Vertical gardens, or green walls, can improve air quality by removing pollutants, including reductions of up to 40% in nitrogen dioxide, 60% in suspended particulates, and 10% in indoor fine particulates.

Vertical gardens can regulate temperature, reducing indoor temperature by up to 1.8 ℃.

Plants like snake plant, aloe vera, and peace lily purify air and regulate temperature, making them suitable for indoor gardens.

Vertical gardens are natural, energy-efficient air purification facilities that require no electricity.

Vertical gardens have relatively low maintenance needs and can last up to 25 years.

Suitable plants for vertical gardens include lily bamboo, Boston fern, dragon tube, and honeysuckle.

Vertical gardens have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety while improving mood and sleep.

Vertical gardens can reduce wall temperature by up to 5°C, improving thermal comfort and energy savings.

Implementing vertical gardens in building design can yield energy savings, improved air quality, and increased sustainability.

Bioclimatic strategies like vertical gardens can boost energy efficiency, comfort, and minimize environmental impact.

Steel frames support vertical gardens' weight, and light concrete or bamboo can be used to reduce weight while supporting plants.

Trellis, wire systems, or stacked concrete blocks can support vertical gardens and small plants.

Low-maintenance plants like Dragon Tube, Junzi, Wu Bamboo, Pothos, and heart leaf philodendrons are suitable for indoor vertical gardens.

Sansevieria and succulents are suitable for areas with low water availability due to their drought tolerance and minimal watering needs.

Integrating vertical gardens with smart technologies optimizes performance, improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.

IoT technology can monitor and control vertical gardens, providing real-time data on energy, water, and plant health.

Vertical gardens, or green walls, can improve air quality by removing pollutants, including reductions of up to 40% in nitrogen dioxide, 60% in suspended particulates, and 10% in indoor fine particulates.

Title:

Content: Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Chiayi
The school received an environmental subsidy of NT $220,000 two years ago to plant large Dumbo flowers to form a green wall, which helps to cool down the temperature and purify the air, and also to install an automatic sprinkler system to maintain the ecology of the green wall.
According to the Environmental Protection Bureau of Chiayi City Government, since 2019, the Environmental Protection Department has promoted the vertical air green wall project. Since 2019, three schools, including Xingjia, Jiabei Elementary School and Jiabei Elementary School, have installed climbing plants on the school's daughter wall and the balcony of the classroom.
The Environmental Protection Bureau of the Chiayi Municipal Government said that this year, the Environmental Protection Agency expanded the target of subsidies, in addition to the original subsidies of public middle school, public elementary school, public preschool institutions, public welfare groups, public facilities, environmental protection night market, civic activity center and other venues, air green wall subsidies of 3,000 to 6,000 yuan per square meter, single subsidy ceiling of 400,000 yuan.
According to the Municipal Environmental Protection Agency, according to the results of the study, vertical green walls can reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulates (PM10) by about 40% and 60%, but also reduce the concentration of indoor fine suspended particulates (PM2.5) by about 10%, ozone by about 30%, and indoor temperature reduction by about 1.8 ℃.
According to the city's Environmental Protection Bureau, the appropriate plant types are lily bamboo, firecracker red, Yunnan yellow carnation, turtle, Boston kidney fern, hydrangea, African pansy or panthera, and can be selected according to the space planning and installation requirements, so that the space is more beautiful.
# Green Wall # Cooling # EPB # EPD # Planting

Vertical gardens can regulate temperature, reducing indoor temperature by up to 1.8 ℃.

Plants like snake plant, aloe vera, and peace lily purify air and regulate temperature, making them suitable for indoor gardens.

Title:

Content: 7 Plants That Help Bring Down Room Temperature In Summer

7 Plants That Help Bring Down Room Temperature In Summer

During the sweltering summer months, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature can be a challenge

Sujal ChawatheUpdated: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 01:14 PM IST

During the sweltering summer months, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature can be a challenge. While air conditioning is a common solution, incorporating certain house plants into your home can also help cool down your space naturally. Not only do these plants add a touch of greenery to your interior decor, but they also act as natural air purifiers and humidifiers.

The logic behind how certain house plants can help cool the microclimate inside a room lies in their ability to transpire, evaporate water, and create shade. Here's a breakdown:

Transpiration: Plants absorb water through their roots and release it into the air through tiny pores in their leaves called stomata. This process is known as transpiration. As water evaporates from the surface of the leaves, it removes heat energy from the plant and its immediate surroundings, similar to how sweat cools our skin.

Evaporative cooling: When water evaporates from plants and pots, it cools the surrounding air. This process is called evaporative cooling. As the water vaporizes, it absorbs heat energy from the air, lowering the temperature in the vicinity of the plant. This cooling effect can be significant, especially in dry climates where evaporation rates are higher

Shade: The foliage of plants provides shade, which helps reduce the amount of direct sunlight that enters a room. Direct sunlight can contribute to heat gain indoors, especially during the summer months. By blocking or diffusing sunlight, plants help maintain a cooler microclimate inside the room.

