Yes, how long a living wall lasts depends on the system used and the maintenance.  Living wall systems based on natural processes (for example using a natural planting medium so plants are growing in their natural habitat and go through the same processes as they would planted traditionally), are more resilient and with maintenance, can last forever as opposed to systems based on man-made substates.

Under a maintenance contract, a living wall will stay healthy for as long as you like.  Again, think of it like a garden.  If it’s well-cared for, it will continue to flourish in full health year after year.

Yes, living walls can be installed around windows.  As our system is modular, it makes it very simple to cut to shape.  For details or considerations when integrating around windows, take a look here (we put it all on one page).

In practical terms, there is no height limit with a living wall.  The height you can build to however is capped by regulations such as fire regulations.  To find out more about what you can and can’t do with a living wall, this blog is useful.

The sub-frame used for our living wall system can be concrete, steel, aluminium, timber or backing board.  Anything that is structurally able to take the weight of the living wall.  You may find our living wall installation guide helpful.

Yes a living wall can be installed on any aspect, it is simply a case of designing for the elevation and climate.  To give an example, on some south-facing elevations, like at 2 London Wall Place, we were able to use Mediterranean herbs like thyme due to the high levels of sun that area was receiving.  On the other hand, on the north-facing walls on the same site, we used a completely different plant palette.

It's all down to planting design.

Yes, a living wall can be installed on a north facing façade.  As with any living wall, the planting design needs to be created for the aspect of the elevation (north, south, east, or west) and general conditions (wind, shade, climate).  For a north-facing green wall, we would design with shade-loving species, such as some ferns and perennial flowers.  The living walls at United Caps and most of the high walk at London Wall Place are good examples of this.  It’s simply a case of designing with shade-loving plant species and irrigating the soil and plants to suit.

It is essential that a living wall is maintained, and the irrigation serviced on a regular basis to ensure healthy plants and the wall establishes and thrives for the long term.

When thinking about maintenance for a living wall, consider it in the same way as a garden.  If it’s neglected, it will not flourish and is not likely to survive.  The same applies to living walls. They are essentially just vertical gardens.

Maintenance is imperative for the health and longevity of any living wall.

The living wall itself is a turn-key solution.  We look after everything from initial concept designs, through production, installation, and maintenance.  However, we do also ask for some parts to be provided by the main contractor, which is:

1. Sub-frame
2. Drainage (water run-off is minimal, however this is still required as precautionary measure)
3. M&E

What about hidden extras?  We are upfront in all proposals to make sure you know exactly what we’re providing and what you need to provide for us.  A list of assumptions and exclusions is provided in all proposals.