In this months previous blog, we considered what a Biowall is. In this article we will talk about the benefits of Biowalls.

• Research has brought to light the advantages of having Biowalls placed in office environments, by showing what a good effect they tend to have on the employees. They are in general happier and more productive.

• Sick Building Syndrome (or SBS) is known to cause a number of ailments such as headaches, dizziness, and throat, nose, and eye irritation. In their active state, Biowalls provide a natural air filtration system which help to reduce the effects of SBS. This natural filtration system can also assist in helping against unhealthy pollutants.

• Biowalls used on the exterior of buildings can also provide many benefits. A Biowall could actually serve as some protection to the building from harmful UV rays and even acid rain.

• Active exterior Biowalls also provide a level of insulation, which can contribute to reducing energy costs.

• Green roofs are very popular these days and are a great way of helping the environment. Those who are interested in green roofs, would enjoy a Biowall which doesn't put as much structural strain on a building than a green roof does.

As we can see, a Biowall can afford many benefits, not to mention the fact that it is enjoyable being around some level of nature.

It must be noted however, that there are certain disadvantages to Biowalls. If you would like more information about this, please feel free to contact us.

While the name Biowall might not be a name you are very familiar with, you may of heard of them by other names such as living walls or even green walls.

What is a Biowall and what purpose does it serve?

Biowalls are walls that have been covered with living plants. There are 2 different types of biowall.
There is a felt system which places plants into felt which has been backed by a waterproof layer, which is designed as the means of growing the plants. With this system, as the plants grow, their roots grow downwards which stabilizes them. Another different kind of biowall is called a panel system. This is comprised of soil which is packed into plastic bags. Plants are then put into this soil. They are fed and watered by an attached irrigation system.

Biowalls are used not only on a buildings exterior but also on the interior of buildings as well. They provide many benefits when used in an office or home environment. The reason for this is the plants ability to purify the air. Although they do not replace the need for a traditional HVAC system, they can be used to work well alongside one.

They are of great benefit for use on the exterior of building as well, especially in cities and urban areas. Concrete walls and surfaces reflect heat, which makes urban areas feel a great deal hotter than they should be. This not only produces excessive heat levels in the summer months, but the air quality is greatly reduced. This effect is referred to as the Urban Heat Island (UHI). When biowalls are placed in these types of areas, UHI effects can be reduced.

As we can see from this brief overview, a biowall can be a welcome addition to a space. What other benefits are there to biowalls? We will consider this in future articles.