A green facade is a facade grown over wholly or partly with plants. This can be done with climbing plants that grow up the wall from the ground, or with a facade-bound system in which plants root in trays or mats on the facade itself.
Two main systems
- Ground-based green facade — climbing plants such as ivy, Virginia creeper or wisteria grow up from the open ground or a planter, if needed along a support or wire system. Simple and cheap, but it takes years for the facade to be covered.
- Facade-bound green facade — a vertical system of trays, panels or mats with substrate and irrigation, in which the plants root directly on the facade. An instantly green result, but more expensive and higher maintenance.
Advantages
- Cooling — the planting absorbs heat and counters heating of the facade and the city
- Insulation — a green layer dampens temperature swings and wind
- Biodiversity — the growth provides habitat for insects and birds
- Air quality and sound — plants trap fine dust and dampen noise
Points to watch
A green facade calls for good water management and a facade structure that resists moisture. Climbing plants must not grow into joints or under roof tiles; a facade-bound system needs reliable irrigation and maintenance.
Related Terms
- Vertical garden
- Green wall
- Green roof
- Facade cladding
- Climate adaptive
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