Green walls, also known as vertical gardens, are a popular feature in environmental design and architecture due to their aesthetic and environmental benefits, and they can improve indoor air quality by reducing nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and ozone concentration.

The benefits of green walls include air purification, temperature regulation, and mental health improvement, making them a valuable addition to indoor spaces.

Green walls can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance, and they require minimal watering and maintenance, making them a low-maintenance option.

The installation cost of green walls can range from $200 to $1200 per square meter, depending on the materials and design used.

Green walls can reduce energy waste, improve air quality, and minimize ambient noise, making them a desirable feature in urban environments.

The choice of plants for green walls is crucial, and plants such as lily bamboo, firecracker red, and Boston kidney fern are suitable for green walls.

Irrigation systems are necessary for green walls, and they can be designed to recycle rainwater and reduce energy consumption.

Green walls can be designed for curved surfaces, and technology can be used to inspect plant health and optimize water management.

The design of a green wall should take into account the local climate and its characteristics, as well as the soil type and its impact on plant growth.

Choosing plants that are suitable for the climate and soil type is essential for the success of a green wall.

Regular watering is necessary for vertical gardens, and the frequency of watering will depend on the type of plants and the climate.

Green walls can reduce nitrogen dioxide concentration by 40%, suspended particulates by 60%, and indoor fine suspended particulates by 10%.

The use of durable plant varieties is crucial for the success of a green wall, as they can withstand the conditions and require minimal maintenance.

Green walls can reduce noise, heat island effect, and purify the air, making them a popular choice for environmental design and architecture.

The mental health impact of green walls is also significant, as they can create a sense of peacefulness and improve the overall well-being of individuals.

Built-in benches and retractable awnings can be used to maximize space and provide shade and protection for green walls.

The use of rich soils with a natural balance of nutrients is essential for plant growth, and fertilizing sandy and clay soils with compost or mulch can improve soil quality.

Protecting the garden from strong winds with a cover or hedge is also crucial, and planning the layout of the garden including paths and decor can create a visually appealing display.

Integrating planters into external cladding is a way to connect gardens to buildings, which can be an effective method for integrating green walls into existing buildings.

Green roofs with meadow grass can be added to kitchen extensions, providing an opportunity for green wall integration.

Internal courtyards can be created within homes to connect gardens to buildings, offering a potential space for green wall installation.

South-facing walls are ideal for green walls due to the abundance of light they receive.

Frames can be used to support green walls, with options including picture frames, shadow boxes, or pallets.

Breathable materials like landscape fabric are necessary for green walls to ensure proper air circulation and moisture management.

Soil should be moist but not soaking wet for succulents, which are a popular choice for green walls due to their low-maintenance requirements.

Regular inspection is necessary to prevent pest and disease issues in green walls, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance.

Green walls can be integrated into existing buildings using a layered showcase of greenery and digital solutions, offering a modern and innovative approach.

Customised planting palettes and innovative technological applications for water and energy management are required for successful green wall integration.

Climbing robots can be used to inspect plant health and collect environmental data on green walls, providing valuable insights for maintenance and optimization.

Green walls reduce nitrogen dioxide by 40%, suspended particulates by 60%, indoor fine particulates by 10%, and ozone by 30%, demonstrating their significant air purification benefits.

Green walls can also reduce indoor temperature by 1.8 ℃, providing a natural and energy-efficient cooling solution.

Retrofitting green walls can beautify urban environments, reduce noise and heat island effect, and purify the air in urban areas.

Durable plant varieties are essential for ensuring long-term green wall operation and minimizing maintenance needs.

Green walls require special care and maintenance, including monitoring plant health and managing water and energy systems.

Technology can enhance green wall design and development, enabling the creation of lush landscapes in harsh environments and improving overall performance.

Green walls can flourish in different environments worldwide, but curved green walls pose challenges for plant care and maintenance.

Innovative water and energy management systems can enable 100% green energy, making green walls a highly sustainable option.

Green buildings, including those with green walls, can save 50% of energy and 60% of water resources, reducing their environmental footprint.

Green walls can reduce 80% of waste generation and 45% of carbon dioxide emissions, providing significant environmental benefits.

The Wall Garden in Barcelona regulates temperature and purifies air, demonstrating the effectiveness of green walls in urban environments.

Rooftop gardens, which can include green walls, reduce surface temperature by 6 degrees Celsius, providing a natural cooling solution.

Green plants under solar panels can improve charging efficiency, highlighting the potential for green walls to enhance renewable energy systems.

Green corridors can compensate for urbanization's ecological impact, and green spaces can reduce energy costs for cooling indoor spaces.

Overall, green walls offer a range of benefits for air quality, mental health, and sustainability, making them a valuable consideration for environmental design and architecture.

Green walls, also known as vertical gardens, are a popular feature in environmental design and architecture due to their aesthetic and environmental benefits, and they can improve indoor air quality by reducing nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and ozone concentration.

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

The benefits of green walls include air purification, temperature regulation, and mental health improvement, making them a valuable addition to indoor spaces.

Green walls can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance, and they require minimal watering and maintenance, making them a low-maintenance option.

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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The installation cost of green walls can range from $200 to $1200 per square meter, depending on the materials and design used.

Green walls can reduce energy waste, improve air quality, and minimize ambient noise, making them a desirable feature in urban environments.

The choice of plants for green walls is crucial, and plants such as lily bamboo, firecracker red, and Boston kidney fern are suitable for green walls.

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

Irrigation systems are necessary for green walls, and they can be designed to recycle rainwater and reduce energy consumption.

Title:

Content: Green Ark / NU architectuuratelier + archipelago

+ 9

  • Area:  10280
  • Year:  2024
  • Photographs:N/A
  • Manufacturers:  Kebony
  • Lead Architects: NU architectuuratelier
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Text description provided by the architects. Lying at the heart of the 92-hectare Meise Botanic Garden, The Green Ark Project features the successful renovation of 7,600 m2 of greenhouse complex and the installation of a spectacular hyperboloid pavilion made with sustainable Kebony Clear wood housing more than 10,000 species of endangered plants across 22 different greenhouses, each independently regulated to ensure optimal temperature and climate conditions for the diverse collection of flora. Amongst the pioneering new technologies installed at the Green Ark is an irrigation system that recycles the rainwater that falls onto the building, contributing to the reduction of energy consumption which has been halved in comparison to the old greenhouse facilities.

The Green Ark will also act as a learning hub, educating the Meise Botanic Garden’s 240,000 annual visitors about the ever-increasing threat that climate change poses to the planet’s biodiversity and the innovations to protect the environment for future generations.

The design and construction of the Green Ark is the result of a collaboration between various groups working in alliance with the Meise Botanic Garden and the Flemish Government, including De Keyser Wood Industry, NU Architectuur Atelier, Archipelago Architects, Mouton and Van Poppel. Dually modified™ Kebony wood shingles were sawn into the roof of the pavilion, providing a natural finish that places the Green Ark in harmony with its botanical surroundings and enriches the visitor experience, as well as supporting the project.

The fast-growing FSC-certified softwoods used by Kebony are specifically planted for this purpose and grow to the desired sixes in 25-30 years, while hardwoods can take 80-200 years to grow. During the growth of these trees, carbon is captured from the atmosphere, contributing to CO2 sequestration. The dual modification™ process permanently transforms the wood cell walls by forming locked-in furan polymers increasing the dimensional stability, durability, and hardness of the wood guaranteeing both long life and a high level of safety.