House plants to keep your house cool

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Also known as the "mother-in-law's tongue," the snake plant is renowned for its ability to purify the air and thrive in low light conditions.
It releases oxygen at night, making it an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality while also cooling down your space.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): Apart from its soothing gel that's great for sunburns, aloe vera plants also help reduce indoor temperatures through transpiration.
Their succulent leaves release moisture into the air, creating a cooling effect in the surrounding environment.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.): With its elegant white blooms and glossy foliage, the peace lily is not only visually appealing but also effective at purifying the air.
This plant thrives in shady areas and helps maintain humidity levels, which can contribute to a cooler indoor atmosphere during hot summer days.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Boston ferns are prized for their lush, feathery fronds and their ability to thrive in high humidity environments.
Placing a Boston fern in your home can help increase moisture levels and reduce ambient temperatures, creating a refreshing oasis during the summer heat.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants are known for their air-purifying qualities and ease of care, making them popular choices for indoor spaces. They absorb indoor pollutants and release oxygen, contributing to a cleaner and cooler indoor environment.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): With its large, glossy leaves, the rubber plant adds a tropical touch to any room while also improving indoor air quality. This plant is particularly effective at removing toxins from the air and releasing moisture, helping to cool down your home during the summer months.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Pothos, also known as devil's ivy, is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of lighting conditions. Its trailing vines not only add visual interest to your space but also help purify the air and reduce indoor temperatures.

Incorporating these house plants into your home decor not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a healthier and cooler indoor environment during the summer. From air purification to humidity regulation, these plants offer natural solutions for beating the heat and creating a more comfortable living space.

(Sujal Chawathe is a CA by education but a gardener at heart. Her venture Indoor Greens helps urban offices and homes, add and maintain plants)

RECENT STORIES

7 Plants That Help Bring Down Room Temperature In Summer

Podcasting: Your Essential Beginner's Guide

Bridge: How To Make ‘Entries’ And ‘Communication’ In The Game

7 Easy Bridal Hairstyles For Summer Wedding Season

5 Apps To Improve Your General Knowledge

Title:

Content: Planting, Watering and Healing: Surprising Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

The grass isn't always greener. Since the early 80's, scientists have studied the biophilia hypothesis – that seeing plants is beneficial to our physical and mental health. With increased urbanization, exacerbated by lockdowns due to a global pandemic, it's becoming harder and harder to ‘go out and get some air.'

The indoor plant market, already spiking in 2019, continues to surge – expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

A study released by Data Bridge Market Research estimates the indoor plant market will reach $26.23 billion by 2029. The physical and mental health benefits of succulents and other indoor houseplants are important factors.

Many people may be surprised to discover the lesser-known benefits of indoor gardens, but experienced horticulturalists and gardeners have been advocating for the expansion of home gardens for decades.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

The addition of real or artificial indoor plants has become a standard practice in many offices, hospitals, schools, and other institutions. According to researchers, just seeing a living plant in the otherwise sterile hospital waiting room environment has been shown to reduce stress levels.

In another study, subjects were asked to repot a living plant or complete a computer-generated task. Those who handled the plants reported feeling more at ease and also experienced lower blood pressure. Participants who performed the computer-based task reported higher levels of anxiety and elevated blood pressure.

Maria Failla, Garden Expert and host of the Growing Joy with Plants podcast, shares, “When I was struggling with depression, it was helpful for me to keep plants indoors that helped me get out of my head and drop into the present. I'd see how many senses I could engage while taking 3 mindful breaths alongside my plants. Scented plants like herbs and geraniums are amazing for this. I love the rose-scented geranium for its romantic scent and the fuzzy leaves I could rub, pinch and take deep inhales with.”

Speed Up The Healing Process

A number of indoor houseplants, such as snake plants, orchids, and spider plants, have natural air purification qualities. Others improve a room’s humidity level or deliver a soothing fragrance. Microgreens also provide essential nutrients, making them ideal for patients in recovery.

Even seeing an indoor houseplant can improve a recovering patient’s mental and emotional state. One study concluded that installing indoor gardens in hospital rooms and public areas positively impacted overall recovery times and patient satisfaction.

Improve Mood During Isolation

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent household quarantines created a spike in indoor plant sales as many consumers discovered the natural air purification benefits of succulents and other plant species. Indoor gardening also provided isolated households with an activity that could be performed safely while under quarantine.

A study conducted in Bulgaria concluded that participants who maintained a home garden or raised houseplants had fewer incidents of anxiety or depression during enforced lockdowns than others who did not invest in plants or other greenery.

Cassidy Tuttle, gardening expert and owner of Succulents and Sunshine, observes, “Succulents are great plants for people who have depression. They don't require as much work as other plants, so they can tolerate the ups and downs that frequently come with depression. They stay looking healthy even if they're not watered regularly. Haworthiopsis fasciata, Zebra Plant, is an especially good option for indoor plants because it doesn't require a lot of light or water.”

