Our growing medium
While the idea of growing in soil seems natural, it poses challenges when growing vertically. That’s why we use Grodan, a horticultural grade of Rockwool. Its many beneficial properties keep our living walls healthy long-term.
The challenge of growing vertically
Growing vertically brings unique challenges. While soil might seem the obvious choice, it’s heavy, prone to waterlogging, and lacks the self-regulating properties of natural ground, which affects long-term plant health.
When Biotecture’s founders were developing our BioPanel living wall system back in 2007, they tested countless growing mediums. The turning point came when a Grodan rep poured a two litre bottle of water onto a strip of stone wool and it absorbed it all.
In that moment, our founders knew they’d found the answer.
What is Grodan?
Grodan is a growing medium made out of basalt rock spun into fibres
This results in a material that is lightweight, porous and ideal for hydroponic systems. It’s the number one choice for commercial greenhouse growers in the UK because it creates a predictable growing environment for keeping plants healthy.
We use Grodan PP/100 for our BioPanel living wall system which was which originally developed for green roofs. It’s delivered in strips to our nursery and assembled into our BioPanel shells.
Why Grodan?
Grodan is extremely water retentive. It will hold water for up to two weeks providing re-assurance in the event of an irrigation failure. Unlike soil Grodan won’t degrade over time, continuing to provide a stable base for healthy root growth for decades to come. Grodan gives Biotecture precise control over water and nutrient delivery.
Grodan is chemically inert so it won’t lock in nutrients over time. Pests also stay in the plant, not the medium making treatment easier
Unlike soil Grodan is non-combustible and important factor for living cladding projects.
Sustainability
Grodan contains up to 75% recycled content and and is 100% recyclable. The number of ways Grodan can be recycled is growing including a scheme in the UK to use it in brick manufacturing.
Grodan allows precise control over water and nutrient delivery, leading to significant resource savings. We expect only a 10% water run off from our living walls.
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