Florafelt Pro System - Architectural Specifications
SECTION 02901 – VEGETATED WALL SYSTEMS, PLANTS AND PLANTING
PART 1 – GENERAL
1.01 RELATED DOCUMENTS
Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and Division 01 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
1.02 SUMMARY
A. Section Includes:
Primary substrate waterproofing membrane.
Stainless steel grid support structure, mounting brackets, and mechanical fasteners.
Rigid backing water shields (fluted polypropylene inserts).
Synthetic recycled P.E.T. felt growing medium (Florafelt Grow Strips).
Synthetic root wrapper envelopes.
Plant stock and planting installation.
Automated drip irrigation assembly, filtration, pressure regulation, and controller.
Inline fertigation and nutrient injection system.
Drainage collection tray/gutter assembly or recirculating reservoir system.
Horticultural establishment, observation, and extended maintenance.
B. Related Sections:
Division 02 Section 02750: Storm Drains and Site Drainage Piping.
Division 02 Section 02900: Exterior Landscaping and Plant Material.
Division 05 Section 054000: Cold-Formed Metal Framing.
Division 06 Section 061000: Rough Carpentry, Furring, and Backing.
Division 07 Section 071353: Elastomeric Sheet Waterproofing.
1.03 SUBMITTALS
A. Product Data: Submit manufacturer technical data sheets, material specifications, physical load ratings, and installation instructions for all system components, including wire grids, grow strips, root wrappers, water shields, and irrigation hardware.
B. Shop Drawings: Submit detailed shop drawings showing grid layouts, panel dimensions, modular increments, structural anchor spacing, fastening methods, irrigation manifold routing, drip line placement, drainage tray tie-ins, and interface details with adjacent building finishes.
C. Certificates: Submit manufacturer product certificates verifying compliance of non-woven synthetic felt, stainless steel alloys, and waterproofing materials with specified physical properties.
D. Nursery Stock Certification: Submit botanical label data, nursery inspection certificates, and state agricultural clearances confirming genus, species, cultivar, container size, and health rating complying with the State of California Grading Code for Nursery Stock, No. 1 Grade.
E. Planting Schedule: Submit a chronological schedule indicating anticipated delivery dates, staging protocols, installation sequencing, and initial commissioning schedules.
F. Maintenance Manual: Submit a comprehensive annual operations and maintenance manual detailing horticultural care, seasonal irrigation scheduling, fertigation chemical formulations, pest management protocols, and spare parts schedules.
G. Installer Qualifications: Submit documentation verifying that the installation firm meets the experience requirements established under Article 1.04.
1.04 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Installer Qualifications: Engage a specialty contractor with a minimum of three consecutive years of documented experience in the commercial execution of engineered vertical garden and green wall systems of similar scale, complexity, and scope.
B. Field Supervision: The Contractor shall maintain an experienced, full-time superintendent on the project site throughout all phases of rough framing inspection, grid hanging, felting, irrigation hookup, and planting operations.
C. Plant Material Standards: Furnish plants complying with applicable requirements of the American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1) and State of California Grading Code of Nursery Stock, No. 1 Grade. Submit written verification of plant stock availability to the Architect within 10 calendar days of Contract award. Substitutions shall not be permitted without prior written authorization from the Architect.
D. Agricultural Health and Inspection: Plant materials shall strictly comply with Federal, State, and County Department of Agriculture plant quarantine, disease, and pest inspection regulations. Submit valid inspection certificates with each shipment and secure all required agricultural commissioner clearances prior to staging.
E. Pre-Installation Observation: The Architect reserves the right to inspect and evaluate all plant materials either at the nursery or upon site delivery prior to installation. Material exhibiting root binding, desiccated root balls, mechanical damage, pest infestation, or poor vigor shall be rejected and immediately removed from the site.
F. Pre-Installation Conference: Convene a pre-installation conference at the project site in compliance with Division 01 Section 01310. Review substrate conditions, waterproofing integrity, structural loads, electrical connections, water supply and pressure, drainage connections, and trade coordination.
1.05 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A. Packaged Materials: Deliver packaged components (hardware, fittings, fertilizer, and accessories) in original unopened manufacturer containers bearing legible brand labels, net weights, chemical analysis, and lot designations. Store under cover in a dry, secure location.
