Cables have long been used to support climbing plants. Faced with the challenge of increased urban density, where footprints for garden beds often come second to areas for active recreational activities, recent cable innovations combine with intelligent thinking to present new opportunities for vertical landscapes in the tightest building envelope. Whether a simple application of individual cables providing essential structure for plants to cover a domestic courtyard wall, or a complete integrated cable net to support plants over a multi-level facade, cables help extend the many benefits of plant life through vertical gardens. Reduced thermal gain through shading and the flow on effects this additional layer of insulation provides like reduced building running costs, noise reduction and improved air quality are very real outcomes. And the simple pleasure of being close to nature brings well-being often associated with tangible health and social benefits.
The Ronstan range of cable systems detailed in this catalogue has been developed with one function in mind – to deliver simple cable systems that provide the necessary structure for vertical climbing plants. As pioneers in cables for greening we have detailed our most popular cable systems. When combined with correct plant selection, and used in the right aspect and site orientation, they can be applied as modules to suit any wall or facade. To make the process even easier each system can be specified under a single AGS part number and has a specification block that can be copied to ensure the specification is clear and easily understood by specifier, builder and landscaper alike.
If you have never designed with tensile cables before it needn’t be a mystery. Ronstan’s experienced staff are ready to assist with concept development, system selection, specification and estimating, or to tailor a solution to your needs. Our project management team can be called upon to ensure the proper coordination of green cable and facade projects from concept to installation and commissioning.
The benefits of encouraging plant growth in an environment are many and varied. With density threatening urban environments,
and space at a premium, real, buildable trellising solutions are required to unlock the green benefits we all know await.
Reducing Thermal Gain
During the summer months, plants act as sunshades shielding building facades from the harsh effects of the sun. In the winter months, they provide a further layer of insulation on the facade preventing heat loss. Vertical gardens help minimise the mechanical costs of cooling and heating, and aid in the reduction of the urban heat island effect in our cities.
Noise Reduction
Once fully grown, plants have the ability to insulate against noise and are particularly effective against low frequency noise.
Cooling Microclimates
In addition to helping reduce thermal heat gain by shading the facade, a plant’s ability to cool through evapotranspiration creates a microclimate that can be up to 1-2 degrees lower than the ambient temperature. This helps ease our reliance on air conditioning.
Improved Air Quality
Many species have the ability to act as natural air filters improving air quality. They are known to absorb formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and carbon monoxide from the immediate environment.
Aesthetic Benefits
Plants look great! When encouraged to grow on a facade they can soften the appearance of a building and help it blend into the natural environment of the area.
Health Benefits
The psychological benefits associated with the proximity to plant life are well known. Medically, a soothing environment brought about by the close proximity of plants has been shown to contribute towards a reduction in stress and, in some circumstances, a reduced dependence on medication and faster healing time.
Social and Economic Impacts
Although difficult to quantify, perhaps one of the most important benefits of greening is the effect the close proximity of plant life has on the users of an environment. Improved productivity, reduced stress and a decrease in absenteeism are all social/economic benefits made possible by greening a workplace and increasing employee engagement.
