Benefits of a Moss Wall for Your Office
We have discussed how greenery can transform the aesthetics of a workplace and how it can affect employee mood and sense of well-being. Another alternative to infusing nature into a hospital, office space, or hotel is a moss wall.
Moss walls are decorative elements created from preserved moss that is applied onto a backing, typically one or several large panels. While moss art refers to smaller pieces utilized as artistic decor, a moss wall is typically much more significant in scale. These installations are a popular alternative to living plant walls because they require very little maintenance (if any) and will look beautiful without needing light or water.
Is the Moss a Living Organism?
Most moss walls are comprised of preserved moss, which was once alive but is no longer growing. The process used to make preserved moss allows the plants to remain natural in both appearance and texture, most notably the “spongy” feel of naturally growing moss. Clients may choose a wide variety of options when selecting a moss wall – some dye the moss to reflect corporate logo colors or other designs, while others prefer to leave the moss looking like it did while out in the woods.
How is a Moss Wall Created?
Each moss wall begins with a design idea, incorporating one or more varieties of preserved moss. There are four basic types of moss that plant designers use for moss walls: pillow moss, mood moss, sheet moss, or reindeer moss. The different types of moss each have their own attributes that lend them to different kinds of designs. For instance, reindeer moss is more easily molded and absorbs dye well, so it is the medium of choice for those creating detailed artistic designs.
When creating a wall, the designer will first sketch out a design on the backing of the panel. The moss is laid out to fill in the design before being affixed with adhesive. Once the moss is attached, the panel can be attached to the wall in a variety of ways.
Designs often integrate additional materials, such as driftwood, to create more interesting textural or sculptural looks.
What is Involved in Maintenance?
Moss walls require very little maintenance. The most important element in keeping a moss wall looking healthy is placement. Moss walls should be hung well away from the direct sunlight, and they thrive in environments that offer moderate and reliable humidity. Indoor spaces tend to provide this climate, so moss walls tend to do well in most spaces. To safeguard a soft and spongy texture to the moss, they should never be hung in proximity to heating or cooling vents, as this airflow will dry out the moss designs.
Do Moss Walls Offer Similar Benefits to Living Walls?
Moss walls offer many of the same benefits as more traditional living plant wall installations. Moss walls fill a space with natural beauty while filtering air that works to cultivate a healthy indoor environment. Preserved moss can also be efficient for clearing the air of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Moss walls can also provide effective sound absorption, which makes them practical for common office areas and conference rooms.
Because moss is so lightweight, it can also be applied to portable room dividers to tamp down noise and chatter.
Speak with Tropex About Your Moss Wall Ideas
Both moss walls and living plant walls can make people feel immersed in nature, allowing employees and guests to de-stress, calm down, think creatively, and be productive.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits and design possibilities of moss walls for your retail, medical, or corporate environment, call Tropex today.
