The design of 3D artificial vertical gardens in residences

The design of 3D artificial vertical gardens in residences should take into account functionality, aesthetics, ecology and safety. By enhancing the living quality through three-dimensional greening, optimizing space utilization, and integrating the building structure and residents' living needs at the same time. The following analysis is carried out from five dimensions: design principles, spatial layout, plant selection, structural support, and maintenance management:

First, design principles

Adapt measures to local conditions

Based on the climatic conditions, light conditions, building orientation and other factors of the residence location, select suitable plant varieties and cultivation techniques. For example, in areas with abundant sunlight, sun-loving plants can be chosen, while in shady areas, shade-tolerant plants should be selected.

In combination with the architectural style and the surrounding environment, ensure that the design of the vertical garden is in harmony and unity with the overall landscape, avoiding abruptness or incongruity.

Function first

The design of vertical gardens should meet the actual needs of residences, such as sound insulation and noise reduction, temperature and humidity regulation, and air purification. For example, in street-facing residences, vertical gardens can be used to reduce traffic noise and enhance living comfort.

According to the layout of the residential space, the location and scale of the vertical garden should be reasonably planned to avoid interfering with daily activities.

Ecological sustainability

Adopting water-saving irrigation systems (such as drip irrigation and rainwater recycling) and environmentally friendly cultivation substrates can reduce water consumption and environmental pollution.

Select native and suitable plants to reduce maintenance costs while promoting biodiversity and providing habitats for birds and insects.

Second, spatial layout

Wall greening

Vertical gardens can be set up on the exterior walls of residences, balcony railings or interior walls to make full use of the vertical space and increase the green area. For instance, modular planting containers can be installed on the balcony railings to form a three-dimensional green belt.

According to the orientation of the wall and the lighting conditions, plants with different habits are planted in layers to create a distinct landscape effect.

Roof greening

Set up vertical gardens on the rooftops of residential buildings and combine them with the rooftop gardens to form a three-dimensional greening system. For instance, vertical planting troughs can be set up along the edge of the roof to plant climbing plants and form a green barrier.

Roof vertical gardens need to take into account waterproofing, load-bearing capacity and drainage issues to ensure the safety of the building structure.

Indoor greening

Vertical gardens can be set up in indoor atriums, stairwells or on walls to improve indoor air quality and enhance living comfort. For instance, a large vertical green wall is set up in the indoor atrium to form a focal point of the green landscape.

Indoor vertical gardens should select shade-tolerant plants and be equipped with artificial lighting systems to ensure the healthy growth of plants.

Third, plant selection

Adaptability

Select plant varieties that are suitable for the local climate and soil conditions to ensure survival rates and maintenance costs. For example, choose drought-tolerant plants in dry areas and moisture-loving plants in humid areas.

Give priority to choosing native plants that are suitable for growth to avoid introducing alien species that could cause ecological imbalance.

Diversity

By combining plants of different forms, colors and habits, a rich landscape effect is formed. For example, evergreen plants can be combined with flowering plants to form green belts with beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.

Introduce aromatic or medicinal plants to enhance the practicality and interest of the vertical garden.

Safety

Avoid choosing plant varieties that are toxic, thorny or prone to causing allergies to ensure the safety of residents. For example, do not choose plants such as oleander and cactus.

When setting up a vertical garden in the children's activity area, special attention should be paid to the safety of the plants.

Fourth, structural support

Modular design

Modular planting containers or pre-planting panels are adopted, which are convenient for installation, maintenance and replacement. The modules can be flexibly combined according to the wall size and design requirements to form diverse landscape effects.

Modular design can reduce construction difficulty, shorten the construction period, and at the same time facilitate later adjustments and upgrades.

Lightweight materials

Use lightweight cultivation substrates and containers to reduce the load on the building structure. For instance, lightweight substrates such as coconut coir and peat soil can be adopted to reduce the load-bearing pressure on the wall.

When setting up vertical gardens in high-rise buildings, professional structural calculations are required to ensure the safety of the buildings.

Waterproofing and drainage

When setting up vertical gardens on walls or roofs, it is necessary to do a good job in waterproofing layers and drainage systems to prevent water seepage from causing damage to the building. For example, drainage holes are set at the bottom of the wall planting trough to prevent water accumulation.

Regularly inspect the drainage system to ensure it is unobstructed.

Fifth, maintenance and management

Automated irrigation

Equipped with an automated irrigation system, it automatically adjusts the irrigation volume and frequency according to the plant's needs and weather conditions. For instance, by adopting drip irrigation technology, water is directly delivered to the roots of plants, reducing evaporation losses.

The irrigation system needs to be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure its normal operation.

Regular pruning and replanting

Prune plants regularly, control their growth direction and shape, and avoid blocking Windows or affecting the building structure. For example, prune the branches of climbing plants and guide them to grow in the designated direction.

Replant dead or withered plants in a timely manner to maintain the landscape effect of the vertical garden.

Pest and disease control

Adopt biological control and physical isolation methods to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. For instance, introduce natural enemy insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pests, or cover plants with insect-proof nets.

Regularly inspect the health status of plants and deal with pests and diseases in a timely manner when they are found.

Sixth, case reference

Osaka Vertical Garden Residence

This residence is located near Sakai City in the southern part of Osaka Prefecture. It adopts a courtyard-style layout and introduces abundant greenery inside. Plant two-story-tall feather maples in the courtyard to extend the garden space and create a landscape effect that changes throughout the four seasons.

The west wall on the second floor of the residence adopts a double-layer structure, which effectively insulates heat. Meanwhile, the vertical garden improves the indoor microclimate.

Jardin Garden Apartment, Richwood, Singapore

This project combines a vertical garden environment with the concept of French living. Sky gardens are set up at the high ceilings on each floor, creating a large depth of shared balconies. Green plants not only provide shade and reduce noise, but also connect the living area of the unit, forming a social space.

A larger-length terrace on the facade is set every two floors, and each residence has a two-storey garden, enhancing the living quality.

Small vertical garden residence

The area of a certain residential plot is 4×6 meters, and the building has 5 floors above ground. Through vertical garden design, sunlight and natural ventilation are maximized, green plants are planted, and the Spaces on all floors are interconnected, allowing family members to have visual communication between floors.

The design of vertical gardens not only optimizes the utilization of space, but also enhances the aesthetics and ecological nature of the residence.