Dec 9 2015
30 years ago Mark Paul, former Horticulturist of the Year and founder of The Greenwall Company installed what is believed to be the very first greenwall in Australia. Today, greenwalls have grown significantly in popularity and as a results are more readily available in a variety of formats.
Mark Paul says, “I’m proud of the fact that my first greenwall is still flourishing today however I do warn DIY gardeners that it’s not as simple as planting a few potted plants on a wall. There is a science to it, which has evolved over the past 30 years and continues to do so.” Greenwalls have always been admired for their beauty, which to many is their initial appeal. Today the greening of building facades, whether internal or external and the installation of greenroofs go far beyond their aesthetic appeal.
As part of the 202020 Vision partner, The Greenwall Company are seeking opportunities to educate councilors to everyday homemakers of the true environmental and sustainable attributes a project can provide.
Mark Paul identifies the many unknown benefits of greening spaces:
- Can be installed indoors or outdoors without limitations of dimensions and luminosity
- Countless creative possibilities: no two installations look the same. Guaranteed aesthetic impact!
- Biodiversity
- Thermal isolation of any surface, resulting in great energy savings
- Absorption of pollutants and noise, greatly improving acoustics
- Increase of relative humidity and air oxygenation
- An independent frame, which is attached to the wall, thus preventing moisture contact; and of course can be moved to a new location
- Carbon is withdrawn from the atmosphere, reducing the greenhouse effect
- Made from reused and recycled materials
- Total automatization supports the perfect functioning of the drip reticulation system, minimizing maintenance and water consumption (the water can also be recycled)
Some of The Greenwall Company’s most recent projects include:
- The significant upgrade if the QANTAS First Class Lounge greenwall
- The first greenwall in Barangaroo
- Greening private balconies and adding interest to courtyards which previously had no green space
About The Greenwall Company:
The Greenwall Company is the premier producer of modular and custom designed greenwalls in Australia. An unequalled product, Greenwall can be used like cladding to produce instant ‘greenspace’ both inside and out. The system developed by Mark Paul at The Greenwall Company (www.greenwall.com.au) over approximately 30 years, presents an innovative system based on inorganic media and adjustable subtrate depth that retains moisture and simulates conditions resembling natural soil. In addition, by using plants adapted to impoverished environments and seasonal drought, The Greenwall Company achieves a water efficient planting that is resilient to inevitable short-term human and mechanical failures.