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Figure 6. VGS application on transitional space currently applying VGS as well as other form of greeneries. This is also fulfilling the criteria for major green building rating tools. Beside as a climate modifier, VGS could be as a visual barrier, space divider, windbreaker, air filter, as well as a decorative element, as in Figure 6.

Figure 6 VGS application on transitional space currently applying VGS as well as other form of greeneries. This is also fulfilling the criteria for major green building rating tools. Beside as a climate modifier, VGS could be as a visual barrier, space divider, windbreaker, air filter, as well as a decorative element, as in Figure 6.

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Figure 1. Types of transitional space [4], [12] As stated previously, green spaces are rapidly decreasing caused by the development of the properties and infrastructures in the urban area. Due to that issue, applying vertical greeneries on building are one of the promising solutions to this matter, where people who live and work in building need the presence of greeneries as a restorative element. Although the space is limited, usable spaces in building could be maximised with the best method to obtain a cost-effective and easy maintenance greenery systems. Transitional space could be an alternative location for applying both horizontal and vertical greenery systems. In general, transitional space or transient space could be defined as a buffer space, or spaces in between the interior and exterior environment as in Figure 1 (a-f). This area could be the entrance canopies, foyers, lift lobbies, corridors, and stairwells of a building, which is commonly used for communal areas. In office building, transitional space is commonly used as a restorative area for the occupants to take break during the working hours. This could help to reduce the work-related stress load as well as to improve their psychological well- being during the office hours [13]. Referring from Pitts and Jasmi [12], transitional space is not directly occupied by any major activities in the building however it has a large implication to occupants experience and building energy consumption. Generally, the space allocated for a transitional space in a building is up to 10% to 40% of total volume in different types of buildings and considered as one of the alternative means for optimising building performance. Although, it is not directly occupied, Hui and Jie [14] agreed that transitional space consumes more energy compare to other occupied parts of building of similar size when being conditioned to achieve the desirable thermal comfort for the users.
Figure 1. Types of transitional space [4], [12] As stated previously, green spaces are rapidly decreasing caused by the development of the properties and infrastructures in the urban area. Due to that issue, applying vertical greeneries on building are one of the promising solutions to this matter, where people who live and work in building need the presence of greeneries as a restorative element. Although the space is limited, usable spaces in building could be maximised with the best method to obtain a cost-effective and easy maintenance greenery systems. Transitional space could be an alternative location for applying both horizontal and vertical greenery systems. In general, transitional space or transient space could be defined as a buffer space, or spaces in between the interior and exterior environment as in Figure 1 (a-f). This area could be the entrance canopies, foyers, lift lobbies, corridors, and stairwells of a building, which is commonly used for communal areas. In office building, transitional space is commonly used as a restorative area for the occupants to take break during the working hours. This could help to reduce the work-related stress load as well as to improve their psychological well- being during the office hours [13]. Referring from Pitts and Jasmi [12], transitional space is not directly occupied by any major activities in the building however it has a large implication to occupants experience and building energy consumption. Generally, the space allocated for a transitional space in a building is up to 10% to 40% of total volume in different types of buildings and considered as one of the alternative means for optimising building performance. Although, it is not directly occupied, Hui and Jie [14] agreed that transitional space consumes more energy compare to other occupied parts of building of similar size when being conditioned to achieve the desirable thermal comfort for the users.
In general, VGS is classified based on their growing mechanisms, living wall and green facade [16]. Perini et al. [17] described on their research that living walls are commonly constructed from modular panel that contains natural or artificial growing medium (felt, foam, perlite, and mineral wool) on each of its panel and using the hydroponic system to provide the plants’ water and nutrition (refer to Figure 2). Due to the flexibility of the system in living walls, this system could accommodate single or multiple plant species, which are commonly low height perennials or herbaceous plants. Combining multiple plant species in one system could be more efficient in terms of the space used. In large scale, living wall is widely known as a microclimate modifier and it could be an artistic element due to the composition from the various plants use.
In general, VGS is classified based on their growing mechanisms, living wall and green facade [16]. Perini et al. [17] described on their research that living walls are commonly constructed from modular panel that contains natural or artificial growing medium (felt, foam, perlite, and mineral wool) on each of its panel and using the hydroponic system to provide the plants’ water and nutrition (refer to Figure 2). Due to the flexibility of the system in living walls, this system could accommodate single or multiple plant species, which are commonly low height perennials or herbaceous plants. Combining multiple plant species in one system could be more efficient in terms of the space used. In large scale, living wall is widely known as a microclimate modifier and it could be an artistic element due to the composition from the various plants use.
SLE I. SUMMARY OF PLANTS USED AND THE BENEFITS
SLE I. SUMMARY OF PLANTS USED AND THE BENEFITS
From the Table 1, it could be described that there are many native plants that are widely available in tropical countries could be applied for VGS. Beside ornamental plants, edible and medicinal plants are also possible to be grown vertically along with its benefits in improving the thermal comfort. Some plants, such as Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetrogonobulus) are also effective in carbon sequestering.