B. Living Plant Stock: Protect delivered plant materials from wind burn, desiccation, thermal shock, and direct sunlight during transit and staging. Maintain root balls in a continuously moist condition utilizing fine-mist irrigation until wrapping and insertion.
C. Synthetic Felt: Protect Florafelt Grow Strips and root wrappers from dirt, site debris, oils, and chemical contaminants prior to and during installation.
1.06 PROJECT CONDITIONS
A. Utilities: Field-verify the precise locations of all above-grade and concealed utilities prior to drilling or securing fasteners. Avoid physical conflict or structural penetration of conduits, plumbing lines, or low-voltage runs.
B. Environmental Conditions: Do not execute planting operations during periods of freezing temperatures, excessive heat (exceeding 95°F / 35°C), or sustained high winds that could compromise plant acclimation or root viability.
1.07 WARRANTY
A. General Warranty: The warranty obligations specified herein are concurrent with and supplemental to any broader statutory or contractual warranties provided to the Owner under the General Conditions.
B. Horticultural Warranty: Warrant all living plant material against mortality, structural decline, or unsatisfactory vigor for a period of 52 weeks (one full calendar year) commencing on the documented date of Substantial Completion.
C. Replacements: Remove and replace dead, dying, or severely declined plant material (exhibiting more than 25 percent foliar loss or branch dieback) within 7 calendar days of written notification. Replacement stock shall match specified genus, species, and size. Warranty replacements resulting from willful abuse, unauthorized alterations to irrigation schedules by the Owner, or verified acts of God exceeding standard design tolerances are excluded.
1.08 MAINTENANCE
A. Provide continuous, comprehensive maintenance of all vegetated wall components, structural grids, irrigation hardware, fertigation equipment, and living plants for a mandatory period of 52 weeks following Substantial Completion.
PART 2 – PRODUCTS
2.01 SYSTEM MANUFACTURER
A. Acceptable Manufacturer: Florafelt Pro System, manufactured by Plants On Walls / Florafelt Living Wall Systems, 13024E Green Valley Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472. Tel: (707) 343-4769. Web: www.florafelt.com. Substitutions: Not permitted without formal submission and written approval under Division 01 Section 01600.
2.02 PLANT MATERIAL
A. Plant Identification: Securely tag a minimum of two specimens of each plant species and variety per shipment with durable, waterproof labels displaying both botanical and common names.
B. Quality and Sizing: Furnish vigorous, disease-free, well-rooted nursery stock acclimated to the specific microclimate of the installation site. Container sizes and varieties shall match contract plant schedules.
C. Root Wrap Assembly: Encase root balls in Florafelt root wrappers. Remove peripheral loose soil to form a planar envelope profile designed for snug insertion into the woven felt matrix. Pre-moisten wrappers with water prior to assembly to prevent transient root desiccation.
D. Rejection: Immediately dispose of off-site any plants rendered unsuitable, damaged, or showing symptoms of root damage, chlorosis, or pest infestation.
2.03 SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND HARDWARE
A. Framing Grid: Heavy-duty Type 304 stainless steel welded wire architectural grid, fabricated with 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) perimeter wire and 6-inch by 6-inch (150 mm x 150 mm) center grid spacing, engineered specifically for the Florafelt Pro System.
B. Fasteners and Anchors: Type 304 or 316 stainless steel mounting clips, standoff brackets, and structural screws. Fastener type and embedment depth shall be engineered to support dead load, live horticultural load, and saturated water weight.
2.04 SYNTHETIC GROWING MEDIUM
A. Woven Felting: Florafelt Grow Strip medium fabricated from 100% recycled P.E.T. non-woven synthetic plastic fiber. Material shall be pH neutral, non-biodegradable, rot-proof, chemically inert, non-reactive, and black in color. Felt shall be woven continuously through the stainless steel grid assembly to establish layered vertical pockets per manufacturer standard procedures.
B. Root Wrappers: Synthetic P.E.T. felt wrapping sleeves engineered to match the wicking rate and chemical properties of the primary felt strips.
2.05 WATERPROOFING AND BARRIERS
A. Primary Substrate Membrane: Self-adhering, rubberized-asphalt or butyl-based composite peel-and-stick waterproofing membrane (e.g., Henry Blueskin, Grace Ice & Water Shield, or approved equal) applied continuously over structural substrate to ensure self-sealing around all structural screw penetrations.