Best Entry-Level Houseplants For Starting Indoor Gardens

Annie Schreck, Research Director at Mountain Crest Gardens, offers some insights and recommendations for beginners. “At Mountain Crest Gardens, we hear back from customers all the time that filling their homes and offices with succulents brightens their mood every day. The studies I have seen in this realm indicate that having plants around can correlate with improved student performance in classrooms and reductions in stress and sick days in workplaces. I certainly hope more researchers investigate these complex human-plant interactions.

Schreck adds, “There’s something about having other living creatures in a room that makes it feel cozy and inviting. Caring for them and seeing them respond is just so rewarding. And the great thing is, everyone gets to explore which varieties lift their mood the most! If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend indoor succulents like Haworthia, Jade plants, and Gasteria.”

Snake Plants

Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata)—also known as mother-in-law’s tongue— are thick-leaved succulents prized for their resilience and tolerance for drought. They grow well under low-light conditions, which makes them ideal for indoor gardens and room decor.

One major health benefit of snake plants is natural air purification. This goes beyond the standard absorption of carbon dioxide, however. Snake plants also remove and filter toxic gases such as benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde. They are also said to reduce headaches, improve respiration, and reduce eye irritations.

Microgreens

Microgreens such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale offer a wide range of health benefits, and their compact size makes them ideal for indoor gardens, especially hydroponics. Microgreens and fresh herbs provide home gardeners with flavorful aromatics and salad ingredients.

Among the many health benefits associated with microgreens are blood sugar regulation, vision protection, body weight reduction, and protection from anemia. Growing microgreens is also a highly recommended activity for those recovering from substance abuse since the plants provide the nutrition many addicts lack.

Orchids

While some orchid varieties have earned a reputation for being a challenge to grow, there are many varieties that require only minimal to moderate care. Besides their exceptional qualities as flowering plants, orchids are also natural air purifiers and oxygen generators. As part of a floral arrangement or as individual blooms, orchids have been shown in studies to reduce stress and improve mood.

Orchids are also recommended for people with sleep issues since the plant’s significant oxygen generation and aesthetic qualities both help create more soothing conditions at bedtime and during overnight hours.

Spider Plants

Spider plants have become popular houseplants for first-time home gardeners because of their child and pet-friendliness, ease of propagation, and exceptional air-purifying qualities. Beginning gardeners only need a small cutting from an existing spider plant to start their own projects.

The trailing leaves of a spider plant make it ideal for hanging baskets, a popular growing technique for limited spaces. The plant also raises the room’s humidity level, which helps address respiratory issues triggered by dry air conditions.

Peperomia Plants

 Because of their ability to thrive in drafty, dark, and humid locations in the home, peperomia plants are often referred to as “radiator plants”.  Peperomia plants are succulents, which means they are naturally resilient to abuse and require minimal maintenance.

Tinctures and other products derived from peperomia plants are used to address a range of medical ailments, including headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney issues. The plant also has antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Jade Plants

Another popular succulent for indoor gardens is the ornamental and medicinal jade plant. The jade plant’s distinctive round leaves have become associated symbolically with the acquisition of money and wealth. The jade plant’s appeal goes beyond the ornamental, however.

Products derived from the juice of the jade plant have been used in many cultures for the treatment of ailments including diabetes, skin wounds, digestive issues, and warts. In traditional Chinese culture, the presence of a jade plant also improves the flow of chi, or life force.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

Vertical gardens are natural, energy-efficient air purification facilities that require no electricity.

Title:

Content: In order to improve the environmental air quality and let children learn with peace of mind, the Taichung Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau has continued to build a clean air green wall in the school. This year, 12 schools in Jianping Elementary School, Juren Elementary School and Chongde Elementary School have received subsidies from the Environmental Protection Department.
According to the Environmental Protection Bureau, through the installation of clean air green walls, indoor air quality can be improved. At present, space such as classroom corridors and flower stands outside the daughter wall in Taichung City can be planted, which can achieve the benefits of dust retention, air pollution absorption and temperature regulation.
In order to strengthen the protection of the school environment for children, the Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau expanded the subsidy for the construction of a clean air green wall on the campus, and the current subsidy amount to 1.76 million yuan, with an area of 358 square meters.
The Environmental Protection Bureau stressed that currently selected plants that can purify the air and do not need to spend too much money and time to maintain include the Dragon Tubeh, the Junzi and Wu Bamboo, the Turtle, the Cannonflower or the Honeysuckle.
How good is the effect of clean air green wall?
According to international research, vertical clean air green walls can reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) by about 40% and 60%. In addition, green walls can also reduce the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in classrooms by about 10% and the concentration of ozone (O3) by about 30%.
Green wall is the most natural and energy efficient air purification facilities, no need to plug in electricity, self-circulation, to achieve the purpose of air purification, can be called the "most environmentally friendly air purifier".
Chen Hongyi, director of the Environmental Protection Bureau, said that in addition to blocking outdoor pollutants and improving indoor air, the air green wall can also adjust the temperature and drive energy conservation and carbon reduction. Next year, Taichung City is expected to expand the subsidy target, including community activity centers, public kindergartens and environmental night markets.
# Green Wall # Air # Cleanliness # Campus # Environment

Vertical gardens have relatively low maintenance needs and can last up to 25 years.

