Taking green living to new heights

Years ago, the word cladding was associated with dull, uninspiring and lifeless brickwork. It conjured images of grey, uninviting, functional buildings. But not anymore.

Cladding is the new de rigueur décor centrepiece. As long as it’s green.

Green cladding is an vital element of the biophilic design movement which is gaining traction within the building industry to improve connectivity to our natural environment using nature and space.

Vertical gardens and green roofs are a way for hotels, restaurants, leisure venues and offices to create dramatic, memorable, calming, insta-worthy and nature positive décor for residents, visitors and employees.

In fact, the UK is proud to claim the biggest and highest green cladding in Europe.

Eden in Greater Manchester is a 12-storey office building with a huge green wall covering 3,300sqm with 350,000 plants, including 32 species of striking evergreen and perennials.

With 75 floors, Landmark Pinnacle in London is the UKs highest residential block where residents enjoy two living walls comprised of 190sqm of hydroponic panels and13,000 plants which create a colourful garden in the sky that dramatically changes with the seasons.

Living walls have a huge part to play in achieving net zero carbon. But the benefits extend beyond political targets and climate change. Vertical gardens and green roofs promote biodiversity, improve air quality, help reduce noise pollution but also provide biophilic benefits and give occupants an oasis of calm where they can relax and destress

Dramatic, memorable, healthy, beautiful and sustainable. What’s not to love about living walls? Not a lot if designed, installed and maintained correctly.

Balancing the risks and rewards

Architects, property owners and hotel or leisure venues must consider the risks associated with adding living walls to business decor which may not be covered by some insurance policies.

With many new-build or renovation of hotels, restaurants and offices incorporating green roofs and walls into their aesthetics, there are growing concerns about the use of combustible materials in this on-trend green cladding.

The insurance sector applauds the introduction of green walls in the drive towards achieving Net Zero targets but architects and building contractors must be mindful that creating these beautiful, sustainable buildings must not compromise safety.

All forms of cladding systems include a backing wall with insulation, but even if the system has suitable cavity barriers installed, some components can be combustible and cause the fire to spread.

Wherever possible, the backing wall, insulation and support elements including potting, irrigation and drainage systems should be made from non-combustible materials to limit the spread of fires.

In addition to the fire risks, the impact of severe weather events and escape of water may impact the safety and insurability of the building – and those adjoining it – if the living wall is not properly designed, installed and maintained.

Green roofs are heavier than a conventional roof due to the additional weight of the support structure, the requisite irrigation systems as well as the plants themselves. Plus, the extra water retention capacity during heavy rainfall must also be factored into architectural considerations.

Green roof installers should perform flood tests immediately after installation to check for leaks and consider installing electronic leak detectors. Annual inspections are also advised to remove problematic plants and those developing strong, deep roots to reduce the risk of leak damage.

Living walls and green roofs have many environmental, aesthetic and health benefits but the ongoing maintenance and repair can be a challenging and costly process.

Lycetts urges anyone involved in a new sustainability project or retrofit to consult their insurer during the planning stages to mitigate the risks of creating a stunning yet sustainable building.