composite / Systems / Living/Bio-based Systems
Living/Green Wall System
Modular vertical green wall system using lightweight polypropylene modules with integrated planting media and drainage.
Atlas code
COM-SYS-LIV-001
At-a-glance signals
Modular vertical green wall system using lightweight polypropylene modules with integrated planting media and drainage.
Overview
Executive summary
Living wall systems use modular planter panels to support vegetation on vertical surfaces. Modules are typically lightweight polypropylene with integrated planting pockets and irrigation/drainage pathways.
Best when…
- Improves indoor air quality through VOC phytoremediation
- Provides acoustic absorption (NRC 0.70-0.85)
- Adds thermal insulation (R0.2-0.5)
- Biophilic design benefits
- Reduces urban heat island effect
- Increases biodiversity
- Can achieve Green Star credits
- Modular system allows partial replacement
- Creates visual interest and branding opportunities
Top advantages
- 01 Improves indoor air quality through VOC phytoremediation
- 02 Provides acoustic absorption (NRC 0.70-0.85)
- 03 Adds thermal insulation (R0.2-0.5)
- 04 Biophilic design benefits
- 05 Reduces urban heat island effect
Top limitations
- 01 High initial cost ($800-1500/m²)
- 02 Ongoing maintenance required ($200-2000/month)
- 03 Water damage risk if drainage fails
- 04 Limited plant species in extreme climates
- 05 Structural loading considerations
Technical
Physical ·7
- Density
- System-dependent (50-300 kg/m2 saturated) kg/m2 saturated Living wall systems have variable density depending on module type, growing media, plant selection, and irrigation state. Typical saturated weight: lightweight modular systems 50-80 kg/m2; felt/pocket systems 30-50 kg/m2; tray systems 80-150 kg/m2; soil-based planter boxes 150-300 kg/m2. Structural loading must account for saturated weight plus safety factor per AS 1170.1. Source: Fytogreen, Junglefy, Atlantis product data.
- Specific gravity
- 0.45
- Porosity
- 0.55 %
- Water absorption
- 0.4 %
- UV resistance
- high // Plants naturally UV resistant
- Chemical resistance
- moderate // Varies with plant species
- pH tolerance
- 5.5-7.5
Mechanical ·1
- Impact resistance
- low // Plants vulnerable to impact
Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon & energy ·3
- Water footprint
- 1500 L/kg
- Recycled content
- 0.2 %
- Renewable content
- 0.6 %
Compliance & Fire
Fire performance ·1
- Combustibility class
- combustible // Due to organic matter
Cost & Lifecycle
Capex & lead time ·6
- Material cost (range)
- 400-800 // $/m² (system only)
- Material cost (per unit)
- 600/m² // Average
- Lead time
- 12-20 weeks // Design and growing period
- Lifecycle cost
- 2000-4000/m² // 10-year lifecycle
- Annual maintenance
- 50-200/m² // Annual maintenance
- Market availability
- specialist // Through specialist suppliers
Service life & durability ·3
- Expected lifespan
- 10-25 years // With maintenance
- Maintenance interval
- monthly // Inspection and adjustment
- Warranty period
- 1-5 years // Varies by supplier
Layer D
Where it's used
Commercial building facades
Office interior feature walls
Healthcare biophilic design
Retail environments
Educational facilities
Hospitality venues
Residential courtyards
Acoustic treatment
Air quality improvement
Thermal mass addition