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

Matched content

Editor’s pick

Express Press Release Distribution

Suitable plants for vertical gardens include lily bamboo, Boston fern, dragon tube, and honeysuckle.

Vertical gardens have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety while improving mood and sleep.

Title:

Content: Home Garden What Are the Benefits of Growing Indoors

What Are the Benefits of Growing Indoors

Growing plants is for everyone but not everyone has a garden to grow them in. If you live in an apartment, in the city, or if you just don’t have the time to grow outdoors try growing inside.

Indoor growing is a great option for those of us who can’t grow outdoors – it allows you to grow plants for a healthier life. Let’s look at the various ways growing indoors can help us improve our livelihood.

Having Plants Around Is Healthy

It is well-researched that having plants around your home makes you feel more relaxed, healthier, and just have a better life. Plants help filter pollution and bad air, helping your home feel less stale, they are beautiful to look at, and they help remind you that there is an impermanence to life and to our time.

Plants react to the changes in our environment, our moods, our attention, and our care, which in turn makes us more caring and more engaged with the world around us. They provide us with peace of mind and a balance in life.

You Can Grow Healthy Foods

If you’re inclined, you can grow plants in a grow tent, which will expand the number of plants you’re able to grow indoors. These grow tents offer a great way to efficiently grow plants that you would otherwise be unable to grow – from interesting trees, palms, seedlings, orchids, and anything you are interested in!

What’s most exciting about this grow tent is that you’re able to grow plants and then give them to your loved ones or you can grow your food indoors! Who knew – all it takes is a container for your plants to grow healthy, the right lighting, and ventilation and you’ll be able to grow enormous, delicious, and healthy foods. Within just a few short months you’ll change your life for the better!

You Will Learn a New Hobby

Hobbies are what give us meaning – move beyond the confines of work and the expectations of a society that only values money and get involved with something that is just for you. Hobbies will give your time so much more value and excitement.

Taking care of plants is like taking care of a part of yourself and, in a way, it is – the more time you put into your plants the more you’ll get out of them. Grow everything from tomatoes to leafy greens to flowers and you’ll see how they turn your life into something more beautiful!

You Can Create a Work-Life Balance

Take a break from the stresses of work by growing plants in your home. Growing indoors is a great way to take a break from the constant ebb and flow and stresses of a society that demands a lot from us – taking care of something will help you grow just as your plants do!

Growing plants indoors improves the way we live and can have a major impact on the way we live our lives. Have a happier, healthier life simply by growing plants in your home, and take away the stress that builds up in your life by adding little green friends to your space.

Vertical gardens can reduce wall temperature by up to 5°C, improving thermal comfort and energy savings.

Title:

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

24 February 2023
analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Take a diverse approach to urban greening

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

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

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

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

2. Strengthen the link between heat and health

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

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

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

3. Focus on early warning and improved awareness

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

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

4. Encourage the transfer of knowledge

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

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

5. Let locals lead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Implementing vertical gardens in building design can yield energy savings, improved air quality, and increased sustainability.

Title:

Content: 7 Bioclimatic Façade Strategies for Tropical Architecture

When we think of the word "tropic," the image that typically comes to mind is an exotic space, characterized by perpetual warmth and humidity, with frequent and heavy rainfall nurturing lush vegetation. Throughout history, this tropical climate has been romanticized as a paradise and criticized for potentially fostering weakness due to its perceived clemency.

Thankfully, those judgments and associations have been relegated to the past, paving the way for theoretical and practical projects that outline the advantages and disadvantages of living in a tropical climate. These projects acknowledge the various strategies to enhance human adaptability within these distinctive climatic conditions.

+ 15

Certainly, climate is the most pivotal element of the natural environment, as it impacts all geomorphological processes, from soil formation to plant growth. It's this profound interconnection that renders climate change so concerning. Hence, akin to how the natural environment reacts to climate, architecture must also be responsive to it.

In temperate climates, houses typically remain "closed" to shield occupants from harsh weather, retaining warmth. Conversely, in tropical climates, it's essential to "open up" the house to dissipate heat and humidity while shielding it from the sun and heavy rainfall. The abundance of tropical climate and vegetation often encourages outdoor living or greater interaction with nature. The main challenges in tropical architecture involve protecting against rain and direct sunlight, with a focus on strategies to regulate internal temperatures.

Bioclimatic strategies play a crucial role in achieving these objectives. They guarantee that buildings adapt to the local climate, boost energy efficiency, and enhance occupants' comfort. These strategies encompass principles and design techniques that leverage natural elements to establish sustainable architectures. By minimizing buildings' environmental impact and prioritizing occupants' well-being, these strategies collectively contribute to overall sustainability.

Since many of these strategies are implemented at the junction between a building's interior and exterior, we've listed below seven bioclimatic strategies and how they are applied to the facades of residential projects in tropical climates.