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Address:Meise, Belgium

Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
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Cite: "Green Ark / NU architectuuratelier + archipelago" 20 Jun 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1017875/green-ark-nu-architectuuratelier-plus-archipelago> ISSN 0719-8884

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Green walls can be designed for curved surfaces, and technology can be used to inspect plant health and optimize water management.

Title:

Content: Expo 2020 Dubai

Expo 2020 Dubai: Singapore pavilion integrates nature within urban environments

WAM/Abu Dhabi
Filed on August 26, 2021
Source: Expo 2020 website

Green architecture to embody ethos of sustainable development

The Singapore pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai puts green architecture at the forefront to help visitors appreciate the benefits and possibilities of integrating nature within our urban environments.

Layered with a showcase of greenery, digital solutions and art, the pavilion exemplifies Singapore's vision of becoming a City in Nature, and ethos of sustainable development via innovative and impactful urban solutions.

Yap Lay Bee, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Singapore pavilion and Group Director, Architecture & Urban Design Group at the Urban Redevelopment Authority, said, "The Singapore Pavilion demonstrates the potential to push the envelope to integrate nature, architecture and technology through various design strategies and digital elements.

"We wish to invite visitors to contemplate their relationship with nature as they explore the pavilion's green, digital ecosystem and its artistic representation of the pavilion's integrated system of greenery, water and energy management. In doing so, visitors will be able to appreciate the challenges in realising the Singapore pavilion, and the ways we can co-exist with our natural and built environment, where both people and ecologies are cared for."

The pavilion takes into account the local environment within its Rainforest Cone and the Flower Cone areas to sustain rainforest plants. The growth of the multitude of plant varieties despite the ground conditions demonstrates the possibility for such lush landscapes to thrive in different environments around the world while using renewable resources.

The pavilion also capitalises on technology to augment bold landscaping design. Caring for the varieties of plants within the pavilion is no easy feat, especially those on the curved green walls of the pavilion's iconic cones. To address this challenge, three prototype climbing robots will traverse the green walls around the Flower Cone to inspect the health of the plants, as well as to collect environmental data to monitor the performance of the pavilion's systems.

Visitors are invited to participate in a generative artwork at the Galleria that allows them to visualise the performance of the pavilion's integrated ecosystem and how it impacts the environment. The customised planting palette and innovative technological applications used in water and energy management are design strategies that enable the Singapore pavilion to achieve its net-zero energy target.

Preparations for the Singapore pavilion are at the final phase. Landscaping works have wrapped up and finishing touches are being made to the digital exhibits ahead of its opening on 1st October 2021. Various elements of the Singapore pavilion experience will also be presented on online platforms, given the current travel restrictions and safe management measures.

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The design of a green wall should take into account the local climate and its characteristics, as well as the soil type and its impact on plant growth.

Title:

Content: How to create a tropical garden?
Tatyana Vashchenko
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The garden in the tropical style has long been not only an exotic, but also a romantic place that can be found in many parts of the world.
It is able to effectively decorate the space at your home, as well as significantly increase the total value of the property.
If the climatic conditions of your region do not allow you to create a tropical garden under the open sky, then it can always be placed in your own greenhouse.
The main thing is to think about the layout in advance and choose the right plants.
Often, the desire to acquire a garden in a tropical style arises after a vacation in one of the hot countries, where palms, vines and other plants characteristic of this style were found everywhere.
They are able to conquer everyone at first sight with their grandeur and beauty.
That is why I want to bring a piece of solar memories to my garden, filling it with similar seedlings.
We will tell you about the features and main nuances of a tropical garden created in our latitudes.
Do your plants need shading?
Before you start planting selected plants, study the requirements for their content.
In addition to the optimal temperature and humidity, you should pay attention to how they carry direct sunlight.
If there are plants in the tropical garden that need shading, then it should be created before planting such seedlings in the ground.
Best of all, the shadow creates an artificial cover or tall trees, under which some species can protect themselves from the scorching sun.
In the second case, we recommend choosing plants with wide leaves and powerful branches that will create a dense shadow on a significant area under their crowns.
It can be palm trees, tipuans or carob trees.
Learn about the local climate
The first thing you need to do to implement the idea of   creating a tropical garden is to study the local climate.
Its main characteristics, such as average monthly temperatures, rainfall and wind patterns, will be the starting point in choosing plants for your garden.
Most tropical trees and bushes prefer a hot and even arid climate.
This is understandable, because the territory of their origin is the tropics and subtropics, where it is always warm.
Some species have already adapted to moderate temperatures, but negative readings of the thermometer will withstand only a few.
Of great importance is the regular watering of tropical plants.
Many neglect this, believing that water can harm the root system.
But it is worth remembering the traditional tropical downpours, which saturate the soil with a large amount of moisture.
It stores plants for the entire dry period.
If the climate of your region only partially meets the requirements described, then you can arrange a tropical garden in a greenhouse type building.
What kind of soil do you have?
KP Zhukovka 21 century
Land-proekt
In addition to the climate, careful assessment requires the soil at the site of the proposed garden.
It is the basis that has a tremendous impact on the appearance, growth rate and durability of tropical plants.
The ideal option is considered rich soils in which the natural balance of nutrients for the root system is observed.
If your site is located on sandy and clay soils, then they must be additionally fertilized.
It is better to do this with compost, mulch and other means to improve the soil, which must be applied at a distance of at least 15 cm deep.
If your site is located in the lowland part and water stagnates there, then this can serve as a factor in the deterioration of soil properties and lead to the death of plants or their frequent diseases.
The fact is that pathogenic microorganisms and mold fungi begin to develop in constantly moist soil, which absorb the lion ’ s share of useful substances, thereby depleting the soil.
Therefore, we recommend using such an agricultural method as weeding the top layer of soil after heavy precipitation.
Find out what plants are growing in your area.
Landscape design in Valerianovo
Aster Garden
In our temperate zone, tropical plants are exotic, not the norm.
They can be seen in botanical gardens, closed greenhouses or frequent houses, where special conditions are created for representatives of the named family.
When we hear something about the tropics, the first thing we imagine is luxurious palm trees.
Indeed, these plants are among the most common inhabitants of exotic gardens.
There are many different types of them, each of which is beautiful in its own way.
Some palm trees are quite resistant to short-term mild winters, if they are wrapped with insulating material.
At the seaside resorts of our country, you can see the trees of this species, which perfectly adapted to the climatic characteristics of the region.
As for other plants for a tropical garden, in our band, individual varieties of lianas, begonias and ficus take root well.
But to create a full-fledged and diverse green corner with an exotic character, we recommend building a separate room for it, in which it would be possible to regulate the temperature and humidity of the air.
Or plant thermophilic plants in flower pots, which are brought into the house with the onset of cold weather.
Plan the layout of your garden
Before starting work on the creation of a tropical garden, you need to plan everything properly.
In particular:
- where and what plants will be planted;
- routes and style of design paths for leisurely walks;
- lighting and garden decor;
- irrigation system.
These aspects have a significant impact not only on the aesthetic perception of the garden, but also on its productivity and growth rate.
To visualize what you would like to recreate, use special programs that are available to everyone on the Internet.
You can seek advice and help from professionals in the industry - landscape architects.
They will not only acquaint you with the rules of registration of the site in a tropical style, but also help with practical tips.
Recommendations for the design of the green zone you will find in the Book of ideas How to make a beautiful garden.
Place a cover or hedge of plants to protect the garden from strong winds
Depending on the climate, there may be strong and cold winds in your region.
They can cause significant harm to the plants of the tropical garden, not only breaking them, but also frostbite.
To prevent such troubles, you can build a special mechanical cover in the form of an elegant fence.
Such a fence looks very beautiful if it is made in the form of a hedge.
It harmoniously fits into the style of a tropical garden and at the same time reliably protects plants in windy weather.
Add decorations like Buddha and other inspirational Asian statues
Make the design of a tropical garden original and unique will help successful decor.
The easiest and most effective way is to use different statues.
With the style of the tropics, sculptures in the Asian style look perfect.
First of all, these are all kinds of designs with the image of the Buddha, as well as other Eastern symbols.
Such compositions will bring tranquility to the green area near the house and make the atmosphere of the garden positive.
You can beautifully decorate the garden with the help of ordinary stones of various sizes, colors and shapes.
These natural materials expressively shade the lush greenery of plants and harmonize with the environment.
Learn how to care
In order for the tropical garden you created to please you from year to year, you need to study the basic rules for caring for it.
In addition to regular routine procedures, such as inspecting plants, watering and loosening the soil, more serious measures should be taken twice a year.
Plants that require pruning should be brought into the desired form only in the spring, in order to minimally injure their branches and prevent death.
At the same time, the soil is fertilized, cleaned of foreign objects and dry leaves.
Autumn is the time to prepare the garden for winter.
Tropical plants are sheltered or brought into the room if they grow in pots.
Need help with a home project?
Contact us!
Find inspirational ideas for your home

