BioWall Configuration Tool
To select a configuration, toggle between four primary variables, then download CAD details.
to Plane of
Building Wall:
Surface
of Trough
to Floor:
On
Below
Wet
Closed
Also in Configuration:
Details for this configuration
LEGEND:
| C | Controller |
| D | Drain |
| E | Electrical connection |
| F | Floor |
| H | Water connection |
| I | Internet connection |
| IH | Irrigation header |
| IS | Irrigation supply |
| LV | Low voltage conduit |
| PE | Perimeter edging |
| T | Trough |
| VP | Vegetated panels |
| W | Building Wall |
Trough Surface Treatments and Materials
Open
Grating
Rocks
Plants
Composite
Waterproofing
Stainless
Veneer
Configurations:
Dry
Wet
Face Options:
Exposed
Veneer
An open trough has no covering; the inner surface is exposed. Often the surface of the trough is not readily visible, as foliage obscures the surface, so no trough covering may be needed. In other cases, a broad, visible stainless steel trough is part of the intended design aesthetic. To specify this, just show the trough as open in details.
Configurations:
Dry
Wet
Face Options:
Exposed
Veneer
Troughs are available with stainless steel grating. Grating provides a clean, architectural finish to the base of the BioWall. Each grate is made to order, so we can accommodate a wide variety of patterns and finishes, though perforated mill finish is most common. Stainless steel is an ideal, non-reactive material that is easily cleaned and resists corrosion or rust during constant contact with water. To specify this, use the grating option within the BioWall CAD details, and select the grating option in BioWall specs (pattern can be selected as a construction submittal).
Configurations:
Dry
Wet
Face Options:
Exposed
Veneer
Rounded river cobbles, Mexican beach pebbles, or other rocks or stones can be used in or over the trough to provide an attractive, low-maintenance covering. As a natural material, rounded river cobbles provide an aesthetic reminiscent of a streambed. Further, rocks can incorporate vegetation selectively or in all areas of the trough. In a dry trough configuration, rocks simply line the bottom of trough. In a wet trough configuration, rocks are usually used over grating. To specify this, use the rock option within the BioWall CAD details, and select the rock option in BioWall specs (rock selection can be made as a construction submittal).
Configurations:
Dry
Wet
Face Options:
Exposed
Veneer
You want a living wall for the plants, so why not consider carrying the plants all the way to the floor! A wet trough can be planted with a range of containerized aquatic plants, alternately a bryophyte (moss and fern) cover can be used over grating. A dry trough can be planted in a variety of ways, and could possibly extend the vertical BioWall plants into the trough. To specify this, use the planted trough option within the BioWall CAD details, and select the planted trough option in BioWall specs. Contact us to determine the most appropriate species and planting method for your project, which can be during design or as a construction submittal.
Composite trough materials include fiberglas and plastics. Though not common, composite troughs may be the best option for specific projects, as they are lightweight, can be prefabricated but also easily field-welded, can form any shape, and are usually economical. Each BioWall trough is made to order. Composite troughs are typically concealed behind a veneer. To specify this, select the composite trough option in BioWall specs and contact us for additional project-specific details.
BioWall troughs are sometimes formed by waterproofing concrete, CMU, or other materials that form the structure of the trough. We use either a single-ply or liquid-applied waterproofing, depending upon substrate, installation, and building conditions. Waterproofing can be applied to any shape. Contact us for additional project-specific details. To specify this, select the waterproofing trough option in BioWall specs and contact us for additional project-specific details.
Most BioWall troughs are fabricated of stainless steel. Stainless steel is an ideal inert material for constant contact with water, it cleans easily, and its finish coordinates well with many other architectural finishes. Stainless steel troughs are prefabricated based on field dimensions, and once on the jobsite they may be field welded, though we generally advise against field welding for aesthetic and quality control purposes. For these reasons, it is best to plan for no individual segment of a stainless trough to exceed approximately 20 feet in length. If a multi-segment trough is required, plan for a drain at each segment.
Any trough may be concealed behind a veneer. BioWall troughs have been covered with veneers of stone, decorative metal, drywall, wood, and other materials. Veneers are almost always the work of trades other than the living wall installer, and veneers would not be provided by Furbish. We are able to assist in designing details to coordinate your selected veneer with a BioWall.
The trough is a watertight catchment at the bottom of the BioWall. The trough catches drips, and in a wet configuration holds water. Surface treatments include open, grating, rocks, and plants. The trough is most commonly stainless steel, but may be fabricated of composites, or a waterproofing membrane. The trough face may be exposed or covered with a veneer.
BioWall Geometry
Curves
Perimeter Edging
Elevation Integration
Panels
Custom Configuration
BioWall easily handles curves of any radius. The drawings below should help you visualize different curve BioWall applications.
