Vertical gardens on facades

Unique botanical expertise with Nordic climate

The microclimate can differ considerably between different locations in the city. Greenworks always carries out light- and site studies for outdoor projects, ensuring that the choices of plants are durable and sustainable. Since the installation on a facade does not enjoy the same wind protection as on ground level, higher demands are placed on the botanical selection. The large differences in temperature in the Nordic climate between summer and winter also form an additional challenge. Greenworks botanical knowledge and experience of vertical gardens inside as well as outside, guarantees unique and lasting projects, contributing to a vibrant urban environment.

Sun studies and zone-adjusted irrigation

Prior to each project, the specific microclimate is examined with regards to temperatures, wind and sun light. These feasibility studies provide us with several different habitats on the facade, determining conditions for developing the right irrigation plan. With a balanced amount of water and nutrition in each irrigation zone, we ensure to keep maintenance costs at a minimum.
Greenworks conducts solar studies early in the process also in order to ensure the right plant species for each zone of the facade. Artificial light is mainly used for creating a captivating effect during the dark hours of the day.

Facade greenery with reliable minimal maintenance

Although the microclimate of the specific site generates certain conditions and limitations, we offer our clients influence over the desired visual effect of the living wall. Colourful perennials are typically combined with evergreen species, but you can even find gageas featured on our living landscapes. Generally, perennials require more maintenance than woody plants. Due to the fact that outdoor walls change throughout the seasons in northern climate zones, we normally carry out maintenance efforts twice a year, once during the spring and another time during autumn.

The use of remote monitoring is particularly important for greenery living on facades. By monitoring our vertical gardens, we can make necessary seasonal adjustments to irrigation and nutritional levels remotely.

Ecosystem Services

Vertical gardens on facades is still an unusual phenomenon in Scandinavia but is becoming an increasingly common feature in our cityscape. A green wall offers many economic, ecological and social benefits. Vibrant vertical gardens help to purify the air, regulate the temperature, improve the sound environment, and improve the biodiversity of the city. Vertical gardens at the same time contributes to an improved general biocapacity and overall well-being.
The importance and interest in including green spaces in the planning phase of our urban constructions, is bigger than ever – both aiming to reach environmental objectives and also due to the dependence on our ecosystem services for a healthy biodiversity. At Greenworks, we are dedicated to creating a richness and volume variation in our vegetation, promoting more viable vertical gardens and thus better habitats for insects and birds.
Lack of coherent green spaces is a common problem throughout urban spaces. Installing living walls on outdoor facades can be a great solution for creating more green corridors and enhancing our urban biodiversity.