A living wall is some of the best of biophilic design. It is both a great way to bring plants and all their benefits into your space, while being a unique design element. Whether you are starting a building project and want to incorporate an ambitious green architecture feature or just want a small touch of greenery in an office, living walls can be a great option. As experts in biophilic design, we have built many green walls over our 45+ years of business. Here’s what you need to know if you are considering one for your space.
What Are the Benefits of Living Walls?
Living walls are not just a stunning biophilic feature, they are functional design with a powerful positive impact on everyone who goes through a space. Research backs this up:
- A 2022 literature review of research on the benefits of living walls found that they improved mental health and social interactions in urban settings
- The Royal Institute of British Architects Journal reported that studies from Finland showed that some green walls may boost immunity and health outcomes in office workers
- Living walls in offices can help regulate indoor temperature
- Green walls improve humidity regulation and indoor air quality, as per peer reviewed research published in 2024
- Research from the Netherlands shows that living walls can raise property values, suggesting people positively respond to them
- The American Society of Landscape Architects reports that, in healthcare settings, living walls decreased stress, pain and recovery periods while increasing satisfaction, according to two published studies
While researchers are still quantifying all of the effects of living walls, we can also report from our work with clients here in Ohio and beyond that living walls are sites of social opportunity that can dramatically transform the way a space looks and feels.
What Are My Options When it Comes to Living Walls?
Living walls are not a one-size-fits-all feature, and can be significantly modified to fit different spaces and aesthetics.
If you are building a new space…
Then the sky is the limit, so long as you work with the right partners. Bringing in a Plantscaping team during the architectural process can mean that you develop outstanding living wall features, big or small.
For those who want to be ambitious and center design choices that make positive impacts, consulting biophilic design professionals early will make all the difference. We are up-to-date on the latest technology and trends, and can ensure that you have the necessary requirements for larger installations. Otherwise, you run the risk of having green wall features added in as an element on top of your finished design, when you may not have as much control.
If you are looking for a major installation in a finished space…
There are plenty of ways to bring in a living wall, even a major, multi-story wall.
Plantscaping professionals will be able to advise on where in your space is best suited to a living wall, and what work will need to be done in order to support it. We can assess your light, traffic flow, existing décor, and structural features to present options that make the most of what you have.
Keep in mind that living walls don’t need to be floor-to-ceiling and can fit into existing architectural features for maximum impact.
Expect the results of bringing a living wall to be a total refresh of your commercial location, whether that’s a restaurant, hospital, office, mall, hotel, or car dealership.
If you want to bring plants into a small space…
Then considering a living wall may give you the best plant to square foot ratio around. Because while massive living wall features are one option, living walls actually work great in small spaces.
Smaller installations take up no footprint from your room and no desk or table space, while still making a high impact on the look, feel and function of your space.
An interior plant design professional will be able to assess how to make the most impact with smaller features, including placements that are the most suitable for live plants and will offer the most benefit to those in your space.
If you are a designer…
Adding living green walls as a feature your practice offers can open up new opportunities and expand the form and function of your designs. Plantscaping’s professionals have a blend of expertise across design, horticulture and practical installation. We know that most people don’t have this combination of skills and that working with an interior plant design service is often the best way to add larger biophilic elements to your offering. At Plantscaping and Blooms, we love collaborating to bring ambitious visions to life and are always happy to partner with designers and architects.
What Is the Process of Creating a Living Green Wall?
- If you are adding a living green wall to a finished space, our process is:
- Personalized Consultation and Walk-Through: We want to get to know you and see your space to understand what the best options for you will be, from size and shape to type of plants, colors and textures. We will discuss your goals, your budget and your timeline to understand exactly how we can best create a living wall for your space.
- Design Presentation: We bring a vision to you so you can see just how great your commercial space can look. We will talk over the project and how to bring it to life in your space, and hear your feedback to ensure every detail is exactly right.
- Cultivating Plants and Preparing for Installation: After your design is confirmed, we make sure every plant is in peak condition and ready to be carefully transported. And our team will double check everything to ensure that installation goes smoothly.
- Installation: Our professional team will arrive and create your living wall. With decades of experience, we do the job right and won’t rest until everything is perfect.
- Maintenance: Our work doesn’t end when the plants are hanging –– we can continue to come back and service your living wall so it always looks as good as day one. We can pre-empt issues, rotate plants, and make sure that structural features and irrigation are in good order.
- Guarantee: We warranty every plant so the living wall will maintain its health and design integrity.
If you are an architect or designer, we can come in at an earlier stage to consult on your project and help you understand what is possible and what the best way to incorporate a living wall is. We still have consultations and pitch ideas, but can work more closely to realize you and your client’s vision by coming in at an earlier stage.
If you are ready to get started on transforming your space into something extraordinary, talk to us today – we can’t wait to get started.