisker Karma, one of the world’s first luxury plug-in electric vehicles. It had a solar panel on its roof and sustainable materials inside, like trim made from salvaged wood. “The Fisker shows what you can do by taking risks in sedan design,” judge Erica Eden of Smart Design said at the time. Shortly thereafter, the company went out of business when its sole battery supplier filed for bankruptcy. Intriguingly, the Karma’s design ideas live on in this year’s winner of the products category, Polestar 2. An electric car spun out of Volvo’s skunkworks lab, it has seat backs crafted from old water bottles and carpet made from fishing nets. It also uses blockchain technology to trace the origin of its cobalt, a key component of lithium-ion batteries that is often mined to devastating effect on both people and the planet. Polestar’s investment in these features shows the long tail of bold design.

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Many of the biggest strides in sustainable design over the past 10 years have come from architects. This may be a case of necessity breeding invention: Architecture and construction are responsible for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions, an astonishing footprint for an industry that doesn’t garner nearly the attention of polluters like agriculture (representing 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions) and aviation (representing about 2%). Architects have responded with a range of thoughtful solutions, including offices that usher the outdoors in and buildings that generate more power than they consume, but adaptive reuse may be the profession’s most impactful legacy. It’s the idea that one of the greenest ways to build is to reuse what’s already there. In Long Island City in Queens, New York, the architecture firms SWA/Balsley and Weiss/Manfredi converted an abandoned industrial landscape into a 30-acre park that is designed to protect the area from rising flood waters. The project, called Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park, was an Innovation by Design winner in 2019. Two years later, the Chicago architecture firm Studio Gang has won accolades for another adaptation of industrial space, the Beloit Powerhouse, which transformed a coal power plant into a gym and student center at Beloit College in Wisconsin.

Some areas of design still have a ways to go. Disposable goods remain far too common in retail, and fashion and tech companies are particularly guilty of flooding markets with planned obsolescence in mind. “After nearly 15 years, I am using my fourth iPhone,” Frog Design founder Hartmut Esslinger tells Fast Company in the special report on design’s future impact. “Each time I had to buy a new one because of CPU (central processing unit) performance, [and] I put otherwise perfectly functioning products into my closet.” He calls on designers to extend their thinking beyond products and services to the very economic forces underpinning their work. “Recycling is a good thing, but not enough,” he says. “Design must inspire a new economic model and deliver much more long-term solutions.”

See more from Fast Company’s 2021 Innovation by Design Awards. Our new book, Fast Company Innovation by Design: Creative Ideas That Transform the Way We Live and Work (Abrams, 2021), is on sale now.

About the author

Suzanne LaBarre is the editor of Co.Design. Previously, she was the online content director of Popular Science and has written for the New York Times, the New York Observer, Newsday, I.D

More

Vertical gardens represent this ethos, as they often repurpose surfaces or incorporate recycled materials, turning conventional walls into living, productive elements.

- **Modularity & Adaptability**: The rise of modular meeting spaces and booths highlights the importance of flexibility in green design—vertical gardens, with their modular systems, similarly allow easy installation, reconfiguration, and maintenance in various workplace settings.

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World Environment Day: 5 sustainable and eco-friendly design ideas that can transform your workplace into a green haven

Jun 04, 2023 05:47 PM IST

On this World Environment Day, embrace a greener future with these five innovative and sustainable design ideas to transform workspaces into eco-conscious hubs.

World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, is a global initiative that raises awareness about pressing environmental issues. It is a reminder of our responsibility to protect the planet. With an increasing focus on environment-friendly practices, "future of workplace" has evolved into a more sustainable approach to design spaces that we work in. Creating a sustainable workspace is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the well-being and productivity of employees. In honour of World Environment Day, let's discover five innovative and practical design ideas that can transform your workplace into a green haven, fostering sustainability and eco-consciousness. (Also read: 5 environment-friendly and cost-effective home design strategies )

Sustainable Workspace Design Ideas

Apoorv Mittal, Architect, Concept Consilio India Pvt. Ltd, shares with HT Lifestyle, five innovative design ideas that not only enhance productivity and well-being but also prioritise environmental sustainability.

1. Use furniture and fixtures that are sourced locally

A huge part of designing a space sustainably is to source all the furniture and fixtures locally. This cuts down immensely on carbon emissions in transportation and in turn, helps in reducing building costs of the project.