B. Rigid Water Shields: 4 mil (minimum) corrugated high-density polypropylene (HDPE) fluted sheet panels (Coroplast) inserted between the stainless steel wire frame and the felt matrix to isolate moisture and direct internal water downward into collection trays.
2.06 HORIZONTAL LINER TRAYS AND DRAINAGE
A. Drainage Basin: Heavy-gauge stainless steel, aluminum, or UV-resistant PVC gutter collection tray positioned continuously beneath the lowest edge of the panel assembly to catch gravity drainage.
B. Drain Tie-In: Plumb collection tray directly to an approved sanitary or storm drainage connection via indirect connection (air gap) per local plumbing codes.
C. Recirculation Option: Where specified on drawings, furnish an automated closed-loop recirculating assembly comprising a UV-stabilized heavy-duty poly storage tank, submersible pump, secondary fine-mesh filtration unit, and overflow relief connection.
2.07 IRRIGATION SYSTEM
A. Tubing and Emitters: UV-resistant commercial-grade polyethylene distribution tubing routed horizontally across the upper perimeter of each panel module. Provide pressure-compensating drip emitters calibrated at 0.5 to 1.0 GPH (1.9 to 3.8 L/hr) per plant column.
B. Manifold Equipment: Incorporate an inline 150-mesh disc filter, an inline pressure regulator preset to 25–30 PSI (172–207 kPa), brass electromagnetic solenoid valves, and a multi-program electronic solid-state irrigation controller. Provide manual isolation valves and blow-off drain connections.
2.08 FERTIGATION EQUIPMENT AND NUTRIENTS
A. Fertilizer Injector: Inline, water-powered proportional volumetric chemical dosing injector (Dosatron D25F1 or manufacturer-approved equivalent), operating without auxiliary electrical power, plumbed directly into the main irrigation line with dual backflow prevention.
B. Water-Soluble Nutrient: Commercial hydroponic/water-soluble formulation balanced for living wall root matrices (e.g., Maxsea 16-16-16 all-purpose seaweed-based formula or approved equal) delivered at calibrated micro-concentrations with every watering cycle.
PART 3 – EXECUTION
3.01 EXAMINATION
A. Substrate Verification: Inspect structural walls, backing plywood, or metal framing systems before proceeding. Confirm substrates are flat, plumb, structurally capable of supporting the system, and free from structural defects.
B. Coordination: Convene a pre-construction coordination meeting with the Architect, General Contractor, and associated mechanical trades to review framing anchors, rough plumbing stub-outs, electrical feeds, and installation sequencing.
3.02 PREPARATION
A. Substrate Waterproofing: Apply the specified self-adhering rubberized waterproofing membrane continuously across the backing substrate in accordance with membrane manufacturer instructions. Roll laps firmly and ensure complete adhesion.
B. Layout: Establish vertical and horizontal control lines matching approved shop drawings. Lay out individual grid modules and secure Architect field acceptance prior to drilling.
C. Site Protection: Protect existing floors, adjacent finished surfaces, paved walkways, and site utilities from physical damage, water overspray, and debris throughout installation.
3.03 INSTALLATION
A. Structural Mounting: Anchor the 304 stainless steel welded wire framing securely to structural backing using specified stainless steel standoff brackets and fasteners. Ensure assemblies are plumb, aligned, and mechanically rigid.
B. Water Shield Insertion: Secure the fluted polypropylene backing boards directly within the wire grid bays to isolate the structural wall from moisture.
C. Felt Strip Weaving: Thread and secure the Florafelt Grow Strips through the horizontal and vertical wires of the stainless steel grid in strict compliance with manufacturer weaving patterns to form structured planting pockets.
D. Irrigation Assembly: Mount drip lateral lines along the top tier of the wire frames and intermediate tiers where required by wall height. Secure tubing with UV-resistant mechanical ties. Connect the drip assembly to the solenoid valve, pressure regulator, filter, and backflow preventer.
E. Pre-Planting Hydraulic Testing: Pressurize and test the entire irrigation system prior to planting. Confirm uniform water distribution across every felt pocket column, verify that drip lines do not spray off the face of the wall, confirm drainage collection tray captures all effluent, and ensure all joints are free of leaks.
