MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Living/Green Wall System

Living/Bio-based Systems
composite › Systems › Living/Bio-based Systems
compositesystemliving-wallgreen-wallvertical-gardenbiophilicacousticair-purification
ATLAS CODE
COM-SYS-LIV-001
Living/Green Wall System
Category composite
Material Family Systems
Regulatory Status combustible
Density
Not specified kg/m3
Fire Class
combustible
Lifespan
10-25 years yrs
Description

Living wall systems use modular planter panels to support vegetation on vertical surfaces. Modules are typically lightweight polypropylene with integrated planting pockets and irrigation/drainage pathways.

Primary Sectors
[Commercial][Healthcare][Hospitality][Residential]
Typical Uses
  • Commercial building facades
  • Office interior feature walls
  • Healthcare biophilic design
  • Retail environments
  • Educational facilities
  • Hospitality venues
  • Residential courtyards
  • Acoustic treatment
  • Air quality improvement
  • Thermal mass addition
Recycled Content 0.2
Renewable Content 0.6
Recyclability 0.3
EPD Available No
Advantages
Improves indoor air quality through VOC phytoremediationProvides acoustic absorption (NRC 0.70-0.85)Adds thermal insulation (R0.2-0.5)Biophilic design benefitsReduces urban heat island effectIncreases biodiversityCan achieve Green Star creditsModular system allows partial replacementCreates visual interest and branding opportunities
Cautions
High initial cost ($800-1500/m²)Ongoing maintenance required ($200-2000/month)Water damage risk if drainage failsLimited plant species in extreme climatesStructural loading considerationsComplex waterproofing requirementsPotential pest/disease issuesEnergy use for irrigation pumpsNot suitable for high BAL areas
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TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-SYS-LIV-001
Density (Dry) Not specified kg/m3
Specific Gravity 0.45
Porosity 0.55 %
Water Absorption 0.4 %
UV Resistance high
Chemical Resistance moderate
pH Tolerance 5.5-7.5
Impact Resistance low J/m
Bearing Capacity 75 kN/m²
Abrasion Resistance low
Thermal Conductivity 0.5 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.35 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 1800 J/kgK
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.77
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 0.15 %

Modern living wall systems evolved from traditional climbing plant facades, with modular hydroponic systems developed in the 1990s by Patrick Blanc in France. Australian adoption accelerated post-2010 with Green Star ratings recognizing biophilic design benefits. Local systems adapted for water efficiency and extreme UV exposure.

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SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-SYS-LIV-001
Combustibility Class combustible
Toxicity of Combustion low
Water Footprint 1500 L/kg
EPD Available No
Recycled Content 0.2%
Renewable Content 0.6%
LEED Points 2
VOC Emissions negative g/L
Skill Level professional
Crew Size 3
Installation Time 20-40 m²/day hr/m²
Setting Time 4-8 weeks min
Temperature Range 5-35°C °C
Humidity Range 30-85% %
Required Tools
Structural fixingsSpirit levelDrill and bitsWaterproofing toolsIrrigation fittingsElectrical for pumps
Certifications Required
Structural engineer sign-offWaterproofing certificationHydraulic design
Weather Limitations
No installation <5°CNo installation >35°CAvoid high windProtect during heavy rain
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-SYS-LIV-001
Material Cost 400-800
Installation Cost 800-1500
Annual Maintenance 50-200/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 2000-4000/m²
Market Availability specialist
Lead Time 12-20 weeks weeks
Design Life 10-25 years years
Warranty Period 1-5 years years
Maintenance Interval monthly months
Service Temp Range -5 to 45°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance moderate
Dimensional Stability stable
Certifications Held
Structural engineer certification requiredWaterproofing warranty requiredPotential Green Star creditsWELL Building Standard contributionNon-toxic plant species selectionVOC absorption capability
Fire Code Compliance
AS 3959:2018 (BAL-LOW to BAL-12.5 only)
Standards Compliance
NCC Section J - Energy EfficiencyNCC Section F - Health and AmenityASTM C423 - Sound Absorption

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: COM-SYS-LIV-001 Schema: v3.0
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