2. Provide green areas in and around the office

Pockets of green around the office can create a net positive impact on the well-being of the users as well as give the space a refreshing energy. Furthermore, there can be several HR initiatives that can help support the biophilic nature of this design scheme; such as "adopt a plant" and the use of hydroponic plants.

3. Use of modular meeting spaces and booths

Modular meeting spaces and modular booths are great innovations in truly reusing and recycling not only the waste that we create but also the spaces we use. Using such modular settings enables the design to last longer, which in turn leads to a more sustainable approach.

4. Proper use of natural light

Designing efficiently to maximize the use of natural light can reduce the load of electricity consumed by a space. On similar lines, the use of diffused light should be considered and utilised as much as possible to increase visibility while reducing the heat incurred. This brings down the air conditioning needs of the design as well.

5. Utilizing eco-friendly materials

The utilization of eco-friendly materials involves employing natural alternatives instead of synthetic products, which not only imparts a visually appealing natural aesthetic but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly approach. An example of such an alternative is the use of cork boards as a substitute for synthetic materials in the construction of acoustic panels. By opting for cork boards, we not only achieve a rich natural appearance but also prioritize sustainability and the preservation of our ecosystem.

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- **Nature Integration & Local Context**: The wisdom of place—drawing from local traditions and environments—guides effective sustainable design.

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Content: Gloria Cabral: “Everything Begins With the Wisdom of a Place”

Gloria Cabral: “Everything Begins With the Wisdom of a Place”

Born in Brazil and educated in Paraguay, Gloria Cabral is an architect who early on learned that home can be many places—or none at all. Guided by a comprehensive understanding of the geography, culture, and social conditions of the places she designs, she has left her mark on buildings and artistic installations constructed in various locations, from Assumption to Venice.

Besides her interest in the specificities of the places where she operates, Gloria focuses on resource economy and material reuse — a trending theme that Gloria has championed for over fifteen years. We had the opportunity to speak with the architect about her experiences in Paraguay and Brazil, some of her works involving recycled brick, and her insights into architecture and sustainability.

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Romullo Baratto (ArchDaily): Until recently, I did not know you were Brazilian. I always thought you were Paraguayan. I would like to hear about your childhood in these two countries.

Gloria Cabral: My parents are Paraguayans, and they came to work in São Paulo. They already had two children at the time, but my younger sister and I were born in São Paulo. We lived on Bela Cintra Street, right in the center. Last year, I visited the building where we lived. It's still there, small and beautiful. It's curious how, upon visiting, I realized that it is actually much smaller than the image I had in my memory.

In my childhood, we spent a lot of time at MASP and Ibirapuera Park. My mother loved Ibirapuera and even studied landscaping there with Burle Marx. When I was six, we returned to Paraguay, and at the age of nine, I joined the Colegio Experimental Paraguay-Brasil, designed by Affonso Eduardo Reidy. That was my journey from one marvelous building to another. I completed my entire elementary education in that building and was fascinated by those concrete structures. I knew they were not just for providing shade. It was great to walk under those beams during recess.

RB: In interviews, you often mention that you are neither from here nor there, and your father used to say you're a citizen of the world. This brings to mind the word "desterrar" (to be unrooted or without land). Perhaps you are a kind of unrooted person or, even more, someone with many "lands"—many places to call home. This seems an essential aspect of your personal story. How has this influenced how you perceive and practice architecture, a discipline so deeply connected to a sense of place?

GC: Interestingly, I find myself in situations where people do not know if I am Paraguayan or Brazilian. But now, I truly feel I belong to both places. I have this fondness for putting down roots wherever I go. For feeling like I belong to the local culture. For taking off my shoes and sensing the energy of the place.

I enjoy sensing and understanding how people live in each location. Once this is comprehended, I try to envision how to enhance these spaces. That is our tool – how we can improve people's quality of life by changing scales and altering the proportions of spaces. I do not believe there is only one way to think about architecture. There are thousands of approaches for each situation.

When someone commissions a project, be it for an office, a house, or anything else, understanding the context and the way people live enables us to envision improvements. By grasping the unique dynamics of the place, we can always find ways to enhance it not just for the client, but for everyone around them. And what works here might be entirely different in Stockholm, for example. But I can work both here and in Stockholm with bricks and demolition materials. Creating shade in a place with only 6 hours of sunlight in winter does not make much sense. Designing a place that offers shelter and protection with the same materials, that's when it starts to make sense.