Choosing plants that are suitable for the climate and soil type is essential for the success of a green wall.

Regular watering is necessary for vertical gardens, and the frequency of watering will depend on the type of plants and the climate.

Title:

Content: I don't want to jinx anything for you all but through the showers this week there have been glimpses of blue skies and glimmers of sunshine, indicating that summer may well be on its way. I love being outside as much as possible, but I have very limited outdoor space available to me.

Figuring out how to maximise my 2m by 2m courtyard garden to make it as usable as possible for me was an important part of planning my renovation. Here’s what I learned about making the best use of limited outdoor space.

As with every space, it’s important to first consider how you want to use it. For me, I wanted a few things:

Additional dining space for larger gatherings

Somewhere to lay out and relax on nice days

GREENERY

A swimming pool (ok fine so I didn’t get everything I wanted)

In a 2m x 2m space, some items on this list seemed incompatible (if not impossible), so I had to get creative.

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

First up, creating an outdoor dining space for entertaining, which generally requires a table and chairs. The chairs are easy and I’ll get to those, but a table is tricky — if you have limited space then a table is either a permanent feature in your garden or requires storage space that you may not have. Luckily my builder came up with a genius solution for this — he used leftover building materials to make a table that folds up against the garden wall, meaning I can have a large dining table when needed but can easily free up the space to lay out in. If you’re handy you can do the same, or you can buy pre-made folding tables designed to be mounted on walls — I have seen a range of these available on Etsy.

Chairs are simpler — I absolutely recommend having a built-in bench along one wall. It is by far the best use of space to fit people around a table. Wood or tiles are the best materials here — mine is made from the same tiles used in my downstairs bathroom, and I like the consistency that brings. Just check they’re suitable for outdoor use. For additional seating you can buy folding garden chairs which can be hung on the wall when not in use — mine are from Ikea and I spray painted them to fit my style.

One thing I plan on installing this summer is a retractable awning. These are a super way to maximise the space available to you — it means a light shower won’t ruin your outdoor dinner party. There are more affordable options that involve manually winding the awning in or out, all the way up to electronic options that also include lighting and heaters.

LYING OUT IN SUNSHINE

I will concede that due to our weather, this isn’t the most frequent way I use my garden.

However on those beautiful summer days there’s nothing better than soaking up the Irish sun!

I don’t have the storage space for a garden lounger so instead I bought myself a hammock. I couldn’t love it more. All it took was installing two hooks in the garden, and when not in use hammocks fold down to practically nothing. They’re easy to keep clean, and there’s nothing nicer than that gentle swaying motion.

Hammocks are available in a number of lengths so you’re likely to find something to fit your space — just make sure you measure correctly and leave enough space for it to move in.

If for some reason you hate hammocks, or cannot fit one, I think inflatable outdoor furniture is a great option. Again these store away much more easily than foldable furniture. Just make sure you cover the plastic with a throw or blanket — bare skin and inflatable furniture are not friends.

GREENERY

I don’t have green fingers. I have given up on gardening. I don’t have the patience to repot and replant things, and I don’t have the talent to keep pretty plants alive. However, I did want greenery to create a sense of peacefulness and to improve the air quality in my city garden.

Much like my garden table, the solution here was to go vertical. Luckily for me my friend Jonny Gannon (gannonandassociates.ie) is an exceptional landscaper, and in exchange for me making his wedding cake he installed the most beautiful vertical garden wall for me. Even I am able to (mostly) keep these plants alive — this wall is north facing and doesn’t get much sun, so what works best for me here are ivys, heucheras, and ferns. I’ve even managed some hardy herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley.

The garden wall comprises felt pockets (bought on Amazon) nailed to a plywood board, which in turn is screwed onto my garden wall. The pockets act as plant pots but be warned that they dry out a lot quicker, so plenty of watering is required. Overall it’s not difficult to install and believe me— if I can maintain a garden wall, anyone can.

Q&A

QUESTION

Could you please advise where you got your vinyl tiles and who fitted them?

Sounds exactly what I'm looking for, for my kitchen & utility room. Just a bit worried about table and chair marks!! Thank you very much.

ANSWER

I bought my LVT flooring from Deco Designs in Dublin. The brand is Moduleo. I’m really happy with both the brand and the fitter, happy to recommend both. Some other LVT brands you could check out are Karndean and Amtico. In my experience nothing has marked this floor — I drag my table, chairs, bike, stilettos, wheelie suitcases, couch, across it and it so far seems pretty indestructible. Any scuffs have been very easy to clean.

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Green walls can reduce nitrogen dioxide concentration by 40%, suspended particulates by 60%, and indoor fine suspended particulates by 10%.

The use of durable plant varieties is crucial for the success of a green wall, as they can withstand the conditions and require minimal maintenance.

Title:

Content: City car park green beautification to create a small oasis
▲ Taichung City Government has vigorously promoted green beautification and expanded the planting of green fences in parking lots and crane yards, so that parking lots become small oases.
(Photo / courtesy of Taichung City Government, same as below)
Life Center / General Report
Taichung City is currently building a number of three-dimensional parking lot, after the completion of the parking space in addition to a large increase, the Transportation Bureau also launched a green beautification plan, the parking lot into a small oasis in the city.
As of February this year (113), a total of 59 parking lots and 2 towing yards, including Shuinan Central Park, Chuangyan 22, 26, Dajia Liming Parking Lot, Houli Fuxing Parking Lot, etc., have been successfully landscaped.
▲ The green beautification operation of the parking lot is ongoing, and the selection of durable varieties ensures the long-term operation of the landscape.
"Taichung City Government attaches importance to the voice of the public, improve the parking lot environment, green beautification has become a dazzling highlight of the city!" Transportation Secretary Ye Zhaofu explained that the core of the parking lot renovation plan is to expand green beautification, choose plant varieties with beautification environment and durability, to ensure that the green fence can maintain a beautiful landscape in long-term operation, while having a good impact on the environment.
In the future, we will continue to plant rich and diverse green plants around various parking lots and towing yards to build a green ecological barrier.
▲ The Hing Neutral Parking Lot, which is under construction, integrates aesthetics, environmental protection and ecology with the plan of “Vertical Park of Parking Lot ”.
In addition to beautifying the existing parking lot, the Taichung Municipal Transportation Bureau also combines greening concepts with greening concepts for the parking lot currently under construction. For example, the Hing Neutral Parking Lot, which is expected to open in 114 years, is different from the traditional green landscape design. Make the wall green effect, so that the parking lot looks like a three-dimensional forest in the park, integrating beauty, environmental protection and ecology, providing a green barrier that can purify the air, reduce noise and heat island effect, and improve the urban environment.
The park concept is integrated into the parking lot design, and the size of the parking lot is reduced to increase the area of green space. The event plaza and urban ribbon multi-purpose space are planned on Chenggong Road and Hing Chung Street.
(Taichung City Government Advertisement)
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Green walls can reduce noise, heat island effect, and purify the air, making them a popular choice for environmental design and architecture.

