Exterior hydroponic panel – system and plants evaluation and effects on the building’s outer surface conditions

Abstract

Urban population is constantly expanding and this urges for finding smart ways to augment green infrastructure in modern cities. The concept of using building walls as an alternative free space to develop vegetated areas is gaining supporters and a number of relevant projects have been developed during the last years. In this paper, the results of the evaluation of an exterior vertical hydroponic system are presented. The system was constructed using PVC pipes filled with perlite and was fertigated using a simple close-loop system. Two plant species were used, namely: Aptenia cordifolia and Pelargonium capitatum. The results include useful design parameters of the plants (leaf area, living load, albedo, stomatal resistance) and evaluation regarding the effects on the building surface thermal conditions. The results showed that such a structure is feasible, easy to operate and maintain, has the potential to positively influence the energy performance of the building while providing aesthetical upgrade to the surrounding area.