The increase in urban living has reduced the space available for greenery, but has also prompted creative solutions such as ecological vertical gardensAmong the most inspiring examples is Living Pavilion, an installation that demonstrates how architecture, sustainability and aesthetics can come together to bring nature back to the city without taking up land. Their modular approach, passive cooling strategy, and use of recycled materials making it a benchmark for public and private projects.
A vertical garden, also called green wall, allows plants to be grown on vertical surfaces using panels, geotextile pockets, modules or hydroponic systems. In addition to beautifying, they improve the air quality, reduce noise and provide thermal comfort thanks to the shade and evapotranspiration. Indoors, they help create relaxing environments; outdoors, they contribute to mitigating the heat island effect. optimize energy consumption.
What is an ecological vertical garden and why it matters?
An ecological vertical garden is designed to maximize environmental benefits with minimal impact: suitable species, efficient irrigation, lightweight substrates, and, where appropriate, water-saving hydroponic solutions. Compared to a bare wall, a green wall adds microclimate, biodiversity and a natural filter for particles and CO2, continuously releasing oxygen.
In homes and offices, it contributes emotional well and reduces stress; on facades, it improves thermal and acoustic comfort, and can protect the envelope against radiation and rain. The key is to integrate a low-consumption irrigation system (preferably drip or hydroponics), a secure drainage and a fixed structure without direct contact with the base wall to avoid humidity.
Today's vertical gardens contemplate the fire safety with fireproof materials and species with high water content. Monitoring with humidity sensors and remote irrigation control reduces risks and ensures the right amount of water and nutrients.
In spaces with low light, species adapted to semi-shade (ferns, pothos, sansevieria) work and, if necessary, LED grow lighting low consumption to complement.
Living Pavilion: Keys to the Inverted Modular System
Living Pavilion shows that a pavilion can be a bioclimatic shelter and, at the same time, an urban icon. Its envelope is composed of multiple reused dairy boxes as planting modules. They are installed "inverted" so that the garden hangs inwards, creating a immersive effect of vegetation and shade.
The geometry is reminiscent of a volume with a gabled roof and three points of support, facilitating accessibility with large openings and a constant airflow. The set generates inner freshness thanks to the combination of shading and evapotranspiration of the foliage, without air conditioning equipment.
Plant selection prioritizes species hardy and undemandingAn example is Liriope, very drought tolerant and stable in variable climates, ideal for cover the modules densely and maintain the garden with limited resources. At the end of the season, the modules are removed, cultivated conventionally and regenerate to relocate the pavilion when necessary, demonstrating the portability of the System.
Beyond the architectural gesture, the value of the Living Pavilion lies in its pedagogical capacity: shows how modularity, recycling and proper botany can transform squares and courtyards into habitable spaces and healthy without great works.
Where and how to install a vertical garden
A green wall can be placed virtually anywhere with proper support and access to water:
- Domestic interior: living room, hallway, kitchen with aromatic herbs, ventilated bathroom, bedroom with low-maintenance species.
- Domestic exterior: balconies, terraces, patios and facades partial to increase isolation.
- Offices and shops: lobbies, meeting rooms, hallways and rest areas for improve the experience of user.
- Public spaces: parks, stations, shopping centers and hotels as an element biophilic and educational.
Before installing, evaluate: orientation (south and west for sun species; north for shade), wall resistance (system load with irrigation), wind and rain splashes. Accessibility is essential for irrigation, pruning and replacement.
Common materials and systems: modular panels, bags of geotextile, recycled plastic containers or treated wood, and prefabricated solutions with integrated irrigation. For the substrate, a light, draining mix (coconut fiber, peat, perlite) or Hydroponics for maximum water efficiency. Irrigation by drip with programmer and liquid fertilizer tank ensures uniformity; the nebulization It is useful in dry environments.
On exposed terraces it is advisable to add adjustable shading Using a bioclimatic pergola with slats, avoiding the harsh midday sun on young plants. The fixing must consider suitable anchors, wall separation and impermeable barriers; and, where possible, reuse water (e.g., systems with treated grey water) to reduce consumption.
Plant selection and essential maintenance
Success depends on choose species according to light, temperature, and wind. For sunny exteriors: aromatic (rosemary, thyme, lavender), succulents (sedum, echeveria), and controlled climbers. For shade or partial shade: Ferns, small-leaved ivy, tradescantia, ribbons. Indoors: pothos, zamioculcas, sansevieria and monstera if there is good diffused light.
Combines rapid growth (ivy, honeysuckle) to cover quickly with slow (succulents) that stabilize the whole. Intersperse heights, textures, and colors for a dynamic effect. Use species native or well adapted for lower water consumption and greater resilience.
Fertilize moderately with specific liquid fertilizers and improves the substrate with compost or worm castings to provide beneficial microorganisms. Schedule formative and maintenance pruning; many species tolerate periodic trimming. densify the foliage.
Irrigation: prioritize the sectorized drip and group plants by water needs. Water briefly and frequently to avoid waterlogging; all pots or modules should to drainIn warmer weather, water during the cool hours; in colder weather, water mid-morning. Avoid over-wetting leaves and flowers to avoid mushrooms.
Professional or self-maintenance: routine includes irrigation system inspection, plant replacement, preferably preventative and organic phytosanitary control, and anchor review. The integration of sensors humidity and flow reduces incidents and saves supplies.
Artificial vertical gardens: they are an alternative without irrigation or pruning when you are looking for only visual impact. Basic materials: support panel, mesh or felt, hooks or clips, strong adhesives, and mounting hardware. For a realistic look, combine high-quality artificial hanging plants, succulents, and “flowering” plants.
References and green culture: from pioneering projects of green walls in large museums to ephemeral installations in squares, vertical gardening has evolved towards vertical ecosystems Efficient and beautiful. Today, any home or business can add its own green space with modular solutions and a simple maintenance plan. Bringing nature closer to walls and squares is possible with smart choices: safe structure, efficient irrigation, suitable species, and easy maintenance. Living Pavilion demonstrates this on an urban scale; at home, a small, well-planned vertical garden offers freshness, peace, and a daily dose of biophilic wellness.
