Design and Construct Living Walls in an Urban Environment

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
J/617/1491
Credits:
7
Guided learning hours:
50 hours

Assessment Guidance

Learning Outcome 1:

Following a site survey assessment produce a site specific report detailing the findings from the survey and include a customer report with your finding providing the customer with advice on what needs to be carried out for site readiness. Summarise the main findings from the assessment in a short report. Produce a functional site drawing with accurate measurements for the proposed site for the living wall.

Learning Outcome 2:

Learners will complete a planting design in line with the client’s brief using at least seven different plants and explain their usage in the design in terms of texture, colour, period of interest and site suitability. Learners will create an annotated technical drawing detailing the technical utilities and services required for the designed living wall. Learners will produce a customer budget/quotation for the implementation of their designed living wall.

Learning Outcome 3:

Learners will construct a modulated living wall system / sample panel to given specification to include the setting up of irrigation system.

Learning Outcome 4:

Learners will produce a plan and then carry out planting using the correct techniques. After a period of growth learners will evaluate the living wall against the original planting plan. The evaluation must consider the growth viability and management and long term growth of the plants selected for the wall.

Aim

Learners will investigate emerging techniques for living walls, designing, planning and installing a living wall and understanding the maintenance schedule for these.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.

Carry out site survey assessment.

Site Survey

• lux/light meter readings
• photographic survey
• establish heights
• obtain architectural as built drawings
• use of software to view aerial images

Dimensional Data
• length/width
• height
• compass direction south
• GPS data
• services location

Services
• water connection
• electrical supply
• plant room location
• pump location

Health and Safety
• working at height regulations
• safe wall maintenance
• harness points
• pathways for MEWP’s to operate

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Assess site for light levels and aspect and access to proposed site.

  • 1.2

    Explain what dimensional data is required and take accurate measurements of site.

  • 1.3

    Evaluate a potential wall for the provision of services for power, water and drainage points.

  • 1.4

    Describe the safe means of working at height for living wall construction.

2.

Be able to design a living wall.

Planting Scheme

• analysis of drawings
• taking off quantities
• units of measurement, linear, m2
• preparing schedule

Irrigation Design
• litres per hour requirements
• type of drip feed system
• seasonal control
• frost prevention methods
• water pressure requirements
• rainwater capture
• pipe sizing

Financial Budgets
• installation costs
• running costs
• cost of maintenance

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Design a living wall in response to a client brief.

  • 2.2

    Create a plan for irrigation pipes, plant room and work out flow rates of system.

  • 2.3

    Produce a budget for the overall design.

3.

Be able to construct a living wall.

Preparatory Works
• wall survey
• strengthening works
• installation of steelwork
• formation of plant room

Living Wall Construction
• installation of stainless steel hanging rails
• wall fixings and brackets
• stainless steel panels
• plant trays
• tray systems
• cassette systems
• freestanding systems
• green wall plants

Irrigation Construction
• irrigation control panel
• power connection
• zone valves
• fertilizer connection
• primary water supply
• water filter
• irrigation controller

• pipeline system

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Fix timber/metal sub-frame to surface, using the module overlay as a template.

  • 3.2

    Securely install hanging rails and living wall modules.

  • 3.3

    Install irrigation dripline, gutter and plant room.

4.

Carry out planting techniques for living walls.

Planting Plan
• wall survey
• strengthening works
• installation of steelwork
• formation of plant room
Planting Plan
• wall survey
• lighting distribution
• installation of steelwork
• formation of plant room

Plants
• common green wall plants
• ferns
• Aglaonema
• Spathiphyllum
• Marantas
• Calathea
• Dracaena
• Epipremnum

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Produce a planting plan for a living wall.

  • 4.2

    Carry out planting of a living wall module using correct depth, back filling and plant selection.

  • 4.3

    Evaluate the living wall against the plan and make recommendations for improvements.