I remember seeing my first drawing by Frank Lloyd Wright of a house with balconies streaming with vines and plant life. Lots of architects have explored the relationship between architecture and nature through the use of plants and for me, something about FLW’s drawings suggested a true harmony between plant and building. Fast forward to the present day, and the sketches and renderings of visionary architects show entire eco-systems growing off their buildings and on rooftops. Cercasa Lifewall plant-building system is capable of cleaning the air we breath while encasing a group of occupants. Hungrier consumers can actually obtain sustenance from their green wall if it is supplied by Tournesol Siteworks. With the literal “green wall”, it seems the possibilities are endless.

Green Wall Panels. Designed by GSky Plant Systems.

GSky Plant Systems is the manufacturer of two types of planted walls: Green Wall Panels and Vine Containers. Both systems start with a stainless steel frame much like the Parabienta vine walls made by Shimizu. The Vine Containers are a wall mounted system that diminishes the risk of damage from ivy growing haphazardly over a building facade. As the cheaper of the two systems, the Vine Containers do not offer as much creativity in terms of patterning and plant type, resulting in a more uniform final product. The Green Wall Panels are flexible, modular system that utilizes similar stainless steel panels, but this time in 12″ increments that can be customized to fit any design or wall type. Unlike many roof garden systems, the soil is a structurally engineered growth medium that will not erode resulting in plant death. Green Wall Panels allow for ultimate creativity and design, while also helping to stabilize the microclimate around a building, which is important in our pavement filled communities. Green walls provide visual relief, temperature and noise control, and a habitat for insects and birds to name just a few benefits.