Live Screen: A Self-Sustaining Vertical Garden

A Sculptural Piece of Art that Enhances Interior Spaces

The Live Screen stands out from other vertical garden systems due to its unique features and strengths. It is a stand-alone, modular, and moveable structure that can be placed anywhere in an interior, making it suitable for urban homes and offices with limited space for plant growth. The use of vertical hydroponic technology optimizes space and simplifies the process of growing plants, allowing urban dwellers to enjoy the benefits of a healthier living environment.

The Live Screen is made of powder-coated aluminum and steel for the base and vertical poles, while the pods are crafted from a plastic/resin blend. LED lights embedded in the base of the screen not only illuminate the organic shapes but also provide ambient lighting, adding another function to the piece.

This self-sustaining vertical garden is fully customizable, varying in height, width, and the number of pods. It can be designed to fit any space, no matter how large or small, making it a versatile addition to any interior.

The Live Screen uses a modified drip hydroponic system concealed within the structure. Submersible pumps distribute water from an internal reservoir located at the base of the structure to the top tier. Gravity then delivers water to each subsequent pod, ensuring that the plants receive the right amount of hydration. This system conserves water and energy while creating a self-sustaining environment for the plants. The irrigation system also allows for easy access to the reservoir for maintenance and testing of pH levels and nutrient additions.

The Live Screen's soilless system uses a combination of lava rocks and coconut husks as a planting medium within each pod. This eliminates the risk of soil-borne diseases and creates a healthier environment for plants to thrive.

The Live Screen project began in August 2010 and is currently in the prototyping and production phase. The design process presented challenges in incorporating an electrical pump irrigation system while maintaining a sleek and simple structure. The height of the design was limited by the pressure and water flow capabilities of the pumps, requiring specific pumps that fit into the slim form.

Winner of the Iron A' Furniture Design Award in 2011, the Live Screen is recognized for its well-designed, practical, and innovative features that meet professional and industrial requirements. It integrates industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings while contributing to a better world.

The Live Screen is not just a piece of furniture or a planter; it is a living work of art that brings nature into our everyday interior living spaces, connecting people with the ability to grow their own fresh, healthy house plants, herbs, and produce.