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The green benefits of a green wall in your home design

Published on 19 Sep 2023

Imagine turning a blank wall in your home into a lush tapestry of leaves, stems, and even flowers. It sounds a bit like something out of a fairytale, doesn't it?

The reality is that plant-filled walls are becoming more popular as the sustainable urban design trend grows around the world. Hotels, offices, shopping malls, and now residential properties are seeing the value of living vertical installations. If you have a green thumb or a desire to make your home environmentally friendly, here’s an inside look at this exciting feature.

What is a green wall?

A green wall, also known as a living wall, eco wall, or vertical garden, is a wall that is covered with vegetation. These walls can be either attached to an existing wall or be freestanding structures — both indoors and outside. The plants on a green wall are usually housed in a growing medium, such as soil or a substrate, and are often irrigated by a built-in system.

Your property inspiration

This Hersham home is in an unsurpassed league of its own. That’s the word from property practitioner Peter Barton-Hill, who believes its striking architecture and stylish finishes make it a standout. The home has a design that is harmonised with its indigenous setting, and this is best seen in its use of green walls.

“The use of green walls, as you can see in the exterior of the home, is on par with international trends,” says Barton-Hill. “Besides looking attractive, they help create a more sustainable ecosystem. The coverage of vegetation used in this home is also in sync with the natural surroundings of the Garden Route.”

Plant-filled Walls

What are the benefits of green walls?

Just looking at the Hersham home’s walls is enough to unlock the healing power of nature and make you feel even better. But, that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to green walls and their purpose.

Beautify your space: A green wall can dramatically transform and beautify a space, adding a vibrant, living element to your home's design. The touch of nature can be a blessing to camouflage ugly walls or structures.

Breathe cleaner air: Green walls are good for the environment and you. The plants on them purify the air by absorbing toxins, converting CO2 into oxygen, and increasing humidity, leading to a healthier living environment.

Feel nice and cool: With their thermal-insulating qualities (they absorb sunlight), green walls can help regulate temperature and create a pleasant atmosphere. This can cut back on air conditioning costs. Indoors, the greenery on these walls can also help maintain optimal humidity levels. This is particularly helpful in dry climates or during winter months when indoor air tends to be dry.

Enjoy some quiet time: The vegetation acts as a natural sound barrier, absorbing sound vibrations and providing a quieter indoor environment.

Improve your well-being: Being close to nature has been linked to reduced stress levels, enhanced mood, healing, and improved concentration. The cleaner air can also give you a health boost, reducing headaches, tiredness, and allergy and asthma symptoms.

Get more creative: Exposure to nature improves your mood and leads to better logical reasoning and innovative approaches. Being surrounded by green walls can only enhance the impact of nature on your home.

Double your garden space: Green walls allow you to enjoy a garden, making them ideal if you have a property with limited or unsuitable areas to grow.

Embrace your green values: Besides being a good sustainable home design strategy, outdoor green walls can have a significant impact on your home’s biodiversity. They can attract beneficial insects and provide a habitat for various species.

Increase your property value: A well-maintained green wall can enhance the aesthetic appeal and innovative design of your home, potentially increasing its market value.

Your home should inspire you

Green walls have an undeniable charm. Their lush surfaces filter the air, uplift spirits, and transform spaces into serene retreats. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they represent a lifestyle change; one more greener and conscious of the environment. If you’re looking for refined touches like these in your next home, Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty, the best real estate company in South Africa, is your top choice. Reach out to us today — we’re only just a call, email, or WhatsApp message away.

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