The plants grow on nine square-foot modules
that are about 5.25 inches thick. Inside the
module, which can be stacked or placed side
by side for larger installations, is a micro-drip
irrigation system. This system is woven into the
two layers of polyamide felt which sandwich a
horticultural foam designed and patented by
EcoWalls to soak up water and nutrients, locking
them into the system so that the wall does not
have to be watered as heavily or frequently.
On the surface is a UV resistant foam on which
pockets can be cut anywhere for planting. This
way, the plants are not confined or restricted,
allowing their roots to spread across the entire
module, ideal for long term plant growth.
Coraggio explained that in an interior, low light
living wall, water is pulsed through the system
once or twice a day for four minutes each cycle.
Overall, the water usage is relatively minimal,
using three quarters of a gallon per module.
However, it is also possible to use an aquaponics
system if you have a koi pond for example, which
would cycle the water from the pond and back.
The fish produce waste which the plants can use
as nutrients and then filter back clean water to
the fish to begin the cycle over again.
DESIGN & REAL ESTATE
July | August 2016 49