The mental health impact of green walls is also significant, as they can create a sense of peacefulness and improve the overall well-being of individuals.

Built-in benches and retractable awnings can be used to maximize space and provide shade and protection for green walls.

The use of rich soils with a natural balance of nutrients is essential for plant growth, and fertilizing sandy and clay soils with compost or mulch can improve soil quality.

Protecting the garden from strong winds with a cover or hedge is also crucial, and planning the layout of the garden including paths and decor can create a visually appealing display.

Integrating planters into external cladding is a way to connect gardens to buildings, which can be an effective method for integrating green walls into existing buildings.

Title:

Content: The emerging home renovation trends to know about in 2024 for every property and budget

Before extending or updating your home, know what's hot and what's not in the world of renovation

(Image credit: Stylus Architects/Chris Snook)

If this is the year you finally get your house in order (physically, as well as metaphorically), our home renovation trends are essential reading. Because knowing what's worth doing and what might be viewed as a fad almost before the project is done could be the difference between added value and a huge waste of money.

With building work and materials more expensive than ever, getting your project right is all-important. It's worth interrogating your plans before you start, to make sure you're doing the right thing by your property, and that's where our trends list can help.

Is Crittall-style glazing still 'in'? Are there any clever new extension ideas I hadn't considered? Should I clad my home? Can I make a difference with a small budget? We've quizzed some top architects on all these points and more, so you can start your renovation with confidence.

A home renovation is a huge investment, so it doesn't really make sense to follow fashions without thought for the future. That's why every trend we mention here is considered as a long-term movement by our panel of architects.

'As a business, we're not bound by fashion. We think about buildings that are going to last and be loved in decades,' says Matthew Withers, director at Stylus Architects. 'We stick to our principles of what we think are great materials, long-lasting materials, shapes and forms that will ultimately stand the test of time.'

That said, Matthew thinks it's important to take a few risks – not just 'keep up with the Joneses'. 'We encourage people to think about what they love. There's a real temptation to think "When I'm going to sell my house, I need other people to like it". But you only need two people to love it and compete for the sale. Everyone else can hate it!'

'I would say to all clients, be prepared to be a little bit uncomfortable with some design decisions at first, because you won't regret it,' Matthew adds. 'If you're fully comfortable with all the decisions you are making on the drawing board, you'll be bored by the project comes to an end. Whereas the things that you're kind of uncomfortable with, but trust in terms of direction – those are the things you'll end up truly loving.'

Now we've established that our trends are more 'architectural movements' rather than fads, here's what we expect will be big in 2024 and beyond.

1. Statement cladding

Matthew sees a trend for clients wanting something that's unique. 'They're prepared to be more ambitious with their brief and their vision,' he says. 'They believe, correctly, that this will produce a better end result.' And perhaps one of the easiest and most striking ways to do this is through exterior cladding.

He cites one of the company's latest projects – the 'Ribbon House', shown above – as a prime example. 'This is a completely bespoke, stainless-steel and anodised aluminium decorative cladding with geometry that's informed by the existing building's Victorian 'ribbon' detail that runs around the top,' he explains.

'Cladding also gives you the opportunity to properly differentiate the old and new parts of the house,' Matthew adds, pointing out that giving different parts of the building a completely different look is an enduring trend. 'The ability to read the different eras of the facade is a great way to tell the story of what a building was and has been turned into.'

Another huge trend is for cladding that doubles as external wall insulation (EWI). This is a popular choice for older houses, where adding internal cavity walls would have a negative impact on room sizes and original period details like fireplaces and coving.

'We liken it to giving your house a woolly jumper to wear!' says Glen Thomas, director and founder of Glen Thomas Architecture. He explains that this insulation cladding can be given all sorts of finishes, such as paintable render and timber. 'Simply by adding these insulation panels, you can completely transform the look of a dated building. Suddenly, you have a very modern-looking house that's also very energy efficient.'

Top tip: EWI is complex to install, so if you're considering it, choose a company registered with INCA (Insulated Render and Cladding Association).

2. Picture windows and floor-to-ceiling glass

Could we be saying goodbye to bi-fold doors? It's possible, at least in terms of long expanses that run the full width of a property. Instead, we're craving picture windows with banquette seating beneath, and more architectural glazing solutions.

Carlé Scott Gerber is the architecture, planning and interior design lead at Life U Design. 'Lots of people like to have floor-to-ceiling windows, particularly in kitchen extensions looking onto the garden. But there's no longer a desire for full-on glazing across the entire back of the house,' she reveals.

'You need some solid walls to provide spaces to hang artwork or place furniture. And it's sometimes more interesting if you can break a wall up with different materials, both internally and externally. With, for example, rendered versus brick internal walls, or exterior cladding such as Shou Sugi Ban (Japanese charred timber), flint and metal.'

'I think that Crittall style – at least for external glazing – is possibly on the way out,' adds Matthew Withers, who believes we'll still see Critall-style glazing as an acceptable way of dividing rooms internally. 'Meanwhile, picture windows and expanses of glass that provide a view and space, are coming in.'

'I think "big-format glazing" is better anyway,' he admits. 'It gives uninterrupted views internally and externally, and lets the structure of the building take centre stage, creatively, rather than the glass itself.'

'Structural glazing has advanced so far in the last few years and become much more affordable,’ says Glen Thomas. ‘The things you can do with glass are great – for example, we’ve got three or four companies we work with that can create huge expanses of frameless roof lights.'

3. Reconfiguring, not extending

With the cost of materials so high, even a small kitchen extension has become prohibitively expensive for some. But that needn't mean giving up on your dream home. Many architects are now encouraging their clients to improve the existing footprint, rather than simply slapping on an extension and hoping for the best.

'So many of our projects focus on trying to get height and light into a house,' says Carlé Scott Gerber. 'We want to create interesting spaces, not just add extra boxes on.'

'It's about looking at space a little bit more carefully,' she continues. 'We look at the existing footprint first and maximise that, so that the spaces work harder. Adding value to your property price comes from creating good-sized habitable spaces, so it's important to make sure your existing rooms work before you add new ones.'

'Some people will say "I just want to add something". But if your existing home doesn't flow, it doesn't always help to add.'

4. Pale wood kitchens

Demand for pale wood has stemmed from a trend familiar to a lot of interior fans. 'We're very much focused on what we call “quiet architecture”, which is something that’ much more considered and refined,' says Glen Thomas. This chimes with the growing interiors trend for quiet luxury – a movement that favours muted, luxe textures and fabrics over colour-pop maximalism.

