The Greenest Air-Filter on Earth

The Live Building at Queens College in Kingston, Ontario is a green building lab that was built to show how sustainable practices can be incorporated into building design. Our favorite feature of this building is the Biowall. Three stories high, the acts as a biofilter and a central aesthetic feature of the building. The wall is a natural air filter which removes VOCs and CO2 from the air as it passes through the wall into the building's office spaces.

The wall requires no more maintenance than any other indoor landscaping feature. The plants are all chosen to spread no pollen, and the constantly running water and fresh air stop mold from getting a foothold. A vapor barrier has been installed in front of the concrete wall and behind the drywall to stop water vapor from permeating the building.