F. Plant Installation: Pre-moisten root-wrapped plant packages. Seat each root pouch firmly into its designated felt pocket fold, verifying positive capillary contact between the base of the wrapped plant and the interior felt fold. Adjust foliar arrangement to establish uniform surface coverage.
3.04 MAINTENANCE DURING ESTABLISHMENT
A. Initial Irrigation Adjustment: Monitor the living wall continuously during the first 14 days of operation. Program controllers to maintain optimal capillary moisture saturation without oversaturating or causing excessive drainage overflow.
B. Fertigation Priming: Fill fertigation holding tanks and calibrate dosing pumps to deliver recommended nutrient levels at each irrigation event.
3.05 EXTENDED 52-WEEK MAINTENANCE SERVICE
A. Service Schedule: Provide comprehensive maintenance visits at intervals not exceeding 7 calendar days throughout the entire 52-week maintenance period following Substantial Completion.
B. Scope of Work:
Prune, trim, and remove dead, diseased, or senescent foliage.
Inspect individual felt pockets; verify plant root establishment and positive capillary contact.
Clear weeds, algae, and foreign debris from felt surfaces, plants, collection trays, and surrounding work areas.
Inspect, test, and clean drip emitters, filter screens, pressure regulators, and flush line ends.
Calibrate irrigation timer programming to correspond with seasonal weather and temperature changes.
Replenish fertilizer stock solutions and verify operational accuracy of the injector pump.
Check drainage troughs, clean sumps, and ensure uninhibited gravity discharge to drains.
Treat insect pests or fungal pathogens immediately upon detection using integrated pest management (IPM) practices and compliant organic horticulturally approved treatments.
3.06 PLANT REVIEW AND FINAL ACCEPTANCE
A. Maintenance Inspections: Conduct periodic joint inspections with the Architect every 90 days during the maintenance term.
B. Final Acceptance: Submit a formal written request for final review at least 7 calendar days prior to the expiration of the 52-week maintenance period. All corrective work, dead plant replacement, irrigation adjustments, and site cleanup shall be 100 percent complete before Final Acceptance is executed.
ADDENDUM: STATEMENT OF LIABILITY AND OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
Structural Load Certification: The Florafelt Pro System, when fully saturated with water and mature plant biomass, imposes an active dead load of up to 50 kg / sqm (10 lbs / sq ft). The Owner shall secure written certification from a licensed Professional Structural Engineer confirming that the building substrate, studs, and backing are structurally designed to bear this continuous load. The Certified Dealer, Contractor, and Manufacturer are absolved of all liability in the event of substrate deflection, anchor failure, or structural collapse.
Substrate Waterproofing and Fastener Penetrations: The Owner and General Contractor are solely responsible for ensuring that all structural substrates are plumb, true, and sealed with a self-adhering, self-sealing rubberized/butyl waterproofing membrane prior to grid installation. Mechanical penetrations passing through waterproofing must be detailed to prevent water infiltration into concealed cavities.
Irrigation Supply, Drainage, and Effluent Disposal: The Owner shall provide a continuous, frost-protected potable water supply stub-out delivering adequate flow volume and dynamic pressure (minimum 35 PSI / 241 kPa). The Owner shall construct an engineered, unclogged drainage receptor tied directly into approved building plumbing or stormwater infrastructure. The Owner assumes all responsibility for water damage or flooding resulting from interrupted water service, utility power disruptions, clogged downstream building drains, or improper winterization.
Horticultural Environment, Lighting, and Fertigation: The living wall is an active hydro-horticultural system. The Owner is responsible for maintaining an adequate environmental envelope, including temperature control (avoiding freezing conditions or extreme heat) and supplemental full-spectrum horticultural lighting (achieving required PAR values). The Owner shall maintain uninterrupted fertigation input; failure to supply necessary nutrients will result in foliar chlorosis and plant mortality.
Mandatory Ongoing Maintenance: High-density living architecture requires uninterrupted horticultural management. The Owner shall execute a professional ongoing maintenance contract with a qualified vertical garden specialist immediately upon the conclusion of the initial warranty and maintenance period to protect plant viability and mechanical performance.