RB: You started designing in Paraguay. How did the landscapes there influence your projects?

GC: In Paraguay, after finishing high school, I was not sure if I would study architecture, medicine, or something related to mathematics. I chose architecture, perhaps influenced by my mother. Initially, the university seemed trivial, concerned only with aesthetics and what was trendy at that moment. When I realized that we could bring about change through architecture, that it is our tool for making the societal transformations we desire, that's when I truly started to enjoy the profession. I was on the verge of quitting the course when I discovered the work of Gabinete de Arquitectura. Understanding how we could change society through our discipline made me realize that this was what I wanted to do.

One characteristic of Paraguay's landscape is that temperatures can reach almost 50ºC. So, my practice revolved around figuring out how to create architecture that does not rely heavily on air conditioning. At Gabinete de Arquitectura, our research heavily focuses on creating shading structures to shield us from the sun — a crucial aspect that has always held great value in Paraguay. The challenge now is dealing with extreme heat in places not accustomed to such temperatures. It has become a global necessity: architecture that is not heavily dependent on air conditioning, incorporating passive comfort strategies.

I believe everything begins with the wisdom of a place. However, when you not only understand what to do but also why you're doing it, wisdom transforms into adaptable knowledge applicable to any region.

RB: I have realized that your approach to architecture extends beyond conventional aspects of geography like territory, topography, biomes, and climate. Your comprehensive view of geography also embraces the social aspect. This is evident in the practices at Gabinete de Arquitectura, where there's a distinct interest in the materiality of brick, particularly due to its connection with Paraguayan culture. In Latin America, characterized by economic scarcity, it seems there is an expansion in the understanding of the landscape that goes beyond mere territory considerations to encompass social and economic spheres.

GC: Certainly! For example, when clients approached Gabinete, we aimed to maximize the built area within the available budget. A good example is the rehabilitation project for Teletón: the funds available would cover only a third of the required area, and there was a long waiting list of children in need. I knew that if we could lower the cost per square meter, we could offer more built space and provide all the necessary services, such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and speech therapy.

If we didn't construct the entire necessary area, the children would have to wait until the following year to receive certain treatments. That was the pressure the project was under.

Doing this required a significant planning effort to reuse all the demolished bricks. However, it was crucial to ensure that reusing them did not incur an additional cost in the budget. When I talk about economic issues, it is not a matter of finances. It is about energy savings. If we were to reuse the bricks in the Teletón project, we would have to clean the demolition bricks and then prefabricate the closure modules again, for instance. At that time, bricks were inexpensive in Paraguay, so the cost of buying new bricks, breaking them, and using them, or taking demolition bricks, breaking them, sorting them, and using them was practically the same.

However, I knew we would save on the energy spent in producing new bricks and allocate about 65% of the budget to labor, instead of new materials, by using demolition bricks. This would involve more work and more people on the construction site, resulting in less embodied energy. It also meant more complications, especially when dealing with the inherent challenges of working with people. Certainly, it was easier to call a supplier and order new bricks than to plan and calculate everything that reuse entailed.

We were also going against all members of the Foundation's Board, who wanted to build quickly. It required calculating how many people we needed to hire to avoid exceeding the deadline and not spending more money. In the office, this meant a lot more work. The same happened with the glass we used, all from rejected tempered glass with flaws. By purchasing these glasses and using them creatively in the openings, we reduced glass expenses to one-fifth, and with that savings alone, we managed to build an additional 300 square meters. That was the challenge: how to do more with less.

RB: I immediately made a connection with your indecision between architecture and mathematics. It seems your approach to architecture is closely intertwined with mathematics, calculations, and spreadsheets. A pragmatic approach that involves solving a complex puzzle.

GC: When I joined Gabinete, we spent more time working on Excel spreadsheets than on actual drawings, seeking ways to cut the budget. The spreadsheet was crucial. It is not just mathematics; it is logic. We exchanged this for that and opted for this glass instead of that one...

RB: Yet, it is socially and economically responsible, and using the word everyone employs, sustainable. In the end, it is about saving resources. It is a logical exercise, as you mentioned, to do more with less.

