“Specifying and Designing Living Wall Systems”, is a seminar jointly organized by the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and Elmich Pte Ltd. This seminar was conducted under the BOA-SIA CPD programme at the premises of SIA on 19 April 2012.
The seminar provided more than 120 architects a global insight into what Living Wall is and its installation entails. In recent years, more owners and architects are adopting the use of vertical greenery to create and reintroduce green space thus achieving lower carbon footprint of their buildings. As a result, there is an emerging market for such installation systems and their supporting accessories.
One of the two speakers, Mr Michael Teh, Managing Director of Nature Landscapes Pte Ltd has more than 25 years of experience in the landscaping industry and the company is the installer of over 10000 sq m of green walls throughout Singapore. The other speaker, Mr Andy Chew, Director of Landscape Engineering Division of Elmich Pte Ltd has many years of experience in the building and construction industry. He has done extensive research in the development of Living Wall systems.
With their combined expertise, they shed light on the various systems currently available in the market, emphaisizing the finer points on Living Wall design, installation and maintenance, with focus on planting media, irrigation, indoor lighting and plant selection as well as safety considerations for installation were emphasized. Highlights of the seminar also included how a Green Wall helps in the reduction of the Envelope Thermal Transfer Value (ETTV) of a building and the Skyrise Greenery Incentive Scheme, under which NParks will fund up to 50% of the installation costs of a Living Wall.
Through sharing of their wealth of knowledge and understanding of Living Walls, the speakers identified key critical areas an architect should look into when detailing and specifying a Living Wall in a project. This includes product solutions available and the importance of the role played by experienced installers. Hence, architects’ involvement at the earliest possible stage in the design of a Living Wall is crucial in achieving the greatest visual impact and amenity advantage.