Shading Elements

Incorporating shade devices such as brise-soleil, cobogós, or other latticed structures on facades is crucial. These elements effectively block direct sunlight while allowing diffused light and natural airflow. This helps to minimize solar heat gain, reduce glare, and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

The Kenz House / Srijit Srinivas Architects

Casa Delta / Bernardes Arquitetura

Vegetation

Introducing vegetation on facades through vertical gardens, living walls, or planters can provide natural insulation, reduce heat absorption, and improve air quality. Plants also contribute to shading and evaporative cooling through transpiration, further enhancing thermal comfort and reinforcing the tropical ambiance within architecture.

Tropical Shed / Laurent Troost Architectures

Stepping Park House / VTN Architects

Ventilation Strategies

In tropical architecture, facades often incorporate operable windows or strategically positioned openings to facilitate cross-ventilation and natural airflow. This design approach effectively reduces humidity levels and improves indoor air quality.

Valley Expansion House / Studio Heya

OF House / Studio Otto Felix

Sun Orientation

Ensuring the correct solar orientation of buildings maximizes natural light penetration while minimizing solar heat gain. In tropical climates, designing buildings with a north-south orientation reduces direct sunlight exposure, particularly during peak heat hours of the day.

The House of Silence / Natura Futura Arquitectura

Country house in Puente Iglesias / Oficina de Arquitectura y Paisaje OAP + MDE estudio

Thermal Mass

Using materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete, stone, or adobe, in facade construction helps absorb and retain heat during the day. The heat stored during the day is gradually released at night, helping to stabilize indoor temperatures and reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems.

Discreet House / Jirau Arquitetura

Earth Farmhouse / Studio Verge

Reflective Surfaces

Using light-colored or reflective materials on facades helps minimize heat absorption by reflecting solar radiation. This reduces the need for cooling and helps mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Nagato House / RASA Architektura

House COVE(R) / TOUCH Architect

Adaptability

By integrating responsive facade systems like adjustable blinds or dynamic shading elements controlled by sensors or automation, buildings can adapt in real-time to environmental conditions. This real-time adjustment optimizes both energy performance and occupants' comfort.

Patio House / Caio Persighini Arquitetura

ABK House / Bernardes Arquitetura

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Ghisleni, Camilla. "7 Bioclimatic Façade Strategies for Tropical Architecture" [7 Estratégias bioclimáticas aplicadas nas fachadas da arquitetura tropical ] 10 Apr 2024. ArchDaily. (Trans. Simões, Diogo) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1015392/7-bioclimatic-facade-strategies-for-tropical-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.

Title:

Content: The combination of nature and metropolis: in China built a tower with a “vertical forest ”
2 min
In the Chinese Huangan (Hubei province) completed two of the five towers of the residential complex with a “vertical forest ”.
A couple of weeks ago, people started moving in here.
According to Dezeen, the two residential towers of the complex have a height of 80 meters and are covered with more than 400 trees, as well as other plants and greenery.
The building was designed by the Italian studio Stefano Boeri Architetti.
The architects designed the object so that the foliage on the balconies fit perfectly into the design of the facade.
Studio founder Stefano Boeri said that this version of the towers is characterized by the presence of opening bay windows with indoor plants.
Thus, residents will be able to enjoy the environment of nature, being in the urban space.
The studio used the vegetation of the local flora, using about 400 species of trees.
Among them are Ginkgo biloba, Osmanthus fragrans, Acer griseum, Ligustrum lucidum and Chimonanthus praecox.
Also on the facade "grow" 4620 bushes and various herbs in an area of 2.4 thousand square meters.
According to the developers of the project, this amount of greens will be able to absorb 22 tons of carbon dioxide per year and produce oxygen in return.
According to the architect, China has recently seen a trend of greening cities, which allows more to absorb dust, which is one of the main factors of air pollution in cities.
Easyhome Huanggang Vertical Forest City Complex is the first vertical complex to open in China, and Boeri believes such buildings could be particularly suitable for the country.
As reported by NERUHOMI, the first part of the multifunctional complex was opened in Shanghai before the New Year, the authors of the project of which were inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Semiramis from Babylon.
Author:
Vladimir Grishenko
Journalist / Editor
Education – graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Journalism.
I have been working in the profession for more than 15 years.
My favorite topics are economics and politics, I understand cryptocurrencies and markets, I am interested in real estate.
On the resource NERUKHOMI since May 2020.
All articles by the author
Comments
2.2t
Your request is accepted
The sales department will contact you shortly

Bioclimatic strategies like vertical gardens can boost energy efficiency, comfort, and minimize environmental impact.

Steel frames support vertical gardens' weight, and light concrete or bamboo can be used to reduce weight while supporting plants.

