Modularity of Living Wall Systems

Abstract

Living wall systems are not applied on a large scale, even though they offer multiple benefits to buildings. They are able to improve the air quality, the insulation values or social and psychological benefits. The aim of this Thesis is to increase the application of living wall systems by designing a living wall system with the principles of modularity, which should decrease the two biggest disadvantages of living wall systems: the high production cost and the high amount of maintenance. To reach this goal it is important to channel both knowledge about modularity and vertical green. For modularity this means understanding the principles: designing with repeating components, designing for prefabrication, designing for disassembly and designing for a catalogue. In the next step various connections are listed which can be used when designing for disassembly, along with types of façades and building references which apply the use of the principles of modularity. As for vertical green, a clear typology can be seen. Vertical green can be divided into green façades, wall vegetation and living wall systems. Living wall systems can be based on planter boxes, panel systems (of which some use mineral wool) and on felt layers. A history is provided of vertical green, along with a detailed explanation about the advantages and disadvantages of placing of vertical green on a building. All of these advantages are researched to find out if they can be improved with the means of modularity. These advantages are a first step into the world of innovations that could be used when designing a new living wall system, together with an insight into new innovations regarding modularity. The main research of this report is an analysis of all the living wall systems on the current Dutch market. These systems are explained in their way of working and are separated into components and materials. A conclusion is made about the separability and reusability of the components, as well as the circularity of the materials, along with general data, such as weight, water consumption and lifespan. This information is later used in a Harris profile that defines the type of living wall system that’s best for the design requirements. The design requirements have been determined by researching the context of a location where this living wall system can be installed; the Europoint-complex in Rotterdam. The Harris profile makes clear that planter box can best be used due to their low water consumption, high lifespan and their fit for circular design. In the end a planter box system is designed which can easily be removed from the building skin and replaced by means of modularity, which decreases the maintenance. It has even been adapted so it can be transported by drones, so no persons have to climb up a building. Planter boxes that are recovered from the building can be reused or recycled thanks to the circular design. By designing the system in such a way that it can function as the outer layer of a building, it also decreases the building costs. Finally, the system receives three add-ons, which use innovations to increase the effect certain benefits of living wall systems. These add-ons are part of a design catalogue, which helps the system to be applicable on other locations than the Europoint-complex, depending on the design problems at hand.