In the kitchen, Glen defines this as a use of putty-coloured and pale timber cabinetry, and washed-out wooden floors or large stone tiles. 'We’re also looking at richer, Arts and Crafts-influenced detailing,' he adds. 'So rather than putting on a mass-produced satin-steel bar handle, we’d suggest a beautifully crafted wooden handle that’s handmade by an artisan.'

'Traditionally, we've included a lot of dark kitchens,' adds Matthew Withers, 'but we're encouraging people to look at different materials.' Matthew is actively pointing his clients towards timber, as he sees a return to retro and mid-century styling.

And they're not alone. In this project by Rees Architects, director Daniel Rees and his team have used bespoke white-oiled ash joinery to create simple yet striking floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. He likes to use timber, metal and stone, 'so that depth and tactility is brought into the building, without having to fake anything'.

5. Connected, divisible spaces

Post-pandemic, our experiences of being together as families has prompted a shift from vast, open-plan spaces into something more divisible.

‘We’re still working on large “living kitchen” projects, but what's becoming important is the ability to sub-divide spaces and have breakout spaces,’ says Carlé Scott Gerber. ‘We use a lot more pocket door systems so that you can open up a space or close it down as required. Internal Crittall-style and aluminium doors and partitions are still popular, particularly in a hallway, where you want to bring light into a snug or front room – but there will be fire regulations to consider, particularly if your house stretches over more than two floors.

'Drop-in spaces, where you have the kitchen-diner at a slightly different level to a living room or morning room, are another way to create good sense of separation,' she adds.

'We like to define the zones of a space and connect them through various means,' says Matthew. 'What goes on in the ceiling is as important as what goes on in the plan. Defining those spaces through floor finishes, the location of walls and glazing is so important. You don't end up with vast spaces with no purpose.'

'I always say to clients that the spaces shouldn't be versatile. You should try to make spaces very deliberate,' Matthew adds. 'Where your dining table is, is where your dining table will always be – not, "ooh, I'm going to have the living space here now". If the space is well-designed, that almost won't be possible. If you make a space very generic, you lose its soul and character.'

'We find there’s still a call for "your nan’s best room" when open-plan living becomes too much,' says architect Steven George of George and Co . 'We are using glazed screens in some of our projects to achieve a sense of separation.'

6. En suites, not family bathrooms

Aside from amazing bathroom tile trends, our panel of architects have seen little movement in the design of bathrooms. Standalone showers and baths are still preferred; wet rooms less so unless for accessibility reasons. However, there is one trend that does seem to be growing.

'On larger family homes, we have seen a trend towards more en-suite bathrooms, sometimes removing family bathrooms altogether,' say the team at Sketch Architects. 'Where the layout allows, we're taking one large bathroom and splitting it in two to provide smaller, private spaces that serve separate bedrooms.'

7. Internal panelling

Although wall panelling is nothing new, there's definitely a big move towards contemporary, vertically slatted panels. Also, these are being used more thoughtfully, as feature walls and to provide soundproofing on shared walls.

'Slatted wood wall panels have been a growing trend for the past five years in Europe and more recently in the United States,' says Luke Goodman, marketing manager, The Wood Veneer Hub. 'They transform a room, allowing a DIYer to completely redesign the look and feel of a wall without any professional help.'

'They can be used as a feature wall or to simply hide any outdated design in your home.'

8. Sustainable materials and recycling

You only have to look in the skip outside your neighbour's building project to know that renovation creates a lot of waste. But, in order make a minimal impact on landfill – and our wallets – designers and architects are increasingly looking for ways to reuse or upcycle existing materials.

‘We use recycled materials wherever we can – for example, we like to take our clients to reclamation yards,' says Glen Thomas. 'You might find a huge chunk of railway sleeper that we can turn into a sink unit or bench. For a recent project in a Victorian house the owners picked out reclaimed wooden floorboards, which we sanded and stained.’

'Increasingly, people are looking at their existing kitchens and seeing if there are ways you can upcycle them, rather than get rid of perfectly good units,' adds Carlé Scott Gerber. ' There are a lot of companies out there that will take your existing doors and 'zoot' them up.'

People are also turning to companies like Bristol-based Husk, whose hand-crafted fronts offer a clever way to customise IKEA and Howden’s units and create high-end premium-look kitchens at an affordable price. They're also a great way to upcycle existing carcases as Carlé suggests, and save them from landfill.

9. Integrating the garden into a building's architecture

Both Matt Withers and Glen Thomas flag a big architectural trend that's truly exciting for the nature-lovers among us – physically connecting the garden with the fabric of the building. Depending on budget, this can be done in all sorts of ways.

One of the more simple, employed by Matt, is to integrate planters or raised beds into a building's external cladding, or using the same materials. Another more familiar option is to add a green roof system covered in meadow grass to your kitchen extension or to add a reflecting pool close to the rear of your property. 'In summer, cool, moist air will flow in over the water and create natural air conditioning,' reveals Glen Thomas.

For those with more generous budgets, Glen suggests creating an internal courtyard within your home. 'So you might have a living room that looks through to a sunken courtyard that’s exposed to the elements, and then on into a bedroom,' he explains.

'It’s a design language we’ve used quite a lot over the past year or two, where you slide the doors open from a living room, step down, sit on a bench and take in all the aspects of the building,' he continues. 'The materials in the courtyard – for example, the floor – match those used inside so you feel like that courtyard is part of the house, but you also have a very private garden.’

Carlé Scott Gerber also suggests using outdoor kitchen units and flooring that mimic the design of your indoor kitchen so that they appear as a seamless continuation of one another.

10. Energy saving

Our final trend might not be 'sexy', but it's certainly smart – saving energy through our choice of heating and materials.

'People are getting more savvy,' says Tim Phillips, quantity surveyor and founder of Quantiv UK. 'They have electric cars; they're aware of higher energy bills and the incoming ban on gas boilers. It's not just in building magazines, it's in the national press and on TV. So when people are planning building work, they are prioritising energy conservation in a way they might not have done in the past.'

'Our clients are much more informed about and want to explore how their houses are heated, cooled and powered,' agrees Matthew Withers. 'We're seeing that desire to make the building more sustainable, more heat-efficient and airtight.

'For example, a much larger percentage of our projects feature the installation of renewable technology, such as air-source and ground-source heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage. Also air conditioning – there's a common misconception that air conditioning is not sustainable, but that's not the case, as it can be powered by renewable energy.'

FAQs

Should I wait to renovate my home 2024?

We asked HiiGuru spokesperson and architect Rick Fabrizio. 'It depends where the property is,' he says. 'There are some areas where the market has picked up post-pandemic, and in those areas, I would say it's worth taking action sooner rather than later.

'You'll then see more value-added as prices rise, and won't risk fighting over good builders as demand grows. For example, I have a small office in the East Midlands, and I've seen interest in architectural services growing steadily there over the past couple of years as investment in the area has grown.'

'In terms of construction and material costs, they are certainly higher than they were in 2019/2020, but prices are unlikely to ever go back to that level. We have to accept that everything is more expensive.'

'After Covid, prices were so high that people were waiting, but the thing is, how long can you wait to do something?' says Carlé Scott Gerber. 'How long are you going to put up with this scenario before you can actually make your life better?'

She also points out another reason not to wait. 'Finding a builder and putting a good team together takes time. Good tradespeople get booked up quickly. So if you have the budget there and can get the right team together, go for it or you may lose out.'

