Every year on February 15th, we celebrate Green Wall Day, a day dedicated to recognising the transformative power of green walls in creating healthier, more sustainable residential gardens and urban environments. As cities face challenges like pollution, heat islands, and biodiversity loss, green walls have emerged as a powerful tool for architects, urban planners, and garden designers to reimagine locations.
At Meristem Design, we’ve been at the forefront of integrating green walls into residential and commercial spaces. Through hands-on experience, we’ve seen how these living systems can transform spaces. Green walls are not just a design trend - they are essential for building resilient, liveable, and future-proof cities.
What benefits do Green Walls bring?
Green walls, also known as living walls or vertical gardens, are functional, dynamic systems offering environmental, social, and economic benefits:
- Improved Air Quality: Green walls act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants like carbon dioxide and particulate matter while releasing oxygen. Studies show that they can reduce nitrogen dioxide levels by up to 40% and particulate matter by 60% in urban spaces.
- Biodiversity Support: Living walls create vital habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, helping restore ecological balance in areas where green space is scarce.
- Noise Reduction: The dense vegetation absorbs and deflects sound, significantly reducing noise pollution in busy urban settings. This makes them ideal for workplaces, schools, and residential areas looking to create quieter environments.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing: Research has shown that exposure to greenery can lower stress levels, improve mood, and boost productivity. Green walls bring nature into urban spaces, fostering a more positive and calming atmosphere.
- Visual Beauty: Living walls create a lush, green focal point, adding elegance and charm to residential spaces, potentially increasing their market appeal and resale value.
What is our approach to Green Walls?
At Meristem Design, we create unique, functional, and sustainable green walls tailored to each space. Our approach is rooted in sustainability, careful plant selection, and bespoke design to ensure that every green wall enhances its environment.
"A well-designed living wall is more than just a decorative feature—it’s a way to reconnect urban spaces with nature," says Nina Simoes, our Living Wall Designer and Project Manager.
"Our designs aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about bringing practical, measurable benefits to gardens and commercial areas. Take our recent project in North London, for example. One of our clients was left with an uninspiring brick wall after a neighboring property construction. Instead of settling for a dull view, they turned to us to transform it into a vibrant living wall. The result? A lush, green focal point that not only enhanced their kitchen view but also became a space they love to spend time in.
"We work closely with our clients to ensure they’re happy with our plant selection, combining evergreen and seasonal plants to add a touch of seasonal color. We also include plants that attract pollinators, creating new habitats for birds and insects. Whether it's a small residential installation or a large commercial development, we customise each project to maximise its impact."
Special offer for Green Wall Day
To mark Green Wall Day, we’re offering a free London-based living wall consultation for bookings made by the 22nd February. If you’ve been considering a green wall for your space, now is the perfect time to explore the possibilities and see how it can enhance your surroundings.
Get in touch with us to book your consultation and take the first step towards a greener future!