Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Fall 2019 - 16

"I was thrilled to have the opportunity
to collaborate on such an incredible
project. It reflects not only the nature
of the company's plant research work
but also its commitment to environmental stewardship. And the lush and
wild nature of the plant tapestry offers all who pass under the living wall
a reprieve from their hurried day."

Images courtesy of Urban Strong

Alan Burchell

A DIRECT REFLECTION OF USE

nternational Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) was
interested in a living wall for the renovation
of their R&D facility lobby. IFF artificially
creates flavors and fragrances based on
extensive studies of plant species. Known for
walking the talk in the world of sustainability,
and they wanted a living wall solution that
complemented the rest of the Cradle to Cradle
Certified™ products, building materials, and
finishings they were using.
After factoring in their design goals and
available infrastructure, a modular hydroponic
planting panel system was chosen with an
automatic non-recirculating irrigation system.
This system was chosen for its high content
of recyclable materials, inorganic growing
media, unlimited planting surface (nonpigeon-holed), high energy and water-efficient
operation, ultra-low plant turn-over rate, wide
potential plant palette, and local greenhouse/
assembly facility. IFF felt this highly sustainable system was reflective of their commitment to environmental stewardship.
To directly reflect the facility's nature, our
team dedicated a portion of the living wall to
plant species currently being studied on site,
selected to appeal to a broad range of senses
such as texture, color, and depth. To reflect
the nature of the client's business, particular
LIVING ARCHITECTURE MONITOR / FALL 2019 / 16

attention was given to fragrance during plant
species selection. We used species such as coffee plants and vanilla orchids.
The living wall includes a remote monitoring irrigation system. The comprehensive
design allows the manufacturer to work with
our local maintenance technicians to monitor
flow, adjust irrigation sequence/intervals, and
precisely delivery water and nutrients to plants
in a highly efficient manner.
A long skylight running the entire width of
the living wall was designed and installed directly above the system to reduce the auxiliary
lighting energy load for much of the year. The
lighting system has been programmed to ramp
up during the winter months when natural
light becomes insufficient.
The living wall is striking in its two story size
and greets all who enter the lobby. This soaring
atrium is a hub of corridors passed by most staff
several times a day en route to the greenhouse,
cafeteria, and research labs. The green wall is
great for sound attenuation as it offers echo
muffling given that the lobby is frequently used
as a communal area. It is central to the lobby's
biophilic design and offers all who look at it a
reprieve from their hurried day. An opportunity
to connect with nature during the day the wall is a
source of mental health benefits for all who see it.

CATEGORY
Interior Green Wall
PROJECT
International Flavors and
Fragrances R&D Lobby
LOCATION
Union Beach, NJ
AWARD WINNER
Urbanstrong
TEAM MEMBERS
Sales, Technology Consulting,
Project Management
Urbanstrong
System Provider
EcoWalls
Installation, Commissioning,
Ongoing Maintenance
Parker Plants

LIVINGARCHITECTUREMONITOR.COM

http://www.LIVINGARCHITECTUREMONITOR.COM

Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Fall 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Fall 2019