BIO-INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURAL MODULAR FAÇADE FOR URBAN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Like the rest of the world, tropical urban cities are undergoing tremendous population expansion. Urban heat stress is on the rise, creating the Urban Heat Island, as a result of reduced vegetation and the development of the built environment using impermeablematerials. In order to address the issue, vertical greenery systems are in demand as an adaptation to the built environment. Vertical living walls have become a popular trend globally where elongated with many benefits. However, to gain the possible benefits, comprehensive knowledge is necessary as living walls are more frequently requested by many urban residencies in Colomb, adopted as an icon forsustainability, aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing expression. Nevertheless, the emergence of novel products should be catered to the local market with less complexity addressing a low profile in cost, maintenance and durability. The development and invention of a Bio integrated modular brick disclose an environmentally friendly living walling method which comprises a single unit where the unique design is adopted to solve the problems in the construction, installation, irrigation,drainage, water, and power supply of a vertical living wall system. A comprehensive literature review has been conducted to collectdata on mortar and brick properties, vegetation and germination, irrigation systems, and structural properties. The self-interlockingfeature of the masonry unit is designated in both the female and the male face of the unit, improving strength and balance. Also, the potting area can be utilized for soil and plants while the waterproofing layer is in between the planting area and the main structural part of the unit. Specially designed grooved have been catered for irrigation and nutrient supply pipelines with outlets. This vegetated masonry unit can be adapted to all exterior or interiorfacades and for boundary walls which is low in cost, maintenanceand high in durability