As companies want to bring people back into the work place, there is a drive to make the office space more attractive and greener, so in this blog we are looking at Moss walls.
What is a Moss Wall?
Moss walls typically fall into two main categories: living and preserved.
Living moss walls are made from actively growing moss that requires light, humidity, and occasional maintenance to stay healthy. They bring a dynamic, evolving green feature into a space.
Preserved moss walls on the other hand are made from real moss that has been treated to maintain its texture and colour without the need for watering or sunlight.
Whichever option you choose, moss walls introduce a striking natural design element that enhances any interior bringing texture, biophilic calm and visual interest without contributing to visual clutter.
Living Moss Walls.
Living moss walls are stunning, but they do require consistent care just like any other living plant.
To keep them thriving you’ll need a maintenance plan that includes regular watering, trimming and the occasional replacement of moss as it reaches the end of its natural life cycle.
They also require a deeper footprint to accommodate irrigation systems and planting depth, so planning for extra floor space is essential.
That said, the benefits are significant. Living moss walls can help improve indoor air quality, reduce airborne dust, regulate humidity and lower carbon dioxide levels making them as functional as they are beautiful.
When choosing the location for a living moss wall, make sure there’s adequate natural light and easy access for maintenance. These walls are high-impact, but they thrive best in the right conditions.
Preserved Moss Walls.
A preserved moss wall is created using real moss that has been sustainably harvested, carefully cleaned, and then treated with a non-toxic, natural preservative—typically vegetable glycerine to maintain its soft texture and vibrant appearance.
Preserved moss offers a creative advantage: it can be dyed in a range of colours, allowing for intricate designs such as logos, patterns, or branded slogans that elevate the visual impact of any space.
While preserved moss walls don’t provide the same air-purifying benefits as living moss, they come with significant advantages: they require minimal maintenance, occupy less space, and have a long lifespan making them a more
cost-effective and low-fuss option for adding natural style to interiors.
With either option there are some key positive outcomes for your office and staff.
Improved Productivity
Researchers at Texas A&M University in the United States examined correlations between plants and productivity in the workplace.
After having researched participants work in different environments, they found that both men and women demonstrated more innovative thinking and solved more problems while working in the space that included flowers and plants.
Less Stress
Another study, at Washington State University, measured stress levels in employees at different workstations, they found that participants working in environments with plants were 12 per cent less stressed than participants working at workstations without plants.
Their study is not the only study that showed similar results. Time and again, researchers find that the presence of plants in workplaces decreases overall stress among employees.
Noise Reduction
People have long used foliage to reduce noise and create more peaceful environments. Homeowners who live on busy streets plant trees or shrubs to block traffic noises, and people escape to forests when they’re looking for peace and quiet.
The same principles apply with moss walls. Vegetation naturally blocks high-frequency sounds while the supporting structure diminishes low-frequency noises. Some studies have shown that plants can reduce ambient noises in offices by as much as 5 decibels.
Sharper Focus
Researchers at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester performed an interesting study regarding student attentiveness and plants. They found that students were 70% more attentive when taught in classrooms containing plants. Additionally, attendance was higher for lectures offered in rooms containing plants.
Will a Moss wall work for me?
As more of our clients focus on greening up of the office space we at BGF&I are able to assist with that Greening project whether through preserved or living walls.
This solution can be tied in with Smart Technology or Agile Working both of which we lhave written about in an our blog.
If you're thinking about how to improve your working environment, BGFI&I are in an ideal position to assist you with the planning and delivery of your space to enable your team to maximise their time in the office, so contact us today.
Call 01865 920220 or sales@bgfi.co.uk
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