McRae Anderson, ASLA, CLP

2011 GREENWALLS VERTICAL PLANTING SYSTEMS

ALL

RIGHTS RESERVED.

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PART OF THIS BOOK, ITS CONCEPTS OR MATERIALS MAY BE

REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL,

INCLUDING PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR BY ANY INFORMATION STORAGE OR RETRIEVAL
SYSTEM WITHOUT PERMISSION IN WRITING FROM

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IN

2011

GREENWALLS/MCCAREN DESIGNS, INC.

BY:

GREENWALLS
760 VANDALIA STREET, SUITE 100
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA 55114
651-646-4764
FAX: 651-646-8393
WWW.GREENWALLS.COM
EMAIL: INFO@GREENWALLS.COM
COVER

PHOTO

PLANT

BACK COVER PHOTOS:

PLANTERRA TROPICAL GREENHOUSE , WEST BLOOMFIELD, MICHIGAN
COURTESY OF PLANTERRA CORPORATION
RIGHT:
CLEVELAND METRO ZOO RAINFOREST EXHIBIT, CLEVELAND, OH
COURTESY OF BOB WEST.

AND

MATERIAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

BATSONS FOLIAGE GROUP

TRIAD NURSERY INC.
OLIVE HILL GREENHOUSES

Design and Planning for Greenwalls in Buildings

by McRae Anderson, ASLA, CLP

Table of Contents
Introduction
8-9

History
10-13

Design Considerations
14-17

Case StudyJamison Place

18-23

Greenwall Products
23-24

Plants for Greenwalls

26-33

Photo Left: Jamison Place, Calgary, Alberta by Greenery Office interiors

Photo Courtesy of: John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, Congers, NY

reenwalls arent exactly new, but their time has certainly come you
begin to know thats true when you see them appearing in McDonald's
advertising and in Whole Foods Markets.

Greenwalls also known as vertical planting systems, vertical gardens,

plant walls or vegetated walls have been successfully implemented in many
projects around the globe over the past 18 years. European projects and
Canadian projects have taken the lead in implementing these planting
systems.

Cleveland Metro Zoo Rainforest Exhibit, Cleveland, OH

Photos courtesy of McCaren Designs, Inc.

y first greenwall project was for the Cleveland Metro Zoo

installed in 1993. The photo above shows the greenwall
after installation and the photo at the left is a photo of that
same wall taken in 2010 some 17 years later.
This greenwall was one of the earliest major living wall installations
in the world. It remains today as an example of the essential
elements that make up a quality, longlasting installation. Those
elements essential, to a successful greenwall, were carefully
considered in Metroparks greenwall design and installation and are
incorporated into our current Greenwall products.

10

Where will Greenwalls work?

While Greenwalls first made their appearance in zoological exhibits,
they are adaptable to almost any vertical surface. Whether a
Greenwall is inside or outside, it adds remarkable visual value to an
area, making any visitor take note. They are dramatic, attractive, and
distinctive statements, a message saying you care about the environment
both inside and outside of your building.
Photos Courtesy of :
Left Photo: Atria, Inc.; Wolcott, CT
Center Photo: Greenery Office Interiors; Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Right Photo: Plant Solutions; Scottsdale, AZ
Photo Opposite: KokoBo Plantscapes; Hempstead, NY 11550

11

12

Design Considerations
Several design and construction requirements are integrated into our Greenwalls Vertical
Planting System. They are:

Load Bearing Capacity. Many systems weigh in at a hefty 25 to 40 pounds per square
foot. Greenwalls only weigh 10 pounds per square foot planted and fully wet!

Long-term, lightweight planting medium that is not subject to deterioration through decomposition.

Protection of the structural support. Greenwalls integrate a waterproof layer into our
system to protect your projects structural integrity.

Positive drainage throughout the system keep plants in optimal growing conditions at
both the bottom and the top of what may be a several stories tall planting.

No need to pre-grow panels, ease of planting and quick adaptation of the plants to
the environmental conditions. Because the plantings start as 3 or 4 potted materials,
shipping costs are reduced and the plant materials quickly adapt to the vertical environment they look good from the day they are planted.

Integrated irrigation and fertilization for optimum plant growth and sustainability

Provisions for maintenance. We have incorporated the ability to remove individual

components without removing the whole wall. Irrigation systems can be pulled or
flushed out easily should the need arise.