Title:

Content: LIFE ・ Classic ／ The concept of wreath architecture on the New York skyline comes from the “terraces ” of Asia
Courtesy of Lilly Tower.
(Courtesy of Studio Vural)
Journalist Tsai Wai-ju / Comprehensive Report
The skyline of Manhattan will take on a new look, a Gothic tower building dating back to 1923, will become an arc skyscraper, more specifically the appearance of the building is covered with vegetation, but they are not only decorative, there is no fear of tall gardeners to update the plant regularly, it is a vertical garden outside the building, and the concept is from the Asian terraced system.
Studio Vural, who conceived the “Lilly tower, ” says the shape of the building is like a terraced field in some parts of Asia, one of the most extreme examples of the use of land, where every inch of fertile soil is important, and the skyscraper next to Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan is expected to bring a hint of green to the sky.
The Lilly building will be made of three layers of glass and partially covered with vegetation. The planting system will be made of light concrete supported by steel frames. It is a plant that can grow well in both soil and acidity. It will wither the plant if it is well drained.
The flowers are red, yellow, and orange, meaning that in the spring New York will see a field of flowers in skyscrapers, and may be very appetizing to urban gardeners, who are now more and more in the city.
However, combining the building with plants is not only a beautiful function, in addition to beautiful flower fields and contributing to the good urban air, it is also a low-energy design, natural insulation can allow the building to reduce the internal consumption of the climate, in addition, Lilly Building is also a passive building, using a small amount of energy to maintain a comfortable internal environment.
The heat of the sun will flow through the large glass, and the fresh air will enter through the open windows of the residential section.
Heating and cooling will be provided by the geothermal system, the heat exchanger helps to minimize energy loss, and the plants on the outer walls provide heat preservation and insulation. According to the design, the building has 21 floors for commercial space and 18 floors for residential use.
In any case, we all welcome the emergence of more energy-efficient, sustainable skyscrapers, not to mention lilies in the spring, and beautiful greenery in other seasons to breathe for the people of the city.
Key words:
LIFE, Classic, Architecture, Passive Architecture
Share with friends:
※ This article is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without permission. [ETtoday Copyright Notice]
Back to the top.

Title:

Content: Woodworking: 9 things you can build with bamboo

Johannes van Graan
Loading admin actions …

Bamboo is a versatile and beautiful wood to get you in the mood for some building and woodworking.

Did you know that bamboos are the fastest growing plants in the world? And also that they have a notable economic and cultural significance in Asia, where they are used for building materials and food source?

Well then, we hear you ask, what can I build with bamboo in my house? Nearly everything! Available in a variety of sizes, diameters, heights and colours, bamboo has a distinct combination of hardness, strength and flexibility that makes a unique choice when it comes to architecture and design.

Even though some may call it a bunch of sticks, bamboo is used for constructing everything from furniture to walls, and from roofs to floors. Each species of bamboo can be used differently as they each have exceptional textures and finishes.

Today, our aim is to satisfy your curiosity of how you can incorporate this ultra raw material into your home.

For façades

Since it’s fully functional and aesthetically pleasing, bamboo can make some terrific covering for a house’s façade. Whether you decide on sliding panels or decorative walls, bamboo adapts to any design and need, and provides fantastic support against natural elements.

Play with different textures and patterns, depending on the type of look you want to go for. Feel free to paint the bamboo or just use a sealant to protect the surface and show off your new tropical facade!

Use bamboo for some privacy screens (or fences/walls), and watch how the sunlight changes the shadow and light on its surface. Who knew going green could have such interesting choices?

Façade Nº 2

A bamboo wall doesn't necessarily have to be completely opaque. You can still have the vertical lines on your porch to block some sunlight, yet space them apart to let a bit of light and air into your interior.

Whether you want to use bamboo or not, you’re still blessed with endless possibilities for your balcony, porch and terrace. See some inspirational visual examples, right here on homify.

An entire structure

As evidenced here, bamboo has such sturdiness to it that it can withstand high loads of weight. With the right diameter (and amount) of bamboo, it can be expertly used for a creative and strong construction.

IR Architecture shows us how a house’s structure is assembled entirely out of bamboo, with virtually no major costs for the rest of the building materials. Whether it’s for columns or beams, railings or roof straps (or all of the above), bamboo presents a unique option for any structural system.

For function and decoration

With bamboo being a plant, it would be the obvious choice to try and use it in the garden – but not just for planting!

It can serve as a natural fence for your flowers or garden area. It can mark slopes and terraces. Or how about using bamboo for your potted plants, as shown in this spectacular example of a vertical garden? The brown offsets perfectly against the white of the wall, while simultaneously flowing together with the greens of the plants. What a smart way to bring more nature into a garden.

See some: Great Tips To Make Your Garden More Fun!

Some shading

In this close-up example, we see how bamboo trunks, bound together by metal knots, can create an expert overhang. Studies have shown that the shade provided by overhangs help to reduce both the energy needed to cool a house, as well as the sun damage to existing materials and furnishings. What a great (and cost-effective) way to incorporate bamboo into your home!

Feel free to see some more details about this project by Brazilian team Bambu Carbono Zero.

Expert external cladding

Bamboo fences add a unique decor factor to the right environment. In addition to creating a visual barrier, they inject some texture and warmth to your yard, garden or terrace.

But who says all your bamboo sticks in your wall need to be identical? Play with different thickness, types or even colours for a unique and eye-catching result! In our accompanying image we see how the bamboo adds a fresh atmosphere to the area. It is close enough to stop those prying eyes and the majority of sunlight, yet is spaced far enough to let some air through.

Didn’t we say the choices are endless?

Focus on furniture

Furniture options are endless when it comes to bamboo. From lamps and screens to tables and doors, we are really spoiled for choice.

