What are the BioPanel™ and BioGrid™ Systems?

The BioPanel System™ is our revolutionary large format, low profile, modular Wall-Mount system. This system provides the designer with the creative freedom to adapt a living wall to a location of almost any size or configuration and requires minimal structural changes to the building.

 

A BioGrid™ is created by using an array of BioPanels™ in any configuration on various wall surfaces both wall mounted or free standing, The BioGrid system™ can be used in either interior or exterior applications. Plantings are chosen after reviewing the site environmental parameters such as light levels, air flow, traffic patterns and visual imapact to name just a few. TropicsNorth consultants will define the planting palette in the early stages of design.

 

 

 

What makes up a BioPanel?

Each BioPanel™ is a complete system including all plantings, waterproofing, our multi-layer geotextile system and natural biofiltration properties.

Each panel includes a surgical grade, stainless steel backing which provides both structure and water proofing, while the other zone specific layers ensure optimum water distribution and aeration to 100% of the root zone area. This multi-layer low profile design ensures the root zone remains free of stagnation, which translates into healthy plantings and an environment where plants will flourish for many years.

 

BioPanel™ layout prior to planting	BioPanel™ layout after planting	BioPanel™ as free standing model

Living wall preview planting

Once established light levels have been determined, a pallette of planting choices is provided to the designer. At this point, planting plans, elaborate foliage patterns and contrasting varieties can be viewed and selected either on-line or in our workshops prior to final installation.

How do Living walls clean the air?

All Living Walls and plants act as natural biofilters. The process is attributed to the very nature and physiology of the foliage, root systems and the associated symbiotic relationship of the roots and surrounding microbes. Research was conducted in the early 1990’s by Dr. BC Woverton at NASA in the USA. Through extensive studies, numerous species of tropical plants were isolated and studied in different environents. All the plants studied were shown to significantly reduce the presence of VOC’s such as Benzene, Trichloroethylene and Formaldehyde to name just a few. The rate of reduction varied widely from species to species but the common conclusion was that all plants studied were effective in reducing the VOC’s introduced. As one of the original sponsors to the program funded by Nasa and the industry, TropicsNorth has been involved and at the forefront of this technology for almost 20 years.

What type of structural support is necessary for a TropicsNorth Living Wall?

TropicsNorth Living Walls can be wall-mounted or freestanding. Freestanding models are self-contained and require no additional support structure. Wall mounted, multi-panel systems use the building structure as the means of support. Generally a structural stud wall with 3/4 inch “d grade” plywood, a concrete block wall or a poured concrete wall are all suitable substrates capable of supporting fifteen to thirty lbs/psf. TropicsNorth supplies all mounting brackets and hardware necessary for installation.

How are the panels specified?

The panel system is engineered to be easily installed on any supporting wall structure with our adaptable mounting system. Standard BioPanels™ are available in sizes that range from two feet by six feet, up to five feet by ten feet and can be orientated either vertically or horizontally. BioPanels™ vary in thickness and may be as slim as 1 1/2 inches (38mm) plus foliage. Simply let us know the wall area coverage requirements and we will size the panels in the most efficient layout.

What other building services are required?

To ensure trouble free operation, Living Walls require a connection to drain, water supply and the electrical systems of the building. This is the method recommended for most installations where multiple BioPanel™ are used creating a larger BioGrid™.

Single BioPanel™, freestanding models are supplied without a drain or water supply hook-up unless requested. These models require manual filling every week or two. These smaller models of living walls are easily moved and are supplied with a large base reservoir and require only a duplex GFCI electrical outlet for power to the pump and ultraviolet light.

What type of water treatment is used in your Living Wall Systems?

TropicsNorth engineers the Everpure™ water treatment system and base pool to suit the requirements of each BioGrid™. This system incorporates a combination of Reverse Osmosis, Ultraviolet, Ozone, Particle filtration and optimum water circulation and turnover rates to the filtration system. Each system in engineered specific to the application and unique characteristics of each location. TropicsNorth has developed and refined this proprietary “non-chemical” water treatment sytem over many years and employs this sytem in all applications.

What are the maintenance requirements of TropicsNorth Living Walls?

BioPanel™ Living Wall Systems are automated to add water as needed. Occasional feeding is necessary and a general knowledge of plantings and their unique characteristics is required. Professional services are highly recommended for this style of living wall system. TropicsNorth provides professional maintenance services through our own highly trained staff and through our network of experienced contractors. Training programs are also available for in-house maintenance and are generally accomplished through a transitional period. After completion of the training program, local Contractors or in-house staff can be certified by TropicsNorth.

Our Freestanding, single BioPanel™ models are supplied complete with all plantings selected to the available light levels and environmental conditions specific to the location. These models are designed to be plugged into a wall outlet and will only require adding water every seven to ten days. Volume and frequency of watering will vary based on light levels and chosen varieties.

Can TropicsNorth Living Walls and waterfeatures be used together?

Yes! Dynamic combination pieces can be designed using BioPanels™ with the many styles of water elements available to you. TropicsNorth, has pioneered the development of the modular water panel system over the last twenty years and brings the same expertise to the seamless integration of waterfeatures elements with living walls. The result is an impressive visual display for both clients and visitors alike.

Are your products guaranteed?

Our Living wall structural panels are made from surgical grade 304L and 316L stainless steel enabling us to offer an Industry leading twenty year warranty against perforation of the waterproof membrane.

All Living wall plantings are warranted as long as the service is provided by TropicsNorth. If third party service is contracted, TropicsNorth does not warranty the plantings beyond installation. The contracted servicing company is required to provide a warranty suitable to industry standards. All other components, such as pumps, lighting and filtration systems are warranted for two years as stated by the manufacturer.

What is LEED™ and are your products LEED compliant?

LEED™ is Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. The LEED Green Building Rating System™, as promulgated by the U.S. Green Building Council, aims to improve occupant well-being, environmental performance and economic returns of buildings using established and innovative practice, standards and technologies.

TropicsNorth Living Walls, Waterfeatures and other stainless steel products qualify for LEED credits in many ways.

LEED™ Fact Sheet on Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate for the Building & Construction Market

Stainless steel is virtually indestuctable and will outlast most building materials, with few exceptions.

RECYCLED CONTENT

The stainless steel producing members of the Specialty Steel Industry of North America indicated that the average post-consumer recycle content of the 300 series stainless steel grades, generally used in the building and construction market is approximately 75 to 85%.

RECYCLABILITY

Not only does the stainless steel used in the building and construction industry contain a high percentage of both post-consumer and post-industrial recycled content, at the end of its long, useful life in your building application it is 100% recyclable. Stainless building components can be repeatedly recycled back into similar products with no loss of quality. (www.ssina.com)

TropcicsNorth products are also LEED compliant in the following categories.

• Innovation in Operations
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Materials and Resources
• Energy and Atmosphere
• Water efficiency
• Sustainable Sites

Please contact us for further information.