You might also be pitted against the clock if you require planning permission. 'Planning permission comes with an expiration date of three years from the time it is granted,' says Carlé. 'If the work is done under permitted development then that's different, but if it's planning permission you've worked hard to get, you won't want to lose it.'

'The design process can take quite a while, especially in these times when local planning authorities are massively delayed in dealing with applications,' agrees the Sketch team. 'As a result, there is no time like the present!'

What is the most common renovation?

Not surprisingly, the most common projects involve the updating of period homes. 'We’re pretty much in the city centre of Cardiff, and a lot of the properties here are period terraces,' says Glen Thomas. 'I'd say 60-70% of our enquiries come from people with these types of houses. Upgrading these old buildings to make them as energy efficient as possible, then extending them, is by far the most common ask.'

'They are often very dark spaces – the Victorians didn’t like a lot of light or openness in their homes,' Glen continues. 'So it’s about carving a “streak” through the building, knocking down walls and having glass above that brings light into the core of the house.

'We replace the roof with a highly energy efficient structure, upgrade the internal insulation by filling stud walls and the space between floors, and extend at the back. We also add underfloor heating.'

Have you been inspired by these emerging home renovation trends?

Contributor

Amy Cutmore is an experienced interiors editor and writer, who has worked on titles including Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc, Real Homes, GardeningEtc, Top Ten Reviews and Country Life. And she's a winner of the PPA's Digital Content Leader of the Year. A homes journalist for two decades, she has a strong background in technology and appliances, and has a small portfolio of rental properties, so can offer advice to renters and rentees, alike.

Green roofs with meadow grass can be added to kitchen extensions, providing an opportunity for green wall integration.

Internal courtyards can be created within homes to connect gardens to buildings, offering a potential space for green wall installation.

South-facing walls are ideal for green walls due to the abundance of light they receive.

Title:

Content: A fixture of boutiquey hotels and upmarket restaurants, a succulent wall brings the natural world spectacularly indoors. The good news is that they’re not as difficult as they look to create for the home – and the results are always unique.

What you need

Frame; trowel; plants.

The expert

Karl Mok is a design expert and consultant who has been working in the design industry for more than six years. Karl focuses on making design accessible, working at the intersection of architecture, interiors and branding while drawing inspiration from travelling and natural materials.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1

First, you need to determine where you want to install your succulent wall. You need to make sure the location receives enough light for your plants to thrive. South-facing walls are ideal but any with adequate light will work.

Step 2

You can use a variety of frames, including picture frames, shadow boxes, or even a pallet. I recommend choosing one that fits your aesthetic and the size of the wall you want to cover. Charity shops or second-hand stores can be great places to find unique frames that will really make your wall stand out.

Step 3

Once you have your frame, add a backing to hold the soil and plants. I suggest a breathable material, such as landscape fabric and then chicken wire to prevent the soil from falling out. Cut the material to the size of the frame and attach it at the back using a stapler.

Step 4

You then need to fill the frame with soil, making sure it is moist but not soaking wet. You can use a succulent-specific soil mix, or even create your own using equal parts of sand, perlite and potting soil.

Step 5

Now choose your succulents. I suggest selecting a wide variety in different shapes and sizes so you can mix and match them to create a unique and visually appealing display. I always recommend choosing plants that have similar light and watering requirements to make caring for them easier.

Step 6

Using a small trowel or your fingers, create small holes in the soil and insert the succulent roots. Gently pack the soil around the plants to secure them in place before affixing them to your wall. When it comes to caring for your succulent wall, water it sparingly, as succulents don’t like to be over-watered. I recommend using a spray bottle or a small watering can with a narrow spout to avoid getting the leaves too wet.

Top tips

1. Stay dry. Pick an area that gets enough light but don’t forget you also need to accommodate potential water damage. I recommend keeping your succulent wall away from furniture, such as sofas or chairs, and don’t hang it above carpets, which can become soggy and start to smell. While it won’t be a torrential downpour each time you water, popping down a small absorbent mat or towel for a few hours after will protect your floors and furniture.

2. Invest in the best. Good quality soil will help ensure your plants get all the nutrients they need to thrive on their wall garden journey, so take the time to look for the right stuff and don’t skimp. However, I don’t recommend scouring your compost bin as, given the soil won’t be turned over once it’s on the wall, this could make things pongy, so opt for enrichment that can be dissolved in water and sprayed on instead.

3. Go green or go home. You want to make sure you pick only the best succulents for your wall, so look for those with strong stems and bright green leaves when selecting which ones will make it on to your wall display. This means they are healthy and more likely to withstand being, literally, turned on their side.

4. Mix it up. Mixing up the shapes and sizes of your planters can make your succulent wall more dramatic and really cement it as a piece of living art. I recommend using trailing varieties like donkey’s tail (sedum morganianum) on the edges of frames to break up any harsh lines, and bright red lipstick echeveria (echeveria agavoides) to add some bright pops of colour.

5. Layer it on thick. Hanging planters at different levels can make your succulent wall look more dynamic than just having them flat against one another in rows or columns. Use shadow boxes, thicker frames, or add extra wood to the back of certain frames to create a clearly defined platform.

6. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Adding hanging decorations such as wind chimes, birdhouses or suncatchers can add more visual interest and an extra layer of dimension and texture.

7. Spray it again. Water your wall only when necessary but don’t let things dry up either. If you’re savvy at DIY you could always install discreet self-watering pots so that everything stays nice and moist without needing constant attention from yourself. Otherwise, a light spray every couple of weeks will suffice but always keep a close eye and top up more if needed.

8. Pest project. Inspect your wall closely every few weeks, looking around stem joints where insects tend to hide so you can get rid of them before they spread. You should also watch out for signs of disease such as discolouration or wilting leaves, which might indicate root rot issues caused by over-watering, or burning from being too exposed to the sun.

9. Cut backs. The great thing about succulent walls is that, as they grow, your living art piece will evolve and get better – but to keep it looking its best, make sure to give it a trim once in a while. This includes removing dead leaves, thinning out any overgrown areas or replacing succulents that are struggling.

And finally… ENJOY! Don’t forget why you started this project in the first place. Make sure to spend time enjoying your little piece of nature, you deserve it.

Five common mistakes

1. Not researching beforehand. Make sure you are committed to this project, as well as the upkeep required, before jumping in. If you’re not sure, try looking after a small handful of succulents before committing to a whole wall.

2. Overwatering. Too much water can lead to root rot.

3. Not making it secure. It might seem simple but too often people underestimate how many fixtures or fittings they may need, leading to a pile of plants and dirt falling down on an unexpected visitor.

4. Over-planting. While you want to make a visual impact, cramming too many succulents in your frames can undermine their growth – and even make them more prone to rot.

5. Ugly planting. Don’t get stuck with a variety that makes you cringe. Living stones (lithops dorotheae), for instance, make people think of brains. Not so bad when the plant is small, but it can look unnerving the larger it gets.

Karl Mok is founder of Friends Studio, friendsstudio.co

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Frames can be used to support green walls, with options including picture frames, shadow boxes, or pallets.

Breathable materials like landscape fabric are necessary for green walls to ensure proper air circulation and moisture management.

Soil should be moist but not soaking wet for succulents, which are a popular choice for green walls due to their low-maintenance requirements.

Regular inspection is necessary to prevent pest and disease issues in green walls, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance.