Photo Left: Jamison Place, Calgary, Alberta by Greenery Office interiors

13

14

Other Design Considerations

Lighting
Interior plants are not dependent upon solely natural lighting, but can thrive
quite well utilizing either natural, artificial or a combination of both lighting
types. Intensity, duration and light quality, must be considered in determining
the best lighting form for the interior landscape.
The minimum level of illumination for most desired interior greenwall plants
is between 1200 and 2400 foot-candle hours per day Sheer quantity of light
will be the strongest determinant in the success of a project's greenwall.
Irrigation
The supply of moisture to the soil mass is critical to the survival of the
greenwall. The planting media must not dry out because it will cause
irreparable damage to the plant materials. A sensor or timer controlled drip
irrigation system can manage the Greenwall using a minimum of water.
Waterproofing
Catchment basins and certain types of walls and structures need
waterproofing. Fluid applied elastomeric materials offer excellent protection
and ease of application. Our systems integrate a water resistant membrane,
some applications will still require waterproofing of the structural system behind the wall.
Drainage Requirements
A Greenwall system can be designed with a closed drainage system or an open system. In closed drainage systems the
irrigation water is collected and recycled. A closed system is more ecological to operate, however, it does have drawbacks in
that it requires sanitation of the reused water. In an open system, excess irrigation water is discharged into the buildings
drainage system. With either system, irrigation runoff must be captured at the base of the greenwall.
Ventilation
Good ventilation is necessary to maintain a normal transpiration rate, which in turn, is necessary for the normal photosynthetic
rate. Placement of HVAC grilles directly next to the planting can result in problems of drying and burned foliage due to
excessive moisture loss (i.e. forced transpiration). This is mainly a problem during the winter heating season when hot, dry,
blowing air comes in direct contact with the plants foliage. .

Photo Left: Scripps Network; Knoxville, TN by McCaren Designs, Inc.

15

16

Drafts
Interior greenwalls should not be subject to drafts of hot or cold air.
Even a rapid change of 15 to 20 degrees has the potential to damage
plants. Consistent temperatures are best.
Temperature
Interior greenwalls are designed using tropical and semi tropical plant
materials that are adaptable to our human comfort zones. Therefore it
is generally recognized that a temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit in
the winter and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer is acceptable.
Night temperatures can be 10 degrees cooler, or between 62 to 65 degrees F.
Finishes of Surrounding Areas
A greenwall system generates humidity. It is probable, through routine
operation and maintenance, that some dripping or splashing will occur. This should be taken into account when determining the finishes
around the greenwall system.
Storage
Provisions should be made for the storage of gardening materials and
supplies. This storage should be readily available to the horticultural
staff members who care for the plantings. Additionally, this area can
function as the location of the greenwalls irrigation controller.
Safety and Serviceability
The challenge in managing a vertical garden is the safety and serviceability of the plantings. Specifically designed lift systems or ladder
systems must be included to facilitate routine maintenance.
Maintenance
Professional maintenance of the plantings should be accounted for
when budgeting and planning. Special attention must be given to pruning plant materials in order to maintain balance between plant size and root growth. Regular plant grooming to remove dead and dying foliage, should also be accounted for
and systems should be designed to facilitate these activities.
Photo Left: St Ignatius School; Courtesy of the Plant Lady; Kitchener, ON, Canada
Photo Above Courtesy of: Greenery Office Interiors; Calgary, Alberta, Canada

17

18

Case Study
Jamieson Place Biowall
Calgary, Alberta
Installation - February 2010
Features nearly 2,000 sq ft of Greenwall Vertical
gardens greening 'up' to conserve space, improve
air quality, absorb toxins and attract retail business
for tenants
Owner: British Columbia Investment Management
Developer: Bentall LP
Building Architect: Gibbs Gage
Interior Plantscaper: Greenery Office Interiors

19

Jamieson Place Biowall

Calgary, Alberta
Photo at Installation - February 2010
Photo opposite page - September 2010
The project was installed using very small
20

stage 4 starter plant liners. (plants as 1 plugs).

While they were not large enough to give a
finished appearance when installed, they
quickly adapted to their vertical environment.
Joanne Young, President of Greenery Office
Interiors in Calgary was quite impressed with
the Greenwalls system. She stated: "Being a
lifetime designer of living architecture himself,
it was evident that McRae was personally
committed to creating an uncommonly
intuitive maintenance and installation system."
Estimated construction cost ~ $275,000 (U.S.$)
Monthly maintenance cost ~ $2,400.00 (C.$)

21

"Bentall LP is thrilled with the

biowall installation at Jamieson
Place in Calgary. This biowall
embodies our commitment and
22 the commitment of our client,
British Columbia Investment
Management (bcIMC),
to sustainability initiatives
within its real estate portfolio
across Canada. Containing
over 20,000 plants and standing
2 1/2 stories high, the biowall
adds incredible warmth and a
sense of calm to the Winter
Garden and we have received
numerous compliments as this
"oasis" within the City has been
discovered by our tenants, real
estate professionals and the
general public."
John Marotta
Senior Vice President,
Western Region
Bentall LP

23

Modular Model

Drip irrigation channel allows

for easy installation of irrigation
system.

