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What are the systems for building green walls?
The first article in our series Everything you need to know about green walls will simply introduce you to the systems with which these green gems are built and what their advantages and disadvantages are.
There are currently 4 main types of systems on the market from which green walls are built. Previously popular geotextiles and modular baskets are gradually replaced by modern trays. The most modern ones are developed so that you can easily build them at home.
Climbing plants
The oldest type of green walls provided by nature itself. They are the cheapest system on the market. They will grow the load-bearing structure in front of the house directly from the ground or a large pot.
Advantages
The main advantage is the cheap price of the acquisition.
Disadvantages
The disadvantage is that you wait 8-10 years before the climbing plants grow to the top of the building. If one freezes, you will wait for the same amount of time again.
Geotextile systems
The first system of green walls, which began to be widely used for the construction of living architecture. It is used, for example, by the world-famous architect and botanist Patrick Blanck.
Advantages
It is a very cheap system in terms of cost.
Disadvantages
Unfortunately, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. In geotextiles, it is very difficult to keep plants alive. Such a system lasts a maximum of 3-5 years. They are completely unsuitable for use in places where the temperature drops below 0 ° Celsius. Controlling the amount of water in the area is difficult, a common problem is the waterlogged roots of plants, while the top of the green wall is dry. Such systems must be constantly repaired, so their maintenance is very expensive.
Modular systems
They are also called net or basket systems. The modular system originated in France, where we were also inspired by it. We have been developing our system since 2010, which we used until 2017. The growing component is peat bog (sphagnum), other fillings can be used, such as basalt, coconut, or substrate. However, it is important to know how the material will behave physiologically in the long run.
Modular systems are currently experiencing a big boom. They use special basalt wool as a growing filling, but their control systems might be very expensive.
Advantages
Really large plants can be anchored in modular baskets 10-15 centimetres deep. The variability of cultivation is wide, the result is a beautiful jungle. Plants can also be pre-grown in baskets, and then simply hang in the system.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage is the problematic drip irrigation and high maintenance of the system. The substrate falls out of the baskets over time and must be replenished. Also, it is not possible to accurately monitor the entire area of moisture, and thus plant death occurs. After five years, modular systems become unprofitable. Another big disadvantage is the need to build a waterproofing layer, which significantly increases the price of the system.
Tray systems
These are modern systems, including the Flora Panel. They are becoming more and more popular and are gradually replacing older systems. There are several types of trays. Besides, the best of them do not use drip irrigation, which had a shorter lifespan.
Advantages
If the tray has modern overflow irrigation, future reconstruction costs are reduced and the initial investment compared to drip irrigation is eliminated. Higher quality systems use a replaceable pot – just remove the sick plant and treat it. Maintaining the green wall is easier, faster, and cheaper. Such a system setting allows cultivation, among other things, in hydroponics, which has many advantages. These are sustainable systems.
Disadvantages
If the tray has drip irrigation, limescale builds up in the system, clogging it over time. The plants then do not have enough water and die. Therefore, it is better to choose a system with overflow irrigation. Initial investment costs are higher. However, the systems last significantly longer, the green walls built from them last more than 10 years.
Comparison of systems
For easier orientation, we have created a table where we summarize basic information about individual systems:
| Comparison of systems | Growing variability | Irrigation type | Plant variability | Maintenance intensive | Initial costs | Lifespan | Sustainability |
| Climbing plants | is not | drop | small | low | low | unlimited | – |
| Geotextile systems | is not | drop | big | high | low | 3-5 years | short-term |
| Modular systems | is not | drop | big | high | medium | 5 years | mediu- term |
| Tray systems | organic substrate, hydroponics | drop, cascading | big | medium | high | more than 10 years | long-term |
Are you considering installing a green wall in your home? Or do you want to build a green wall yourself?
Contact us, we will be happy to help you.
You can look forward to our tips in the next article. We will introduce you to the individual growing methods in green walls.
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