Green Walls

Green walls are gene rally walls that are part of a building engrossed in vegetation. In many the vegetation is on the outside such as a creeper system with roots on dirt & with chance to to grow up and down. Studies have shown that can be a tendency of such walls to produce better cooling thus reducing our need for mechanical means.

(Using these concepts coupled with basic climatology techniques, Ashwin Architects did an experiment where we tried to grow ivy type creepers on a west facing facade. Although we did canrrrt you create any scientific ways to confirm the cooling effect, it was generally felt that the adjoining hall had cooled by atleast 3-4 degrees, even with direct sun rays. However, the creeper induced small cracks in the plastering which caused dampness on inside wall.

We tried another experiment on an online site where we used two wood supports on the sides of size about 10' wide & about 10' high with 10' space between the two wood posts. On either side of this wood, we used a wire mesh (chicken mesh) with intermediate supports which created a cavity of 10' circumference. We filled the entire cavity with mud & planted creepers. Principle idea was that such psuedo walls could be set front of typical masonry walls by which we needed offer you thermal cooling. However, the setback was that all the mud eventually absorbed. With little bit of research, we found quantity of people used geotextiles in between to produce easily manageable layers of mud. But this eventually increased total wall width to three times the actual size that was regarded as a waste of space by many clients.

Hence, we seen that the ideal system would be the a lightweight support structure for somewhere between thus reducing the full thickness of saving money wall & yet reap the benefits that a green wall system offers.

We used precisely the same technique in a residence where the roofing was embedded with terra cota tiles with air breaks. This system provided us using a saving of almost 40% on cement consumption (for roof) & also reduced the steel quantity consumed by about 20%. This system ensured that a ton of snakes stayed cool even during the harsh summers. Provisions were made for air-conditioners in this house but our clients informed us these people did not to be able to go in for AC's at everyone.

Although most people are aware of environmental issues, still the percentage of people to be able to try out new techniques are limited. Hence we use climatology & building orientation a few great extent give natural light & ventilation thus reducing dependency on mechanical means of controlling temperatures. Other techniques we use are borewell recharging with roof water run-off, solar lights for that house, solar geysers, motion-detecting sensors for lights. In one case a client has been convinced to go set for a small windmill (that they currently employ available for homes though the value is prohibitive). Provided the feasibility is positive, our client will shortly install the windmill.

Though I am doing quite several commercial projects, I really like designing residences. You already be getting the basic details on greenwalls. Hence I'm dispensing with definitions, etc., & providing a small write-up on our gets. I have also indicated about other methods that individuals use for sustainability.

The issue of sustainability gets relegated to the second spot because the first one question about construction is the cost. Hence, the initial expense could be more when compared to regular building so, as difference becomes magnified in the unorganized construction sector.

In the residential sector it is even more difficult recover the savings & sometimes the payback period may extend upto 7 years. However, in the office / commercial sector, the payback period is generally 3 years, the main culprit being the AC system. Today, the sector is employing VRF AC systems that actually lessen power consumption can be 25% though energy production is higher can be 30%.

Though the buildings being registered with LEEDS & GRIHA are increasing so is the unorganized community.

In today's recession, we do have clients who want to provide a gold-rated (LEEDS) buildings, however, market (tenants) isn't in a position to support obtain rentals. Hence, had been decided to incorporate green concepts who would only increase the actual price by a small percentage.