To specify curves, just draw the curves in plan, and leave the rest to us. Contact us for design collaboration.
Very tight radii are possible, such as the 18″ radius above. In the example above, ensuring that adequate light reaches the living wall is a greater challenge than constructability. Tighter radii may be possible, but may add cost. Contact us for details.
Very tight radii are possible, such as the 18″ radius above. Tighter radii may be possible, but may add cost. Contact us for details.
In most cases, a “tight” radius might be around 36″, as shown above. Care must be taken to ensure that the inside of the radius receives adequate light. If a tight turn is desirable, this radius balances drama and constructability.
In most cases, a “tight” radius might be around 36″, as shown above. If a tight turn is desirable, this radius balances drama and constructability.
In many cases, a “tight” radius might be around 5′, as shown above. Care must be taken to ensure that the inside of the radius receives adequate light. If a tight turn is desirable, this radius balances drama and constructability.
In many cases, a “tight” radius might be around 5′, as shown above. If a tight turn is desirable, this radius balances drama and constructability.
A gentle 10′ radius is about the dividing line between when curved panels versus straight (faceted) panels would be used. The example above shows curved panels, which we would recommend if using mostly tight-to-the-wall plants such as Philodendron cordatum or Ficus repens.
The example below shows faceted panels, which at a 10′ radius appears as a ‘curve’ if using plants that reach at least 12″ from the face of the living wall. Faceted panels are slightly more economical than curved panels.
A gentle 10′ radius is about the dividing line between when curved panels versus straight (faceted) panels would be used. The example above shows curved panels, which we would recommend if using mostly tight-to-the-wall plants such as Philodendron cordatum or Ficus repens.
The example below shows faceted panels, which at a 10′ radius appears as a ‘curve’ if using plants that reach at least 12″ from the face of the living wall. Faceted panels are slightly more economical than curved panels.
A gentle 15′ radius would almost always utilize straight (faceted) panels, as shown above. Vegetation of almost any scale will visually soften the curve. BioWall panels can also be fabricated to true curves at this scale, if required.
A gentle 15′ radius would almost always utilize straight (faceted) panels, as shown above. Vegetation of almost any scale will visually soften the curve. BioWall panels can also be fabricated to true curves at this scale, if required.
Broader radii such as 30′ have the most impact on larger living walls, as the curve is barely perceptible on smaller living walls.
Broader radii such as 30′ have the most impact on larger living walls, as the curve is barely perceptible on smaller living walls.
Broader radii such as 50′ have the most impact on larger living walls, as the curve is barely perceptible on smaller living walls.
Broader radii such as 50′ have the most impact on larger living walls, as the curve is barely perceptible on smaller living walls.
The BioWall is terminated at perimeter edging on all sides except the bottom (which terminates at the trough). Standard BioWall perimeter edging is 1-1/2″ x 3″ stainless steel with a 1/2″ visible bend. Other inert, waterproof materials can be used if needed, though this is not common. The perimeter edging is visible in surface-mounted configurations, but minimally visible in recessed configurations.
Not all BioWalls have a simple, uninterrupted, rectangular elevation. BioWall elevations can incorporate logos, fountains, artwork, and they can go up and over doors, or go under other features. Properly detailed, this elevation integration can be handled easily.
If any of these conditions apply to your project, just draw the elevation as you want it, but resist the urge to over-detail and leave the rest to us. Contact us for design collaboration.
Download all these details
Most BioWalls are pre-grown and panelized. We fabricate panels to project specific dimensions. A typical panel covers approximately 3’x3′ to 4’x4′. Panels are approximately 1-1/2″ thick, plus the reach of foliage (which is usually about 6″ at the time of installation), and panels weigh approximately 2-3 psf when wet.
Most of this page addresses common BioWall configurations, but custom configurations are possible. Contact us to design your custom BioWall!
Specifications
Check one item in each group (this will try to remember your selections from farther up the page), then download your 3-part CSI technical specification.
Contact us with any spec questions, including customized specs that include options other than shown here.
to Plane of
Building Wall:
Surface
of Trough
to Floor:
On
Below
Configuration:
Wet
Closed
Surface
Treatment:
Grating
Rocks
Plants
Material:
Waterproofing
Composite
Veneer:
No
No
Elements
Are On Wall:
No
Download your spec! (Coming soon…)
Hydraulics
Open Loop
This is our standard hydraulic option, which judiciously uses domestic water to irrigate plants, and any excess goes to drain. Though this option does not recirculate, open loop is the more water-miserly option. Read more at our BioWall FAQ..
Closed Loop
Closed Loop is our recirculating option, generally used if a drain if not available. Recirculation poses a number of challenges that we can avoid by selecting Open Loop. Our Open Loop hydraulic option uses the least water and maintains the highest level of water quality control. Read more in our BioWall FAQ.