GC: Exactly. When I started giving lectures in 2008, our projects were seen as picturesque. A novelty, something unusual. Now, people call me because they need to learn new ways of building. Especially in Europe, where there are already many laws in this regard, they are seeking examples and different ways of practicing architecture. The questions are all practical. "How did you do this?" "How do you work with bricks in this way?" "Is it possible to do it with wood?" These questions are frequent. They indicate an urgent interest in reusing materials that would have been discarded and turned into waste before.

For me, the idea of disposal, of waste, shouldn't exist. It's incongruent with the notion of sustainability. Everything has to be part of the cycle. We are discriminating against a material, setting it aside, but it's not to the side; it's right there.

RB: This material will be somewhere on the planet...

GC: Certainly. I am starting a research project with an artist here in Santa Catarina who works with discarded fishing nets. She began weaving and creating sculptures with these nets, which are usually thrown into the sea. A single boat can have about 30 of these nets. I am exploring how they can be used in the construction of prefabricated elements. In other words, it is about using what we have around us. Here, perhaps it is not bricks but fishing nets — it is essential to observe the specificities of the place.

It is clear that, in other situations, it will be necessary to produce new materials. There is no good or bad material. There are no villains. The material itself is not bad. Concrete is not bad. Concrete is great for many things. But we need to think about the best way to use it. If we prioritize demolition materials, the use of concrete becomes a fraction of what would be initially required. Concrete remains great for many things, but we need to find the right equation and the relevance of using a particular material in different contexts.

RB: Speaking of waste and unconventional materials in construction, I read that you are also working with biomaterials. Can you talk about that?

GC: I conduct research when invited to teach at universities. In Panama, Bolivia, Hong Kong, and Paraguay, I guided students to use materials that closed the cycle. We worked with mycelium, algae, cork, bioconcrete, translucent wood, and more. The most interesting part is that, typically, these students continue their research later on. It's a new universe that needs to be explored.

It is not just about stopping the production of materials that do not close the cycle but using traditional materials combined with new ones to close the loop. The idea of waste needs to disappear from our minds.

RB: Parece que esse é o único caminho possível para a arquitetura — e a sociedade — encontrar um equilíbrio. Ainda sobre reuso, gostaria de ouvir você falar sobre seu projeto na última Bienal de Arquitetura de Veneza: um muro, que na verdade é uma tapeçaria, feita com resíduos de vidro e tijolo do próprio local.

GC: I participated in the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative between 2014 and 2015, where I was a protégé of Peter Zumthor. The program has just completed twenty years, and to encourage the protégés — currently numbering more than sixty — Rolex invites them to collaborate on projects that combine their areas of interest.

That is how I began working with the artist Sammy Baloji, whose practice aims to highlight African roots in artistic works in Europe. When we started discussing our collaborative project, he was creating a sculpture in Belgium using bricks produced from material sourced from mining exploration. I was interested in brick production using industrial waste, so we decided to combine our research in the project Debris of History, Matters of Memory.

When Sammy expressed the desire to create a tapestry, I suggested using demolition bricks. We collaborated with the art historian Cécile Fromont and the activist architects' group Mutaforma in Venice. I chose to be involved in the entire process, not just hiring a construction company. We built the wall with local bricks, glass from the region, and a brick box from Belgium with Sammy's material. The variety of colors in the Belgian bricks was a crucial part of the project. When I see people touching the wall, taking pictures of the glass that allows light to pass through, I sense the energy the tapestry conveys.

RB: Brick and tapestry share the same tactile nature: we perceive both with our hands. This aspect of the process you mentioned is evident in the presentation. The scaffolding was kept, right?

GC: No regulation in Italy allows the construction of a wall with a width of 5 cm and a height of 4.5 meters using demolition material.

RB: Did the organization have reservations about removing the scaffolding?

GC: Is it impossible to obtain approval from the relevant authorities and leave the wall unsupported? We assembled the scaffolding as we built, securing props for support and wire ties to maintain compression and prevent the wall from collapsing. Since it was a laboratory, we decided to leave the scaffolding after completion.

RB: In this conversation, we have talked about Paraguay and  Venice, and now I would like to know why you returned to Brazil — and why Guarda do Embaú in Santa Catarina.

