Modular Plant Curtain Wall with Solidified Matrix Modules and Recirculating Irrigation

The problem

Conventional vertical gardens often rely on heavy soil pockets or hydroponic pads that are difficult to maintain, prone to clogging, and structurally unstable when wet. Transporting and installing these systems requires significant labor because the growing medium is loose or fluid-based. Furthermore, standard green walls typically lack integrated solutions for lighting in low-sun areas or for improving indoor air quality beyond simple photosynthesis. There is a need for a modular system that is light enough to move easily, durable enough to hold its shape under watering cycles, and capable of integrating auxiliary functions like filtration and air treatment.

The solution

The patent describes a plant curtain wall constructed from discrete units rather than a continuous surface.

1. Solidified Matrix Modules (1) serve as the growing medium. These are formed by mixing peat, perlite, and vermiculite with semi-melted polyester fibers (typically in a weight ratio of 1:6 to 1:8). The mixture is placed in molds and heated to set, creating a rigid, three-dimensional network structure. This results in a block that is lightweight, porous, and retains its shape even when saturated.
2. A Module Frame (2), typically rectangular, contains multiple cavities. The solidified matrix modules are embedded directly into these cavities. The frame uses a hanging buckle design for easy assembly and disassembly.
3. The entire assembly is held in a vertical orientation by a Support Steel Frame (5). This ensures the wall stands upright and supports the load of the modules.
4. Irrigation is handled by Dropper Tubes (6) laid along the back of the support frame. Water is pumped to the top of each layer of modules. As the water saturates the upper module, it trickles down through the porous material to the next layer below, eventually reaching a Water Tank (3) at the base.
5. The base tank includes a Filter (301) to separate debris, allowing clean water to be recirculated by a Pump (10).

Who it is for

• Interior Landscapers: Companies designing living walls for offices, hotels, or lobbies who need a system that is lighter than traditional soil beds and easier to service.
• Commercial Building Managers: Facilities seeking to improve indoor aesthetics and potentially air quality with a self-contained unit that can be moved if needed.
• Retail Display Designers: Brands looking for flexible, modular greenery displays that allow for quick changes in plant types or layout configurations.
• Residential Homeowners: Individuals wanting a manageable vertical garden for patios or indoor spaces without the complexity of large-scale hydroponic setups.

How it works

The main parts

Operating steps

1. Assembly: Insert solidified matrix modules (1) into the cavities of the module frame (2). Attach the frame to the support steel frame (5).
2. Planting: Plants (7) are already established in the modules or inserted during assembly.
3. Irrigation Cycle: The pump (10) sends water from the clean portion of the tank (3) up through the dropper tubes (6). Water exits at the top of each module layer.
4. Percolation: Water soaks into the porous matrix of the top module, then drips down to the module below it, continuing until it reaches the bottom.
5. Collection & Filtration: Excess water collects in the return portion of the tank (3), passes through the filter (301), and enters the clean portion for reuse.
6. Lighting: If installed, fill lights (8) activate to provide additional illumination to the plant canopy.
7. Air Flow (Optional): If equipped with the purification channel (11), the fan (12) draws air through gaps in the plant roots or across the photocatalytic coated surfaces.

Applications

Office Lobby Green Walls

Large open spaces in corporate buildings are a possible setting for this modular system. Check the frame, anchoring and loaded weight for the actual location. Maintenance teams can plan replacement of individual plant modules without replacing the entire installation.

Retail Store Displays

Fashion and lifestyle brands use living walls to enhance store ambiance. The ability to add casters (9) allows these displays to be moved between sales floors or repositioned for seasonal events. The solidified matrix prevents soil spillage onto retail flooring, maintaining cleanliness in high-traffic areas.

Hotel and Hospitality Areas

Lobbies and waiting areas in hotels often have limited natural light. Fill lights (8) are an option described in the patent, but illumination and watering must be matched to the selected plants. Assess pump noise and servicing access on prototypes before specifying a quiet hospitality installation.

Indoor Air Quality Zones

In enclosed spaces with poor ventilation, the optional air purification channel (11) adds value. By routing room air through the plant root zones and photocatalytic surfaces, the system acts as a hybrid bio-filter, supplementing standard HVAC systems without requiring external chemical treatments.

Residential Patios and Balconies

Homeowners could consider a compact version for a patio or balcony. Plan tank refilling and drainage, then verify loaded weight, anchoring and outdoor exposure for the chosen location. The patent does not establish a comparative wind-load rating.

Where it is less suitable

• Outdoor High-Wind Areas: While the steel frame is strong, the exposed plant modules may dry out too quickly in direct sun and wind without additional shielding.
• Very Large Scale Installations: For massive exterior facades spanning multiple stories, structural engineering for the steel frame becomes complex; this design is optimized for freestanding or wall-mounted interior/semi-interior units.
• Hydroponic-Only Crops: The solidified matrix is designed for soil-like retention; plants requiring pure nutrient film technique (NFT) or deep water culture may not perform optimally in the fiber-bound substrate.