From the Table 1, it could be described that there are many native plants that are widely available in tropical countries could be applied for VGS. Beside ornamental plants, edible and medicinal plants are also possible to be grown vertically along with its benefits in improving the thermal comfort. Some plants, such as Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetrogonobulus) are also effective in carbon sequestering.
Figure 4. Schematic diagram of the multiple layer canopy (modified from Shahidan and Jones [18])
Figure 4. Schematic diagram of the multiple layer canopy (modified from Shahidan and Jones [18])
Figure 5. Variety of plant species used in VGS for building facade From the previous research, it has been known that plants with relatively dark coloured leaf potentially to absorb the solar heat increases significantly. Red coloured leafs are more effective in reducing air temperature [23]. Nevertheless, further studies on the leaf colour and thermal comfort must be considered in the future. Besides of its colour, leaf performance also depends on the amount of stoma particularly if applied in small spaces. It has been proven that small leaf plants like Lanceolate, Spatulae, and Linear is significantly owering the air temperature and relative humidity, including absorbing many types of chemical pollutants. While the wide eaf plants like Cordate and Elliptical are potentially reducing only the air temperature. It is also proved that by combining the leaf sizes, it will contribute a better thermal comfort for the occupants [30]. Moreover, the colourful foliage and the size variety on VGS can be considered as a living artwork that could enhance the quality of life [31]. Figure 5 shows the implementation of various foliage colours and sizes as the facade cover by growing the plants vertically. The combination of plants on each layer is believed to be effective in improving the microclimate, however there is a need to study regarding the most suitable plant species to be applied on each layer in order to maximise the effect of the greeneries application.
Figure 5. Variety of plant species used in VGS for building facade From the previous research, it has been known that plants with relatively dark coloured leaf potentially to absorb the solar heat increases significantly. Red coloured leafs are more effective in reducing air temperature [23]. Nevertheless, further studies on the leaf colour and thermal comfort must be considered in the future. Besides of its colour, leaf performance also depends on the amount of stoma particularly if applied in small spaces. It has been proven that small leaf plants like Lanceolate, Spatulae, and Linear is significantly owering the air temperature and relative humidity, including absorbing many types of chemical pollutants. While the wide eaf plants like Cordate and Elliptical are potentially reducing only the air temperature. It is also proved that by combining the leaf sizes, it will contribute a better thermal comfort for the occupants [30]. Moreover, the colourful foliage and the size variety on VGS can be considered as a living artwork that could enhance the quality of life [31]. Figure 5 shows the implementation of various foliage colours and sizes as the facade cover by growing the plants vertically. The combination of plants on each layer is believed to be effective in improving the microclimate, however there is a need to study regarding the most suitable plant species to be applied on each layer in order to maximise the effect of the greeneries application.
Figure 7. Schematic diagram of possible VGS application in balcony In spite of the limitation and privacy matter, balcony could be optimised for applying the VGS. However, there are many considerations for balcony planting since many people tend to utilise their balcony for domestic purposes. The view to the outdoor must be unobstructed since the visual access to the scenery outside the balcony could be a stress-reliever. Moreover, view is one of the selling points in property business. Figure 7 describes the most feasible location for applying VGS in balcony by considering the horizontal cone of vision in human. The VGS could be applied in both sides of the balcony, wall-mounted or freestanding. Since the space allocated is limited, the overall dimension of the VGS needs to be carefully calculated.
Figure 7. Schematic diagram of possible VGS application in balcony In spite of the limitation and privacy matter, balcony could be optimised for applying the VGS. However, there are many considerations for balcony planting since many people tend to utilise their balcony for domestic purposes. The view to the outdoor must be unobstructed since the visual access to the scenery outside the balcony could be a stress-reliever. Moreover, view is one of the selling points in property business. Figure 7 describes the most feasible location for applying VGS in balcony by considering the horizontal cone of vision in human. The VGS could be applied in both sides of the balcony, wall-mounted or freestanding. Since the space allocated is limited, the overall dimension of the VGS needs to be carefully calculated.
Figure 8. VGS application on building facade and transitional space To obtain the best performance from the VGS, the structure and maintenance of the VGS is another important issue. One of the prominent examples of VGS in the transitional space is in Entopia, Penang, as figured in Figure 8. The facade of the building are covered with felt pocket VGS. Different plant species are applied to create a beautiful sustainable work of art. The temperature surrounding the site is significantly cooler due to the moist felt and provides comfort for those who are nearby. Therefore it is proven that VGS could improve the thermal comfort.
Figure 8. VGS application on building facade and transitional space To obtain the best performance from the VGS, the structure and maintenance of the VGS is another important issue. One of the prominent examples of VGS in the transitional space is in Entopia, Penang, as figured in Figure 8. The facade of the building are covered with felt pocket VGS. Different plant species are applied to create a beautiful sustainable work of art. The temperature surrounding the site is significantly cooler due to the moist felt and provides comfort for those who are nearby. Therefore it is proven that VGS could improve the thermal comfort.
Figure 9. Defects on felt pocket VGS application
Figure 9. Defects on felt pocket VGS application
Related topics:
High-rise building (Architecture)Transitional SpaceVertical Greenery Systems
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