GC: For several reasons. Firstly, my sister moved to Florianópolis, which is nearby, 15 years ago. I came here to be closer to her and my nieces. Another reason is my desire to be surrounded by nature. Just yesterday morning, I encountered a lizard in my backyard. Occasionally, amid my meetings, a large blue bird perches on my window and begins to sing. I only bought one pair of shoes during the 3 years I lived here. I avoid using air conditioning, prefer walking everywhere, and only use the car once a week. Such experiences are uncommon in the midst of a city.

What captivates me here is the slow pace. I have realized that skipping work on a Wednesday won't be the end of me; in fact, it's quite the opposite. I dedicate Mondays and Tuesdays to work, reserving Wednesdays for learning something new—whatever it might be. Whether delving into understanding tensions or exploring new structures, Wednesday is my day. If I am keen on picking up a new language, Wednesday is the day for that. Dancing or singing? Wednesday is when I dive into those pursuits. I return to work on Thursday and Friday. Here, I find relaxation, breathe fresh air, and enjoy a good night's sleep.

We need to reflect on how we got to this point. At what moment did humanity enter this cycle? The pandemic revealed to us that it is not necessary (to work every day) and that we can stop at any moment, but we are forgetting it, missing the opportunity to learn something from that period.

For a long time in Paraguay, I used to say, "We should build in this or that way," but every day I would get into my air-conditioned car, drive to the office with air conditioning, and work all day. Twelve hours later, I would leave in my car and return home, turn on the air conditioning, and sleep to do the same thing the next day. Not anymore. If the day is beautiful, I close everything and enjoy the nice day. And when I have a lot to do, I work on Sundays, no problem. But the next day, I rest.

RB: It seems like a worldview quite aligned with the circularity you mentioned earlier. It's good that this came towards the end because it appears that you have not only learned a lot from the landscape of Paraguay but also the landscape of Guarda do Embaú. Today is Wednesday, and I've learned quite a bit too.

GC: It is an interview, a moment of learning together.

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Cite: Baratto, Romullo. "Gloria Cabral: “Everything Begins With the Wisdom of a Place”" [Gloria Cabral: "Tudo começa com a sabedoria de um lugar"] 24 Jan 2024. ArchDaily. (Trans. Simões, Diogo) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1012261/gloria-cabral-everything-begins-with-the-wisdom-of-a-place> ISSN 0719-8884

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Vertical gardens adapted to local climates and uses maximize both environmental impact and cultural resonance.

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Rediscovering Sustainability: Green Homes With Traditional Techniques

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In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, the idea of building a green home using traditional techniques might sound like you’d be taking a step backward. However, it's important that we re-evaluate our approach to sustainability and consider the wisdom that the past has to offer. While modern construction methods offer many conveniences, they can often come at the cost of the environment. Traditional techniques, on the other hand, can help us build truly sustainable green homes that stand the test of time.

A shining example of sustainable building, meticulously designed with a keen emphasis on the utilization of reusable materials and ancient techniques, can be found in the Italian Pavilion from the most recent World Expo. Remarkably, this pavilion stood out as the lone carbon-neutral structure among the 192 pavilions present. The project team used reusable materials like upturned boats for the roof, walls adorned with rope made from recycled bottles, and flooring with recycled orange peel to reduce landfill waste. Notably, the Italian Pavilion didn't have air conditioning despite the desert heat. Instead, it relied on its cleverly designed rope walls for natural ventilation, showcasing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building practices that contribute to climate change, and demonstrating how sustainability and innovative design can coexist effectively.

Natural Materials

Traditional construction techniques often emphasise the use of natural materials like cob, timber, and straw bales. These materials are chosen for their eco-friendliness and sustainability. Cob, for instance, is a mixture of earth, sand, and straw that can often be locally sourced; timber, when harvested responsibly, is a renewable resource; and straw bales are a byproduct of grain production.

Selecting such materials reduces reliance on resource-intensive manufacturing processes, such as those required for steel or concrete production. Moreover, these materials are biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally, reducing waste and pollution.

Passive Solar Design and Energy Efficiency

Before the advent of modern heating and cooling systems, people relied on intelligent architectural designs to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Passive solar design, an ancient technique, uses the orientation of a building and the placement of windows to maximise natural heating and cooling. By embracing this approach, we can significantly reduce our reliance on energy-intensive HVAC systems, resulting in lower energy bills and a reduced environmental impact.