With the right kind of bamboo, it is very easy to assemble your furniture of choice – plus it’s extremely durable. See our accompanying example of this gorgeous bamboo bed frame, complete with headboard and side tables. All you need is a good thick trunk, nails and hammer, and a good design to follow.

Playing with the lines of the trunks creates different spatial perceptions and patterns, making each design a unique work of art.

For a prime pergola

Want your pergola to look different from your neighbour’s wooden one? You have your answer.

Because bamboo comes in a range of lengths and thickness, you can literally create the pergola of your choice. Whether you want a thick and solid one to ward off even the harshest of rainfalls and sunshine, or a more permeable screen to allow some filtering of light and air currants, you can have it – it all depends on the placing of the logs.

Bamboo can expertly withstand the different types of weather, so no need to worry about it once the natural elements come shining (or pouring) down. It doesn’t matter if you want to go tropical, rustic, Asian or eclectic, your bamboo pergola will be the perfect addition.

What about floor surfaces?

Wooden floors are always welcome but what about a bamboo floor? Yes, they do exist! Bamboo has a highly durable quality, which means it can withstand high traffic areas and humidity. It’s as if Mother Nature knew how popular this material would be in the architectural world, because it grows much faster than other types of wood (certain species can grow 91cm within a 24-hour period).

For a bamboo floor, the logs are cut into thin strips and then fixed with special glue or nails to a wooden base structure. This type of flooring, originally from China, has become an admired option for houses, apartments and restaurants worldwide, as it can also be stained and varnished for different shades and finishes.

As we have learned today, bamboo has made a significant impact in the world of design, architecture and art – not just because of its prime beauty, but also its versatility to adapt to any type of projects, from the smallest detail, to the largest structure and coatings.

Our images are just a drop in the bucket of what you can create with this noble and sustainable material. Let’s hear it for the beauty of bamboo!

Need help with your home project?
Get in touch!

Discover home inspiration!

Trellis, wire systems, or stacked concrete blocks can support vertical gardens and small plants.

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.”

More from U.S. News

Top 8 Pros and Cons of Saltwater Pools

How Do I Find My Property Lines?

How Much Does It Cost to Add a Screened-In Deck or Porch to Your House?

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

Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up

Low-maintenance plants like Dragon Tube, Junzi, Wu Bamboo, Pothos, and heart leaf philodendrons are suitable for indoor vertical gardens.

Title:

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

Humans need plants to survive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through March 12
  • or

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.

Sansevieria and succulents are suitable for areas with low water availability due to their drought tolerance and minimal watering needs.

Title:

Content: rus
� � � � � � � �
These five plants grow on the balcony and will survive if you go on vacation
Bilim Elena
If you love houseplants, but do not always have the time or the ability to water them regularly, there are many beautiful species that perfectly adapt to a dry climate and do not require frequent moistening.
These plants tend to have dense leaves, fleshy stems, or other features that allow them to retain moisture for a long time, writes Santeplusmag.
You will also be interested in: How to create a vertical garden on the balcony: tips of gardeners
Here are 5 great plant options for your balcony:
1.
Sansevieria (mother-in-law 's tongue, pike' s tail)
This hardy plant is known for its vertical, sharp leaves that come in different shades of green, yellow and gray.
Sansevieria tolerates drought perfectly, because its leaves serve as reservoirs for water.
A bright, indirect light suits her, but it can also survive in the shade.
Sansevieria should be watered only when the soil is completely dry.
2.
Bamboo
This exotic plant not only looks elegant, but also very unpretentious in care.
Bamboo can grow in pots on the balcony, where it will be enough 20 ° C of heat and protection from drafts.
Water bamboo should be moderately, giving the soil a little dry between watering.
3.
Succulents
This vast group of plants combines many species that have adapted to life in arid conditions.
Succulents have fleshy leaves or stems that store water.
They need well-drained soil and moderate watering – only when the soil is completely dry.
Succulents come in many shapes, sizes and colors, so you are sure to find the look you like.
4.
Agava
This ornamental plant with a rosette of spiny leaves is not only beautiful, but also resistant to heat and drought.
Agave can be left without watering for several days, even if you go on vacation.
She loves a sunny place, but can grow in partial shade.
Agave does not tolerate frost, so in winter it must be protected from the cold.
5.
Cactus
This classic choice for houseplant lovers is known for its stamina.
Cacti come in many shapes, sizes and colors, but they have one thing in common: they perfectly retain water in their fleshy stems.
In summer, cacti need minimal watering, and in winter they can be left almost without water.
These plants love sunlight, but they need to be protected from the hot midday sun.
With these unpretentious plants, you can create a beautiful and cozy corner on your balcony, without spending a lot of time and effort on care.
Earlier we reported why there should be pots with plants in the bedroom.
Want to get the latest news about the war and events in Ukraine - subscribe to our Telegram channel!

