Indoor living walls offer numerous aesthetic, acoustic, and environmental benefits to those in their vicinity. They are particularly well-suited to modern architecture and are valued for their therapeutic effects in both outdoor and indoor environments, with well-documented improvements in people’s emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being.
Innovative designs have made it possible for these walls to replace traditional supporting structures. These walls provide numerous benefits to occupants and enhance the appearance of their surrounding architecture. In this article, we will discuss various types of indoor living walls and explore their therapeutic benefits.
What Are Indoor Living Walls?
Indoor living walls are vertical structures covered with various plants. These walls can be freestanding or attached to an existing wall, and they can vary in size from small installations to expansive displays that cover entire walls. They are designed to bring the benefits of nature indoors and are used in homes, offices, and public spaces.
Types of Indoor Living Walls
1. Modular Living Walls: Modular living walls consist of pre-planted panels or modules that are attached to a wall or frame. These panels can be rearranged or replaced easily, making it a flexible option for those who like to change their décor frequently. These consist of pre-planted panels or containers that fit together, offering flexibility in design and plant selection. They are relatively easy to install and maintain.
2. Tray Systems: Tray systems use horizontal trays stacked on top of each other, filled with soil or growing medium. Plants are grown in these trays and can be easily maintained by watering from the top, allowing water to trickle down to lower trays. These are larger structures that can be used to create partitions or focal points within a space. They offer more design freedom and can accommodate a wider variety of plants.
3. Felt Systems: Felt systems involve layers of felt fabric that hold the plants and their roots. Water and nutrients are delivered through an irrigation system, ensuring that the plants are well-nourished. The core of these systems is a special type of felt, often made from recycled plastic bottles. This felt is porous and breathable, allowing for optimal air and water flow to the plant roots.
4. Hydroponic Living Walls: Hydroponic systems grow plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution. This type of living wall is highly efficient and can support a wide variety of plant species. Instead of traditional soil, plants in hydroponic living walls receive nutrients through a water-based solution, offering several unique advantages and challenges. Plants in hydroponic systems often grow faster and larger due to the readily available nutrients and optimal growing conditions.
Benefits of Indoor Living Walls
1. Health Benefits: Indoor living walls have been shown to improve air quality by removing toxins and producing oxygen. They also help to regulate humidity levels, creating a more comfortable indoor environment. Additionally, the presence of plants has been linked to reduced stress levels and improved mental health.
2. Environmental Benefits: Living walls can contribute to energy savings by providing insulation and reducing the need for heating and cooling. They also help to reduce the urban heat island effect and can promote biodiversity by providing habitats for insects and birds.
3. Economic Benefits: By improving air quality and reducing stress, living walls can increase productivity and reduce absenteeism in the workplace. They can also increase property values and attract customers in commercial spaces.
4. Aesthetic and Psychological Benefits: The visual appeal of a living wall can enhance any space, making it more inviting and relaxing. The connection to nature can also promote a sense of well-being and tranquility, similar to the effects of spending time in a garden.
Common Challenges and Solutions
1. Pest Control: Indoor living walls can sometimes attract pests such as aphids or spider mites. Regular inspection and natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects, can help manage these issues.
2. Watering Issues: Overwatering or underwatering can be a common problem with living walls. Ensuring a properly designed irrigation system and regularly checking soil moisture levels can prevent these issues. Monitor the moisture levels of the felt and adjust the watering frequency as needed to ensure proper hydration for the plants.
3. Plant Health: If plants are not thriving, it may be due to insufficient light, incorrect temperature, or nutrient deficiencies. Adjusting the environment and providing appropriate care can help address these problems. Choose plants that are well-suited to vertical growing and the specific light conditions of your indoor space.
4. Power Dependency: Many hydroponic systems rely on pumps and timers, making them dependent on electricity to function.
Indoor living walls offer a multitude of benefits, from improving air quality to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your space. By understanding the different types of living walls and how to care for them, you can create a beautiful, healthy environment in your home or workplace.
Related Article: Creating Living Wall Indoor: Affordable Ways to Bring Nature Inside
