What is a Living Wall?
- J Mac
- Aug 28
- 4 min read
You’ve probably come across terms like living wall, green wall, or vertical garden – but what do they actually mean?
A green wall – sometimes called a living wall or vertical garden – is a structure where plants are grown vertically rather than in traditional pots or garden beds. Using a modular system like PlantBox (the award-winning system we use), trays or panels are fixed to a wall or freestanding frame, each containing soil and a reservoir to keep plants healthy. This setup allows dozens or even hundreds of plants to grow upwards, creating a lush, living surface that transforms a blank wall into a vibrant piece of nature.
Unlike simple climbing ivy, a green wall is carefully designed and maintained – with chosen plants for light, colour, and function. It’s both practical and beautiful, improving air quality, reducing noise, and adding natural insulation to the space. Whether indoors or outdoors, in homes or commercial buildings, green walls bring life to otherwise unused vertical space.
Put simply: A green wall is a vertical garden system that turns any wall into a living, breathing surface of plants.
Living walls are no longer a quirky trend you see in glossy magazines – they’re a practical, evidence-backed way to transform any space, indoors or out. Whether you’re a homeowner wanting a fresh, calming feature, or a business looking to impress clients and boost wellbeing, living walls deliver benefits that ordinary décor simply can’t.
At ChangingGreen, we specialise in the PlantBox living wall system – a modular, flexible design that makes vertical greening achievable anywhere. Unlike clunky or high-maintenance setups, PlantBox units are stackable, lightweight, and come with an in-built reservoir, meaning plants stay healthy without constant watering. It’s a smart system designed to be both beautiful and sustainable.
The Benefits You Actually Get
Cleaner, fresher air – NASA’s original Clean Air Study (Wolverton, 1989) proved plants reduce harmful indoor toxins. More recently, research by Shao et al. (2021) found that living walls in offices significantly reduced CO₂ and particulate matter, while Kumar et al. (2023) confirmed vertical green systems are especially effective at removing VOCs. In plain terms – a square metre of living wall actively cleans and enriches the air you breathe.
Noise reduction – Plants absorb and deflect sound. In offices or busy homes, living walls can reduce noise by up to 15 dB, softening echoes and making spaces calmer.
Natural insulation – A PlantBox living wall acts as a thermal buffer. In summer, it helps cool the space by shading and evapotranspiration; in winter, it adds an extra insulating layer – lowering energy bills in the long run.
Mental wellbeing boost – Research by the University of Exeter found that workplaces with visible greenery see a 15% rise in productivity, reduced stress levels, and better employee satisfaction. Imagine that effect at home or in your reception area.
Biodiversity in the city – Living walls support pollinators like bees and butterflies, even in urban settings. You’re not just decorating – you’re contributing to the environment.
Aesthetic impact – There’s no comparison between a painted wall and a vertical garden alive with ferns, ivy, and flowering plants. Living walls instantly become a focal point, impressing visitors, clients, and guests alike.
Space efficiency – PlantBox makes it possible to add greenery where floor space is limited. Instead of cluttering desks or corners with pots, you use vertical real estate.
Sustainability credentials – For businesses, installing a PlantBox wall ticks ESG and sustainability boxes. It’s a visible, photogenic statement of intent that shows clients and employees you’re serious about the environment.
The PlantBox Advantage
We use PlantBox exclusively because it’s the best balance of flexibility, durability, and low-maintenance design. Each module includes:
A reservoir system – water once or twice a week, not every day.
A stackable structure – which means we can customise size and shape to fit anything from a kitchen splashback to a hotel atrium.
Robust, recycled material – PlantBox trays are made from 100% recycled plastic, adding another eco benefit.
Modularity – Walls can be extended later if you want to expand your greenery without a full reinstallation.
PlantBox systems are trusted across the UK and Ireland, with proven results in both residential and commercial contexts. They’re not gimmicks – they’re engineered solutions.
Drawbacks (And Why They’re Manageable)
Initial cost – A living wall is an investment, more expensive than a tin of paint. But factor in the insulation benefits, reduced energy costs, and the value it adds to property – it pays itself back over time.
Maintenance required – Plants are living organisms, not wallpaper. They need water, light, and occasional care. However, with the PlantBox reservoir system and our tailored maintenance packages, upkeep is minimal compared to other systems.
Why Now?
Across Europe, green infrastructure is booming. Cities are incentivising green façades, architects are specifying them as standard, and homeowners are realising the health and aesthetic benefits. This is not a fad – it’s the future of how we live and work with nature.
A PlantBox living wall brings that future into your space today – flexible, proven, and designed to thrive.
Get in touch today to see how we can help you:
📍 Based in Northern Ireland – Operating Nationwide
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