24

Waterproof layer each

panel overlaps the next to
create an integral
waterproof membrane, no
need for additional
waterproofing

Foam planting media allows

optimum root penetration and
plant stability. Does not
decompose or become over
saturated. Panels only weights
10# per square foot - planted.

Easy planting just cut a slit

into the foam panel and insert 3
or 4 starter plants. They adapt
quickly to their new environment
No need to pre-grow panels

Product Description:
This is the unit used to build a large to monumental sized greenwalls. From 6x6 walls to
200 plus walls, this product is engineered to do
the job in the interior environment.

Portable Models
Product Description:
Mobile and transportable, these units contain everything
you need to make a greenwall except the imagination
and the plants.
The units are self-contained, delivered fully assembled and
includes: A greenwalls planting area, drip irrigation
system, irrigation pump and timer and a water reservoir
base.

25

Base Model (shown above):

Base is 48x16x16 the planting area is 60 x 46. Base
model comes in a black finish. (Polly pebbles not included)
Contemporary Model (shown right):
Base is 66x16x16 the planting area is 80 x 48. Model
comes in a satin silver finish.

Plants for Greenwalls

Adiantum raddianum

Aeschynanthus

Aglaonema Maria Cristina

Aglaonema Maria

Aglaonema Pink Jade

Aglaonema Silver Bay

Alocasia odora California

Alocasia Polly

Anthurium sp.

Asparagus sprengeri

Asplenium antiquum Victoria

Asplenium Crissie

26

Plants for Greenwalls

Asplenium nidus

Beaucarnea recurvata

Begonia Rex

Blechnum Silver Lady

27

Brassia arboricola

Calathea Burle Marx

Calathea Corona

Calathea makoyana

Calathea Medallion

Calathea ornata

Chlorophytum bichetii 'Siam Lily'

Chlorophytum comosum

Plants for Greenwalls

Cissus discolor

Codiaeum Brazil

Codiaeum Zanzibar

Coffea arabica

Cryptanthus sp.

Cyrtomium falcatum

Davallia fejeensis

Dieffenbachia Camille

Dieffenbachia Compacta

Dracaena Lemon Lime

Dracaena Lime Light

Dracaena Song of India

28

Plants for Greenwalls

Dryopteris erythrosora

Epipremnum aureum

Epipremnum aureum Jade

Epipremnum Pearls and Jade

29

Epipremnum Marble Queen

Ficus repens

Ficus repens Variegata

Fittonia Bianco Verde

Fittonia Mini Red

Gibasis geniculata

Gynura aurantiaca

Hedera helix

Plants for Greenwalls

Hedera canariensis

Hemigraphis Exotica

Homalomena Emerald Gem

Hoya kerrii

Hypoestes White Splash

Hypoestes Pink Splash

Hypoestes Red Splash

Maranta leuconeura

Maranta Erythroneura

Maranta Lemon Lime

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepis Fluffy Ruffles

30

Plants for Greenwalls

Nephthytis Cheery

Nephthytis Neon

Nephthytis Splash

Nephthytis White Butterfly

31

Pellaea rotundifolia

Peperomia argyreia

Peperomia Chocolate Ripple

Peperomia Emerald Ripple

Peperomia Ginny

Peperomia Golden Gate

Peperomia Hope

Peperomia obtusifolia

Plants for Greenwalls

Peperomia obtusifolia variegata

Peperomia orba

Peperomia orba variegata

Peperomia Mini Watermelon

Philodendron Brazil

Philodendron cordatum

Philodendron Prince of Orange

Philodendron Rojo Congo

Philodendron selloum Hope

Phlebodium aureum

Pilea cadierei

Pilea depressa

32

Plants for Greenwalls

Pilea involucrata

Platycerium sp.

Radermachera sinica

Saintpaulia

33

Scindapsus pictus

Scindapsus Silver Satin

Selaginella emmeliana

Selaginella kraussiana Gold Tip

Plant Photos Courtesy of:
Batsons Foliage Group, Inc., :
(352) 7356835
Triad Nursery Inc
(561) 637-4444
Olive Hill Greenhouses
(760) 728-4596

Spathiphyllum Domino

Spathiphyllum Petite

Tradescantia zebrina

34

A Division of McCaren Designs, Inc.

760 Vandalia Street
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114
800-524-7081 or 651-646-4764
info@greenwalls.com
www.greenwalls.com