The materials used in traditional construction often provide excellent thermal performance. Thick walls, natural insulation materials like straw, clay, or wood, and thoughtful design create a building envelope that naturally regulates temperature. Therefore, these homes stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Finally, these construction methods can work together with modern energy-efficient technologies, such as solar panels or wind turbines, making them even more sustainable and energy-efficient.

Local and Sustainable Sourcing

Traditional construction techniques rely on locally available materials. This supports local economies and reduces the environmental impact of long-distance transportation of construction materials. Using materials from nearby sources minimises carbon emissions associated with transportation, making the construction process more environmentally friendly.

Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater Systems

Traditional techniques often include rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems. Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for non-potable uses like irrigation or toilet flushing. Greywater systems treat and reuse water from sinks, showers, and laundry for similar purposes. These practices reduce the strain on municipal water resources, lower water bills, and minimise the environmental impact of water consumption.

Handcrafted Quality

Older construction methods were rooted in craftsmanship, a dedication to detail, and a commitment to creating structures meant to stand the test of time. The contrast with modern mass production is stark, as the focus on quantity can, on occasion, come at the expense of quality.

By embracing traditional techniques, we can reintroduce the concept of handmade homes. These structures are built to last for generations, reducing the need for frequent replacements and the waste associated with disposable consumer culture.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Reviving old-fashioned building techniques offers benefits beyond environmental considerations; it also plays a vital role in preserving our cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. These techniques are integral to our shared history, and by employing them, we establish a connection with the past while paying homage to the craftsmanship and wisdom of our forebears.

This preservation of cultural heritage can help foster a sense of continuity and identity within communities, strengthening their ties to local history.

Considerations

Traditional construction techniques offer environmental and cultural advantages but come with challenges. They demand skilled labour, potentially increasing time, and cost. Finding artisans skilled in these methods can be difficult, slowing construction. Traditional materials may have lower structural strength and insulation, impacting energy efficiency. Reliance on local materials may not be feasible in resource-scarce areas. Rainwater and greywater systems reduce water consumption, but effectiveness varies with local factors.

Despite these considerations, the overall advantages of using traditional techniques for building sustainable green homes remain compelling. They promote the use of natural materials, reduce carbon footprints, foster a connection with cultural heritage, and prioritise long-lasting quality and authenticity. By carefully addressing their challenges and limitations, we can harness the best of both traditional and modern approaches to create homes that are not only environmentally friendly but also practical for modern living.

Conclusion

Building a sustainable green home using traditional techniques is not about rejecting progress but rather embracing the best of both worlds. We can combine the wisdom of the past with modern innovations, such as energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy sources like solar panels, to create homes that are both environmentally friendly and equipped for modern living. At a time when climate change and environmental degradation are pressing concerns, it's essential to explore all avenues for sustainable living.

Overall, traditional construction techniques offer valuable lessons in resourcefulness, craftsmanship, and ecological mindfulness. By rediscovering and adapting these methods, we can build green homes that not only reduce our environmental footprint but also provide lasting comfort, durability, and a link to our architectural heritage. It's time to look to the past so that we can build a greener future.

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- **Daylighting & Air Quality**: Harnessing natural light is emphasized for healthier buildings.

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How to Factor in Daylighting Design for Healthier Buildings

How to Factor in Daylighting Design for Healthier Buildings

Daylighting design is an essential aspect for creating brighter, healthier buildings for everyone. Considering that daylight has a unique ability to shape the experience of a space, it is important for architects and designers to take it into account in order to build healthier, more sustainable buildings. Good daylighting design can improve the health, mood, cognitive abilities and productivity of the occupants of homes, schools or workplaces, while reducing the energy consumption of the building.

We explore a few key factors that can influence daylight availability in buildings and how to account for them in your next project.

Climate and latitude

The prevailing climatic conditions of a building site define the overall preconditions for its daylighting design in terms of sunlight availability, visual comfort, thermal comfort and energy performance.

The location latitude determines the solar altitude for any given time of day and year. The summer and winter solar altitude properties are important design inputs for the availability and control of direct sunlight. For example, the figure below shows the difference in outdoor illuminance (lux) levels and length of daytime between northern and southern European locations.

External obstruction

External obstructions from surrounding elements on the building site (buildings, vegetation, ground surface, etc.) can have a tremendous impact on the amount of daylight that reaches interiors, direct sunlight availability and the quality of window views. It is a crucial element to consider when analyzing the daylight performance of a building design. The figure below shows the significant difference in obstruction levels between rural and urban environments, underlining the need for rigorous daylight planning when designing in dense urban environments.