Integrating vertical gardens with smart technologies optimizes performance, improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Title:

Content: Redefining Smart Buildings

An Integrated Approach with IoT Solutions by Jacob Blackwell of LMG

The concept of smart buildings has recently seen a surge of interest, with many newer buildings now being built smart as standard. Key stakeholders such as property developers, landlords, and facilities managers are acknowledging the advantages of smart buildings in boosting environmental and lowering energy and operational expenditure — in a range of spaces from offices to hotels. However, the journey towards a truly smart building still presents considerable challenges to be overcome.

Historically, traditional building management systems have functioned in isolation, resulting in inefficiencies and lost opportunities for optimisation. These systems have also failed to offer a comprehensive picture of a building's operations and performance, creating hurdles for owners and managers in decision-making processes.

An affordable solution to these problems has arrived with IoT technology - a familiar but still revolutionary force in the smart building industry. The recent introduction of SenseIQ, a comprehensive IoT services solution from LMG addresses the difficulties encountered by property developers and managers, who are now able to rapidly deploy an unprecedented layer of smartness to their existing and new buildings.

Inside the IoT-Enabled Smart Building

Implementing a building wide IoT network was once a costly and technically demanding undertaking, particularly for existing buildings. Now, however, integrated cloud-based solutions greatly ease the deployment of wireless IoT sensor networks, ensuring optimal device connectivity across various building services. This allows data to be consolidated into a single, real-time view for building owners and managers.

A wireless IoT solution like this typically consists of sensors, gateways, backhaul connectivity, and software for managing and displaying data, all packaged together — ensuring a smooth deployment without disrupting existing networks.

The key advantages

With an IoT platform implemented, the building owner or operator can begin to reap the benefits. This integrated system captures all of the meaningful data related to building performance and usage that was previously easily missed. The technology adds an entirely new dimension to a smart building's infrastructure, unlocking a multitude of possibilities for optimisation, enhancement and an improved occupant experience.

The incorporation of IoT technology can offer essential insights into many facets of building management.

These include:

•            Energy consumption: Data on power usage can be gathered and displayed in an intuitive interface for the building manager's analysis. The data can pinpoint areas of high consumption and help the building owner make informed decisions for improvements to align energy consumption with when and where it is needed. The data could also reveal instances of unnecessary energy use, allowing the building manager to enforce conservation measures.

•            Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): A significant advantage is a deeper understanding of a building's IAQ. Installed sensors can provide information on CO2 and CO levels, humidity, dust, mould, VOC, and other airborne particles. This data allows the building manager to promptly identify and address any issues, ensuring compliance with industry and public standards and maintaining tenant wellbeing.

•            Occupancy and space utilisation: Room and desk usage patterns can be easily discerned with IoT occupancy sensors. This data can help the building owner evaluate the building's layout efficiency and detect any issues, such as poor room layouts, leading to over or underutilised spaces. This data is also vital for implementing a room or desk booking system within the building, greatly enhancing occupant productivity and experience.

Progression of Smart Building Standards

The wealth of insights gathered makes it simpler for building owners and operators to align with building certifications like WELL2 and SmartScore, making their properties more appealing to potential occupants. This not only enhances the property's marketability but also sets the stage for higher rental and resale values, contributing to a significant return on investment further down the line.

In response to the increasing capabilities of IoT technology, building standards and certifications are constantly evolving. They are moving beyond a mere focus on energy efficiency and sustainability to more comprehensive metrics that take into account aspects such as occupant comfort, health, and productivity. This shift is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of creating spaces that not only minimise environmental impact but also foster human well-being.

As such, the ability to monitor and optimise indoor air quality, lighting conditions, and thermal comfort – all made possible through IoT solutions – is becoming increasingly important.

The future of Smart Buildings

The advent of IoT solutions is truly game-changing, offering the chance to create a new breed of smart building — one that is technologically advanced and maximises efficiency, reduces costs, and significantly enhances occupant comfort and wellbeing. By fostering a healthier and more comfortable environment, these solutions can boost productivity, satisfaction, and overall user experience.

As we look into the future, the continuous evolution of IoT, coupled with advances in AI and ML, promises to bring about even more significant changes in the way we manage and interact with our buildings. These advancements, along with a sustained focus on sustainability, health, and wellbeing, will ensure that smart buildings continue to play an indispensable role in our lives.

For corporate landlords seeking to retain healthy, happy tenants, it's high time to embrace the latest developments in smart building technology. The worth of a building now extends beyond its physical infrastructure to the data and intelligence embedded within. The future of smart buildings has arrived, and they’re set to become even smarter.

Jacob Blackwell is Business Development Manager at LMG

Related links:
Related articles:

CIBSE welcomes new regulations that enable the Building Safety Act to be fully implemented

CIBSE welcomes the publication of new regulations for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) and the major changes to the Building Regulations that will enable further elements of the Building Safety Act to be fully implemented in England on 1 October 2023.

Engineering Services alliance calls for clarity on the CE and UKCA mark transition for construction products

Actuate UK, the voice of the engineering services sector, welcomes the Department of Business & Trade (DBT) announcement to indefinitely extend recognition of CE mark for some goods coming into Great Britain but asks for clarity on construction products.

Calendar

IoT technology can monitor and control vertical gardens, providing real-time data on energy, water, and plant health.