Green walls can be integrated into existing buildings using a layered showcase of greenery and digital solutions, offering a modern and innovative approach.

Customised planting palettes and innovative technological applications for water and energy management are required for successful green wall integration.

Climbing robots can be used to inspect plant health and collect environmental data on green walls, providing valuable insights for maintenance and optimization.

Green walls reduce nitrogen dioxide by 40%, suspended particulates by 60%, indoor fine particulates by 10%, and ozone by 30%, demonstrating their significant air purification benefits.

Green walls can also reduce indoor temperature by 1.8 ℃, providing a natural and energy-efficient cooling solution.

Retrofitting green walls can beautify urban environments, reduce noise and heat island effect, and purify the air in urban areas.

Durable plant varieties are essential for ensuring long-term green wall operation and minimizing maintenance needs.

Green walls require special care and maintenance, including monitoring plant health and managing water and energy systems.

Title:

Content: Countdown to Expo 2020 Dubai
Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai..
Nature meets architecture, technology and art
The Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai prioritizes green architecture to help visitors appreciate the benefits and possibilities of integrating nature into our urban environments.
Showcasing green spaces, digital solutions and art as a whole, the pavilion embodies Singapore ’ s vision of becoming a city in the middle of nature and reflects the spirit of sustainable development through innovative and impactful urban solutions.
Yap Lai Pi, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Singapore Pavilion and Director of the Architecture and Urban Design Group at the Urban Redevelopment Authority, said the Singapore Pavilion shows the potential to develop appropriate agendas for integrating nature, architecture and technology through different digital designs and strategies.
We would like to invite visitors to reflect on their relationship with nature, through their journey of exploring the pavilion ’ s green digital system and its presentation of an integrated system for managing green spaces, water and energy systems.
In doing so, visitors will be able to appreciate the importance of planning and the scale of the challenges of building the Singapore Pavilion, and the ways in which we can live with our natural and built environment without harming both, where both people and the environment are taken care of.
The pavilion will see the creation of suitable local climates within the Rainforest Cone and Flower Cone areas to preserve rainforest vegetation.
With the growth of many plant varieties despite the harsh nature of the land and the rather difficult climatic conditions, this combination of lush landscapes can flourish in different environments around the world if renewable resources are used.
The pavilion promotes the use of technology to enhance the design and development of rare landscapes as it is not easy to take care of the plant species inside the pavilion, especially those on the curved green walls of the cones and cones inside the pavilion.
To meet this challenge, three models of climbing robots will examine the green walls around the flower cone to examine the health of plants, as well as collect environmental data to monitor the performance of wing systems.
The pavilion provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the science behind the pavilion ’ s construction through the “digital ecosystem ” of art and electronic games. The specially designed agriculture panel and innovative technological applications used in water and energy management are design strategies that enable the Singapore pavilion to achieve the goal of 100% green energy.
Preparations for the Singapore Pavilion are in their final phase, with landscaping completed and digital exhibitions currently being finalised before opening on October 1, 2021.
Different stations of the Singapore Pavilion ’ s unique experience will also be offered online and online platforms.
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Technology can enhance green wall design and development, enabling the creation of lush landscapes in harsh environments and improving overall performance.

Green walls can flourish in different environments worldwide, but curved green walls pose challenges for plant care and maintenance.

Innovative water and energy management systems can enable 100% green energy, making green walls a highly sustainable option.

Green buildings, including those with green walls, can save 50% of energy and 60% of water resources, reducing their environmental footprint.

Title:

Content: People 's Network > > International
Many countries actively explore the promotion of green building (international perspective)
Our reporter Guan Kejiang Xu Hailin Xie Jianning
April 19, 2023 06: 02 | Source: People's Daily - People's Daily
Small number
According to the World Green Building Council, the construction industry's carbon emissions account for about 40% of global carbon emissions, through the promotion of green buildings can save 50% of energy, 60% of water resources, reduce 80% of waste generation, 45% of carbon dioxide emissions.
In recent years, some countries have actively promoted green buildings, and promoted more buildings to achieve energy conservation and carbon reduction by creating green communities, improving building energy efficiency, and strict certification standards.
United Arab Emirates —
Building a Green and Harmonious Community
Walking into Dubai Sustainable City, there is a leisurely pastoral scene in front of you: ducks playing in the water by the pond, children riding bicycles and playing, and many people in the distance gather on the grass … Sustainable City was put into operation in 2015, and is one of the earliest communities in the Middle East to propose and achieve green development.
The community covers an area of 46 hectares, in an irregular rectangle, and is divided into three blocks from the outside to the inside.
The outermost circle is sheltered forest and canopy track, bicycle lane; inside is the commercial area and residential area.
The business district is also a leisure plaza, with many restaurants, laundry, bicycle repair shops and so on.
The 500 villas in the residential area are divided into five units, separated by the carport, cars can only be parked in the carport, not into the community.
In addition, there are schools, equestrian clubs, resident gardens and rehabilitation centers, and the middle green zone runs through the community from west to east, with constructed wetlands, ponds, swimming pools, and 11 domed greenhouses to grow a variety of vegetables for the residents in need.
Photovoltaic panels are installed on the roofs of all buildings in the Sustainable City, which can meet the electricity needs of 3,000 people in the entire community.
The road between residents' houses is specially designed to form an air duct, which can effectively reduce the temperature in the community in summer.
The community encourages low-carbon living. In 2021, residents spend about 60% of the Dubai average on water, and 80% of household waste is recycled and reused.
In 2022, Sustainable City was named the “Happiest Community ” in the Bay Area by Dubai Land Authority.
Hardir Ahmed, head of public relations at developer Diamond Development, said polls showed that the highest rating was the ban on cars entering the community.
Many parents say that this way they can safely let their children play in the community and help maintain the air quality in the community.
This initiative has also brought neighbourhoods closer, with people in the community walking, cycling, riding a shared battery car and other ways to travel, meet each other every day, and have more communication.
Sustainable City is now one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Dubai, with residential and business districts fully staffed.
On the basis of this model, she and her partners have developed three more communities in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Oman.
The first phase of the Abu Dhabi project was delivered not long ago and sold out within half an hour.
She said: “This shows that green buildings and sustainable living are increasingly popular.
We also want to use this business model to demonstrate that sustainable living is technically feasible, economically cost-effective and more responsive to the needs of the population in terms of social integration. "
Spain — —
Support for energy saving renovation of houses
In the Asturias region of northern Spain, there is a mountain hut built like a "building block".
The components of the house were produced by a factory in Madrid in four months and then "assembled" in just five hours.
The house shape borrows from the traditional Spanish barn style to ensure the uniqueness of the building and its adaptability to the environment, and the modular house components also minimize environmental pollution such as construction noise and waste.
Spain's unique geographical location, the history of the convergence of a variety of civilizations, the birth of Gaudí, Mirales, Calatrava and other world-renowned architects, different areas of architecture have their own characteristics.
In recent years, the Spanish architectural community has placed increasing emphasis on the application of sustainable concepts to architectural design and construction, and has introduced many green buildings that are both artistic and sustainable.
According to Spanish media reports, many buildings in the country have obtained international green building certification, ranking in the top ten in the world.
In Barcelona, Spain ’ s second largest city, known for its Gaudi architecture, there is a six-story building called “The Wall Garden ”, which adds a rich touch of green to the urban space. The“ Wall Garden ” was born from the side wall of a demolished building and has been transformed for a variety of greenery.
The steel platform of its exterior wall is connected to the internal staircase and is equipped with irrigation and fertilization systems that can be controlled through a mobile phone app.
After the irrigation water from the upper platform is absorbed by the plants, the excess water will flow to the next platform.
The bird house built into the garden platform provides a habitat for wild animals such as birds.
This small building helps regulate the temperature, purify the air, and reduce the energy cost of the residents around the building, which has become a well-known "punch point" in the local area.
The Spanish government has allocated 6.8 billion euros from the recovery fund of the "Next Generation EU" program to support energy-saving renovation of buildings.
The government plans to complete the sustainable renovation of 500,000 homes by 2026 to improve the energy efficiency of these buildings.
According to Kay Kilman, European head of the US Green Building Council, Spain is growing rapidly in the field of green building. “We look forward to working with countries like Spain to find innovative ways to build better communities for a sustainable future. ”
Mexico — —
Regulate green building certification standards
Mexico has an average of 5.5 hours of direct sunlight per day, making it one of the most sunny countries in the world.
In recent years, Mexico has actively promoted green buildings and made full use of natural resources such as solar energy to save energy.
According to data from data analysis and consulting firm Global Data, the number of green building projects in Mexico has increased rapidly.
Located on Reforma Avenue in the heart of Mexico City, in order to maximize the use of natural light, the interior of the building uses open office space, most of the windows extend from the floor to the ceiling, through the use of special glass materials, both increase natural light and reduce heat transfer, to keep the interior cool.
The building is equipped with an intelligent lighting system that can adjust the use of indoor fluorescent lamps according to the amount of sunlight entering the building.
The building also collects and treats rainwater and waste water through a special water treatment system for flush toilets, coolers, greenfield irrigation, etc., which can reduce water consumption by 75%.
“We want this building project to be a model for the greening of the community and to encourage all parties to provide more incentives for the development of green buildings, ” said Javier Presas, the building ’ s design project manager.
In 2015, Mexico committed to the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 36% by 2030 by encouraging the construction of sustainable buildings and promoting the use of solar panels, heaters, etc., to better combat climate change.
To this end, Mexico is constantly improving regulations, stipulating green building certification standards and minimum environmental requirements, and elaborating regulations on building energy efficiency. In 2021, Mexico City ’ s environmental department released a new green building certification program aimed at improving sustainability standards during building design, construction and operation, and promoting efficient use of resources.
The Mexican National Housing Commission has also created different incentive schemes to subsidize the purchase of green housing.
The Mexican state of Yucatán is the first to sign a net-zero construction commitment, which aims to achieve zero emissions from some buildings by 2030 and net-zero emissions from all buildings in the state by 2050.
Mexico City offers property tax relief for buildings with green roofs and solar hot water systems.
More and more building developers are adopting green building certification systems in the early stages of building construction to reduce energy consumption, water consumption and building materials energy consumption through optimized design.
“The number of green building projects in Mexico is growing by 25% every year, ” said Cesar Trevino, managing director of Biobuilding and Alternative Energy Mexico. In the face of climate and health challenges, it is important to continuously optimize buildings and interior spaces to improve the human environment.
(Dubai, Madrid, Mexico City)
People 's Daily (April 19, 2023, 15 edition)
(Editor: Zhao Xinyue, Yue Hongbin)
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Green walls can reduce 80% of waste generation and 45% of carbon dioxide emissions, providing significant environmental benefits.

