PROJECT
interiors
Green Walls Welcome R Restaurant Guests
LiveWall green walls at Brome Burgers & Shakes express the brand and bring its sustainability commitment to life.
estaurants, hotels, and resorts are
maintains the LiveWall green walls. In con-
finding that green walls can boost
junction with the project, the business won a
their brands and help build busi-
Gold Award for Creative Landscape-Green
ness. Brome Burgers & Shakes in Dearborn,
Initiatives from the Michigan Green Indus-
MI, is a case in point.
try Association.
“We are all about sustainability, green liv-
“We got into green-wall installation and
ing, wholesome food, and self-awareness
maintenance as a way to grow our business,”
about the environmental impact of our
said Marcy Bell, president, Bell’s Landscape
choices,” said Sam Abbas, the business’
Services Inc. “I did our research on the mar-
founder. “We want everyone who visits our
ket for living architecture and on various
restaurant to experience the core values of
green-wall systems. We decided to go with
our brand in every aspect of our operations.”
LiveWall (St. Nunica, MI). It is the most
Brome’s commitment is evident in the
complete system, the best engineered, and
restaurant’s location. Abbas chose to refur-
the most hospitable to plants.”
bish a corner building that was constructed
Mike Bell, chief executive officer, Bell’s
as a retail store. “Every decision we made
Landscape Services, commented that the
about the project reflects our responsibility
system is well designed and assembles part
to the environment,” he said. “We hope to
by part in a logical fashion, following the in-
inspire our customers, suppliers, competi-
stallation process explained in the installa-
tors, and contractors to appreciate the values
tion guide and schematics. The first step is
that inspire us and express them in the ways
installation of vertical strips that mount to
they live, do business, cultivate food, and
the building wall and to which the other
enjoy it.”
components are attached. The vertical strips
An adaptive re-use design developed by
also establish the necessary air space between
the Hallarsan Group, Detroit, renovated the
the wall and the system. Next, horizontal
long-vacant 3,700-sq.-ft. space and created a
aluminum rails, with conduits for the tubes
modern, open, light-filled restaurant. The
that deliver water to the integrated irrigation
sustainable design preserved the cedar truss-
system, are mounted to the vertical strips.
es of the original 15-ft.-high ceilings. During
For indoor installations, LiveWall uses drip-
construction, the original concrete floors
stake assemblies that inject water into the
were revealed and refurbished. Tables were
growing medium. Molded-plastic modular
custom fabricated out of reclaimed wood
planter boxes fit into place on the rails. Final-
from dilapidated structures in Detroit, and
ly, separate liner inserts that have been
much of the furniture was sourced locally.
pre-planted slide into the planter boxes.
The idea of using green walls as a focal point
“Maintenance is straightforward,” said
of the interior was developed during a design
Mike Bell. “Every six weeks, we clean out
brainstorming session.
any die-back, trim the plants (especially the ones in the lower rows of the modular plant-
Top. Brome’s commitment to sustainability, green living, wholesome food, and self-awareness about the environmental impact of choices is evident in the restaurant’s location. The owner chose to refurbish a corner building that was constructed as a retail store.
NOVEMBER 2017
The green-wall installation is one of the most
adjust irrigation.”
prominent design elements in the restaurant.
“The green walls propel our brand for-
The green wall took a large, blank wall area
ward,” said Abbas. “They create an atmo-
that would have otherwise been painted or
sphere in which it becomes more than serv-
wallpapered and brought it to life.
ing and enjoying great burgers and shakes
in two sections each 16-ft. long by 9-ft. 10-in.
but also about making a positive impact on everyone’s lives.” CA
high. A mix of six tropical plants, selected because they thrive indoors, grows on the wall. The plant palette features Pothos, Epimedium, and Tradescantia Red. In addition to the featured green walls, the interior includes a front window planter.
Right. In addition to the featured green walls, the interior includes a front window planter with greenery reflected in the glass top of the adjoining counter. COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE
ers), check soil moisture, and inspect and
The installation totals 309 sq. ft., divided
Above. The Brome Burgers & Shakes green-wall installation is one of the most prominent design elements in the restaurant.
26
GREEN WALLS STAND OUT
Its greenery is reflected in the glass top of the
Circle 3 on the Reader Service Card.
adjoining counter.
Watch a video.
Bell’s Landscape Services Inc., Wixom, MI, recommended, sold, installed, and commercialarchitecturemagazine.com
Want more information? To download the information listed below, visit commercialarchitecturemagazine. com/1711livewall
Learn more about LiveWall.
