Architecture

Urbanarbolismo's huge vertical garden incorporates over 33,000 plants

Urbanarbolismo's huge vertical garden incorporates over 33,000 plants
The addition of a planted facade to the building is expect to increase its thermal insulation by 270 percent
The addition of a planted facade to the building is expect to increase its thermal insulation by 270 percent
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The vertical garden at the Palacio de Congresos Europa in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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The vertical garden at the Palacio de Congresos Europa in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
The visitor information plaque
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The visitor information plaque
A wide-shot of the Palacio de Congresos Europa
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A wide-shot of the Palacio de Congresos Europa
The vertical garden uses a variety of locally-sourced plants
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The vertical garden uses a variety of locally-sourced plants
Information about the vertical garden is provided for visitors and passers-by
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Information about the vertical garden is provided for visitors and passers-by
A close up of the window and frame detail
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A close up of the window and frame detail
The vertical garden is expected to increase the building's insulation by 270 percent
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The vertical garden is expected to increase the building's insulation by 270 percent
A font-view of the vertical garden and the frame
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A font-view of the vertical garden and the frame
The vertical garden has a total planted area of 1,492 meters-squared
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The vertical garden has a total planted area of ​​1,492 meters-squared
Over 33,000 plants have been used
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Over 33,000 plants have been used
The frame provides support for climbing plants
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The frame provides support for climbing plants
The garden has attracted local birds and insects
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The garden has attracted local birds and insects
The addition of a planted facade to the building is expect to increase its thermal insulation by 270 percent
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The addition of a planted facade to the building is expect to increase its thermal insulation by 270 percent
Climbing plants begin to grow along the frame
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Climbing plants begin to grow along the frame
At night the structure is lit up
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At night the structure is lit up
Parts of the frame are back-lit at night
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Parts of the frame are back-lit at night
The frame lit up at night
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The frame lit up at night
The frame lit up at night
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The frame lit up at night
The frame adds to the aesthetic of the design
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The frame adds to the aesthetic of the design
When lit up the frame provides another perspective of the building
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When lit up the frame provides another perspective of the building
The lit-up frame wrapped around the building
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The lit-up frame wrapped around the building
A corner view of the building with the frame lit-up
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A corner view of the building with the frame lit-up
A wide corner view of the building with the frame lit-up
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A wide corner view of the building with the frame lit-up
A view of the interplay between the building's frame and its windows
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A view of the interplay between the building's frame and its windows
The addition of a planted facade to the building is expect to increase its thermal insulation by 270 percent
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The addition of a planted facade to the building is expect to increase its thermal insulation by 270 percent
View gallery - 25 images

A vertical garden covering 1492m2 has been created in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. The garden, which adorns the the Palacio de Congresos Europa (Palace of Congresses Europe) and incorporates over 33,000 individual plants, was designed by Alicante-based sustainable architecture firm Urbanarbolismo.

The project was conceived as a means of improving the energy usage of the Palacio de Congresos. The addition of a planted facade to the building is expect to increase its thermal insulation by 270 percent.

In order to reflect the native ecosystems of the locality, the plants used are inspired by those found in the areas surrounding Vitoria-Gasteiz, including the wetland vegetation of Salburua, the agricultural field plots of Alava, and beech forests of the Vitoria mountains.

About two thirds of the planted area uses a hydroponic system, which is monitored to control the development of the plants. Factors tracked include substrate nutrient conditions, pH levels and humidity. The monitoring also helps to save water and energy.

A view of the interplay between the building's frame and its windows
A view of the interplay between the building's frame and its windows

"We were surprised how quickly nature breaks through the vertical garden, thanks to native plants it has been colonized by all kinds of insects and animals," says Urbanarbolismo.

As well as plants that are "bedded into" the building, a twisting metal frame is wrapped around it to provide a means of support for climbing plants. The structure is illuminated at night by low-power LEDs, creating an intriguing aesthetic.

Source: Urbanarbolismo

View gallery - 25 images
3 comments
3 comments
Darkoneko
> the building is expect to increase its thermal insulation by 270 percent.
The amount of spiders too, I bet. *shivers*
GoForward
Very impressive building!
Marco Corona
If you want to see real, natural, horizontal & vertical urban gardens, simply take a tour of the abandoned homes, businesses, and churches in the downtown area of Detroit, Michigan.