The Wall Garden in Barcelona regulates temperature and purifies air, demonstrating the effectiveness of green walls in urban environments.

Rooftop gardens, which can include green walls, reduce surface temperature by 6 degrees Celsius, providing a natural cooling solution.

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Content: More construction owners apply for subsidies to increase the garden high-rise green space area doubled in 10 years
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Our high-rise green space has increased significantly, more than doubling in size over the past 10 years, from 60 hectares in 2013 to 155 hectares.
In addition to more new builders incorporating high-rise green spaces or rooftop gardens into their blueprints, more and more owners of older buildings are applying to the National Park Service for subsidies to add or convert their roofs into green spaces.
In an interview with the Lianhe Zaobao, the senior director of the National Park Service's landscaping department, Sophie Ann, revealed that since 2009, about 300 projects have applied for grants for high-rise green spaces or vertical landscaping.
Owners who receive the allowance must ensure that the green space of the tall building is maintained for at least five years.
According to the Park Service, only five applicants no longer maintain green spaces for high-rise buildings due to financial or other factors.
The Park Service annually reviews whether the green spaces in tall buildings are still lush and provides horticultural advice when needed, such as introducing heat-resistant and heat-resistant landscape plants to replace poorly grown flowers and trees.
The Park Service would not disclose how much subsidy has been allocated so far, but stressed that the purpose of the subsidy is to encourage more owners to pay attention to the benefits of high-rise green space, in line with Singapore ’ s 2030 Green Plan, to implement the vision of 200 hectares of high-rise green space.
In fact, many builders choose to set up garden green space in tall buildings or rooftops, or plant vertical flowers and trees in the outer layer of the building, while greening the building environment of steel cement, it also saves energy costs for cooling indoor space.
Rooftop gardens can "cool" the surface of a building by 6 degrees Celsius and reduce the surrounding temperature by 4 degrees Celsius, Sufian said.
In addition, when the solar panel is placed on the roof, if green plants are also planted below it, the solar panel can be prevented from overheating and the charging efficiency can be improved.
More intensive planting of various plants along the roadside
Green buildings such as vertical greening are a topic of concern in recent years, and integrating green space and natural habitat in new towns and residential areas can be one of the compromise solutions to balance urban development and conservation, and offset the plundering and depletion of the natural environment by development projects.
About 40 percent of Singapore's land area is covered by green vegetation, many of which are naturally formed forests in the past half century.
After the urban development of the 1970s, many rural and agricultural land was cleared, and tropical tree species that are easier to reproduce and grow quickly were planted, and many sub-forests were scattered everywhere.
Over the years, the Park Service has also grown more dense and numerous plants per hectare of road land than in the past.
In the past, most of the plants on both sides of the road were of the same species. "This is not a wise move, because if a certain species of tree is infected, it will affect a lot of trees," said Mr Woo Chao-shing, Senior Director of Roads and Landscape of the Park Service.
As a result, over the years, more diverse species of shrubs and trees have been added to create a sense of stratification along roadsides or open spaces, attracting more butterflies and birds, etc. “And this will improve the fragmentation of green spaces caused by urbanization, strengthen ecological cohesion, repair roads and increase the destruction of nature by building more houses. ”
"When cities develop, we have to compensate by planting more plants in the same area of green corridors, or by choosing plants that grow faster to get back to the lush feeling of the past as soon as possible," Hu said.
To this end, the Park Service launched the rewilding project three years ago, deliberately ignoring the green corridors of 24 locations, reducing the number of routine pruning of branches and weeds and creating a sense of overgrown grass.
"We deliberately allow nature to grow freely, increasing its biodiversity and saving manpower, as long as it does not block the entrance of drainage channels or obstruct the passage of pedestrians," Hu said.
However, some residents are concerned about mosquito breeding, and "we will consider it on a case-by-case basis before deciding whether to expand the area under the plan."
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Green plants under solar panels can improve charging efficiency, highlighting the potential for green walls to enhance renewable energy systems.

Green corridors can compensate for urbanization's ecological impact, and green spaces can reduce energy costs for cooling indoor spaces.

Overall, green walls offer a range of benefits for air quality, mental health, and sustainability, making them a valuable consideration for environmental design and architecture.