On 7 February 2009, The ‘Black Saturday’ bushfires destroyed the Middle Kinglake Primary School, as well as surrounding schools in Strathewen and Marysville. The Black Saturday bushfires were a series of bushfires that were burning across the Australian state of Victoria and resulted in Australia’s highest ever loss of life from a bushfire. 173 people died as a result of the fires and 414 were injured. Lushe were proud to be involved in the reconstruction effort.

Lushe’s Technical Manager, Josh Engwerda described the project “It was great to be involved in the reconstruction effort and be able to provide of a centre piece for the school”.

The wall was completed using 12mm marine ply followed by a water proof coating. The felt material chosen was made of 100% recycled plastic bottles, PET, and won’t rot or degrade with time.

Pockets were cut into the felt just large enough to hold the plants while keeping them nice and close together to give the wall an instant dense look

The plants were arranged in horizontal layers to accentuate the contrasting colours, textures and sizes of the differing foliage and flowers.

The felt was stapled every 10-15cm to create the required plant density.

The lights used were three 150W metal halides, the bluish colour of the light is perfect for foliage growth in most plants.

OSA Architects are leading the design of the reconstruction effort at Kinglake Primary Schoo. Geoff Stanistreet, Director, wanted a living wall for not just aesthetic reasons but to also assist in providing better quality air by processing the Co2.

OSA uses many ESD initiatives in its projects mindful of reducing recurrent energy costs to clients whilst providing comfortable indoor environments. Passive cooling and heating is foremost in our designs using products such as Smartroof roof air management systems and good passive design principals.

The plant list includes Syngonium spp, Aglaonema spp, Pothos devils ivy and Anthurium Schirzrianum to name a few.

The water reservoir and pump ensure the plants are well watered and then that water is collected and reused.

Lushe wish the rest of the Kinglake and surrounding communities the best in continuing with their reconstruction effort and rebuilding their lives. Lushe would also like to thank the support provided by the City of Melbourne for assisting with a grant for business development and expansion.