Building geometry

The geometry of a building influences its capacity to deliver adequate levels of daylight to interior spaces. When the building is deep, daylighting solely via facade windows has its limitations. No matter how much glass there is in the facade, it will only be possible to achieve an adequate daylight distribution a few meters from the facade (in spaces with typical ceiling heights). The figure below shows the daylight factor (DF) levels obtained in a deep room with 3 different window configurations.

Material properties

The colour and reflectance of room surfaces are part of the daylighting strategy. Dark surfaces reflect less light than bright surfaces, and the result is likely to be an unsatisfactory luminous environment in which there is little indirect or reflected light. Bright vertical surfaces inside the room are generally preferred to dark ones, but shading devices used to control sunlight should use darker materials in order to limit the risk of glare when prominently positioned in the field of view of building occupants. The figure below shows the impact of surface colour and reflectance on luminance levels.

Window orientation, size and position

The orientation of windows influences the availability and qualities of daylight in interiors, most notably with regards to the presence of direct sunlight. Roof windows installed on a flat or low roof pitch are less sensitive to orientation if they have an unobstructed view of the sky.

The amount of daylight entering a room is directly linked to the total glazing area of the windows in the room and the visible transmittance value of the glazing. As a rule of thumb, double glazing (with no coating) lets in approx. 80% of the light, while triple glazing (with no coating) lets in approx. 70% of the light.

The positioning of windows will influence the distribution of daylight in the room and determine the amount of 'useful' daylight. Window position should also account for the relation between the view to the outside and the eye level of the occupants.

VELUX Daylight Visualizer is a free easy-to-use and powerful daylighting simulation tool that can be used to evaluate the impact of all these factors on the daylight performance of your building projects. The figure below shows how daylight conditions are improved by the addition of roof lights in a school project in Germany.

Download your free copy of Daylight Visualizer today and start your journey to become a leader in daylighting design.

Cite: "How to Factor in Daylighting Design for Healthier Buildings" 09 Jun 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/983209/how-to-factor-in-daylighting-design-for-healthier-buildings> ISSN 0719-8884

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Green walls complement this by improving indoor air quality, acting as natural air filters, and supporting thermal comfort—reducing reliance on artificial climate control.

- **Mental Well-being & Connection**: Sustainable spaces, especially with green elements like vertical gardens, foster stronger human-environment bonds.

Employees or occupants feel more invested and connected to spaces where greenery thrives, boosting mental health and satisfaction.

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Content: What Is Co-Creation in the Context of Architecture and Urban Planning?

What Is Co-Creation in the Context of Architecture and Urban Planning?

In recent years, the term “co-creation,” a buzzword in the business and management sector, has made its way into the architecture and urban planning discourse. The term is used to define a large concept that describes working intentionally with others to create something jointly. But architecture is already the result of a collaboration between multiple actors, architects, clients, investors, developers, and local administration, to name a few. Can the term still apply to this field, can it bring forth new forms of knowledge, and does it differ from the concept of participatory design?

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The term appears to have originated in the business sector, with some mentions in the early 1990s and its popularization in the 2000s, with C.K. Prahalad and Venkatram Ramaswamy’s article in the Harvard Business Review. The article describes a paradigm shift as globalization and technology developments challenge the traditional role of the expert. The new marketplace is beginning to understand that consumers have become a new source of competence, a source that can be tapped into to increase the value of the product. Now a similar shift is taking place in the world of design.

Since the onset of Modernism, and maybe even before, the image of the architect has been mystified as a strong-willed, free-thinking, and uncompromising figure. In stories such as Ayn Rand’s novel “The Fountainhead,” this romanticized heroic character is caught in a struggle between his own creative vision and the external collective opposition, an image reminiscent of Modernist architects such as Mies van der Rohe or Le Corbusier that has leaked into contemporary renditions of the starchitect. The image of a collective process of design stands in stark contrast to this. As architectural problems are growing in complexity, the necessity to find new methods of communicating and collaborating efficiently increases. Involving not just the typical actors but also the end-users in the design process promises to offer multiple advantages by deepening the understanding of the larger context, empowering communities, and generating long-lasting change.

