Since their conception,  living walls, vertical gardens, and green roofs have grown in popularity. Sprouting up on city buildings, in homes, museums, hotels, and now on our building in the industrial center of West Oakland, the development of new techniques and creative reuse of materials is making it possible to grow gardens almost anywhere.

More than just a fashion statement, living walls contribute to where ever they grow. A 50 meter squared patch of grass can produce enough oxygen for one person while pulling pollution and absorbing CO2 from the environment. The introduction of living walls allows plants to grow in areas that used to be barren of vegetation.

It provides habitat for use of beneficial insects and butterflies in the area. A natural method of dealing with climate control, living walls reduce the amount of energy it takes to heat and cool buildings, and assist addressing the Urban Heat Island effect when the plants absorb the heat and reduce the reflected light from buildings.

To add to the environmental benefits, this living wall also utilizes a rain catchment system, already installed in our studios. Bringing light and beauty into our industrial area the project brings together individuals, businesses, organizations and the local government.

Our living wall is a project of Groundation Foundation: The Ground’s the Limit, a blooming partnership of Green Wall expert Nick Gardner, Indra Designs, American Steel Studios, Wholly H2O, and the City of Oakland’s Rain Barrel Program.

Special thanks to Jake Wood for coming in and taking pictures