Green façades made of precast concrete elements. Case studies

Abstract

With the beginning of the 21st century, there was a rapid development of technologies allowing to cover elevation of buildings with various plant species, even those that are not adapted to the natural overgrowth of vertical walls. This is the result of changes in the approach to the sustainable design. The technologies that derive from the simplest, proven solutions known for thousands of years become popular. Plants have a number of advantages that are very difficult to replace by modern filtration systems, they are an excellent cover against solar radiation, in strongly urbanized areas they are a link with the natural environment. They can also improve the aesthetics of architectural objects. The paper introduces the analysis of buildings in which prefabricated concrete elements combined with vegetation play the role of a façade. The main goal of the research is to determine what types of green walls are possible to execute when using this combination. The secondary goal is to present the benefits of using the technology in terms of improving the quality of life of users, the impact of investments on the environment and the impact on the aesthetics of the building. The methodology used in the conducted research is limited to the analysis of selected cases of modern architecture in which were applied green wall systems based on precast concrete elements and plants. The analysis deals with such issues as the motivation for design decisions, the construction techniques used, materials, the way of their composition and use. Results of the research prove that the combination of prefabricated concrete façade elements with vegetation gives contemporary designers a very wide spectrum of choice in terms of both the façade system technology and the way of shaping the aesthetic expression. Natural vegetation changes the stereotypical feeling of concrete as a cold, artificial material. It directs architecture towards a more organic one. Closer to nature. In this way, it contributes to improving the comfort of use and reduces the harmful impact of investments on the environment.