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The Expert Citizen: A Change of Perspectives in Participatory Design

A Citywide People’s Network: The Example of Jhenaidah

Jhenaidah is a city in southwest Bangladesh built along the Nobogonga River. Despite being an important resource for the city, throughout the years, the river has become neglected, polluted, and even dangerous. A self-initiated local organization set out to change this and return the river to the inhabitants. The resulting project developed through an intensive dialogue between the architects at Co.Creation.Architects, the local municipality, and the local community. Small and accessible interventions along the riverfront transformed it into an accessible, open, and vibrant public space.

One of the keys to this success is the design process that stood behind it. The architects worked closely with the residents, especially the vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and the disabled. By implementing their inputs, like installing changing cabins or slip-safe paving, the architects ensured that the solutions provided an answer to their specific needs. The architects are also talking about the act of co-creating not just with humans but also with the surrounding natural context. According to them, the process of adapting to the environment is naturally occurring in communities. Thus, the role of the architect is to facilitate communication and bridge the gap between local communities and the authorities and professionals.

Although the project is ongoing, the effects on the quality of urban spaces are visible and felt by the local communities and the city at large. The people are bringing a deeper understanding of their environment while also changing their perspective on it. Once they can affect change in their spaces, they feel more connected to them. This also has a snowballing effect. Once local organizations see that change is possible, more and more initiatives are born, further developing well-adapted and site-specific solutions.

Is Co-Creation Reserved for Public Projects?

Most user-centered design initiatives focus on public spaces and larger communities, making it easy to dismiss the idea when it comes to smaller or privately-owned projects. Here communication with the client is often more straightforward. But the client and the user are not always the same entity. Taking into consideration all those affected by the project and involving them in the process ensures the projects are better fitted to the reals needs and, thus, more profitable for the client or developer.

A housing development in Amsterdam proves the contrary, demonstrating the advantages of involving future residents in the process and giving them the freedom to define their needs, both in terms of individual homes and collective spaces. The EnBloc project by Marc Koehler Architects developed a method for working with future residents in a cohesive and productive way. It uses a Tetris game approach, creating a system of units of 30 or 50 square meters. The units can be linked both vertically and horizontally, allowing the residents to vary the size of their homes according to their needs and budgets. The units were also empty, so the residents worked with the architects to create personalized solutions and create the rooms and spaces they needed. The project looks and feels coherent because f the framework developed by the architects, yet it empowers the residents, who were involved from the start, to create the spaces and communities they wished for.

And something else I find important: you move somewhere where you have known your neighbors for five years. This co-creation element in the design process creates social cohesion. As far as I’m concerned, it should be mandatory in new construction projects. – Iwan, one of the residents of EnBloc

Co-Creation: Beyond Participatory Design

Both terms, co-creation and participatory design, refer to aspects of Human or User-Centered Design, an attitude based on the belief that everybody can meaningfully participate in the act of design. Participatory design is often centered on the involvement factor, aiming to create a design that is centered on the users’ involvement in it. While there are some successful renditions of this concept, it often takes the form of token participation, mimicking involvement but avoiding to enact real change. Participatory design is also interpreted as consulting the community at one stage of the process, picking up the ideas suggested, and moving forward with the process.

On the other hand, Co-design refers to a collective creativity that is applied across the whole span of a design process. The concept understands the users and other parties as sources of competence, exploiting their knowledge about their own needs. The concept is also aligned with Jeremy Till’s idea of the expert citizen, viewing residents as experts in their environment and their needs. The result is a design process based on a collaboration between experts in different fields. Therefore, the users become part of knowledge gathering, idea generation, and concept development. The architect or designer retains responsibility for the design, acts as a moderator between experts and creates the structure of the process of collaboration.

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Cite: Maria-Cristina Florian. "What Is Co-Creation in the Context of Architecture and Urban Planning?" 17 Nov 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/992363/what-is-co-creation-in-the-context-of-architecture-and-urban-planning> ISSN 0719-8884

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- **Technology & Design Democratization**: Advances in building technology (such as sensors and digital scanning) enable architects and users to visualize, program, and easily maintain dynamic features like green walls, opening sustainable design to wider participation.

- **Material Choices & Cycles**: There are no 'villain' materials—efficacy depends on appropriate use.

Vertical gardens exemplify this pragmatic approach by utilizing available and suitable plant species and substrates aligned with the building’s context.