Vision

As environmental challenges continue to grow, so does the need to reconnect with nature, not only outdoors, but also within the indoor spaces where we spend most of our time learning, working, and growing. While outdoor access to green spaces remains essential, we believe that bringing nature into our buildings can be just as powerful.
Our Vertical Living Wall project transforms an ordinary hallway in the senior school into a space that breathes, offering students a daily connection to natural life- even between classes! By introducing plants, greenery, and natural systems indoors, we are rethinking what it means to be in a “learning environment.” Nature should not be something we visit … it should be something we live with.
We envision a school where exposure to nature is woven into the daily experience. Research shows that access to greenery (both outdoors and indoors) can:
Improve mental health and reduce stress,
Enhance focus and academic performance,
Stimulate creativity,
And nurture a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship.

Our project invites students not only to see nature, but to care for it — building a culture of responsibility, innovation, and connection. This wall is more than a garden; it is a symbol of what’s possible when sustainability is rooted in education.

Action

To bring our vision to life, we designed and built a vertical living wall system using simple, affordable materials (recycled PVC pipes, a basic water pump, and a microbit moisture sensor), all within a modest budget of $500.
Our goal was to show that creating a sustainable indoor garden doesn’t require expensive or revolutionary technology. Instead, with creativity, teamwork, and resourcefulness, we demonstrated that any school or community can build a living wall that is effective, beautiful, and easy to maintain.
By focusing on accessible materials and straightforward design, we ensured this project could be replicated by others regardless of resources or technical expertise. Sustainability and green innovation are inclusive, not exclusive.
As part of the project, students created a clear, step-by-step instructional video sharing how to build the wall affordably and sustainably- empowering other schools and communities to take inspired, practical action toward greener spaces.
Through this approach, we demonstrated that small-scale, budget-friendly initiatives can lead to meaningful environmental impact and foster a culture of care and innovation.

Reflection & Celebration

Completing our Vertical Living Wall has been a rewarding journey that transformed not only the senior hallway but also the skills and environmental awareness of everyone involved.
One of the biggest challenges we faced was managing leaks in the watering system. Early on, we discovered small drips and seepage from connections between PVC pipes and tubing, which required careful inspection and adjustments to prevent water damage to the hallway floor and walls. Through trial and error, the team learned how to better seal joints, reinforce fittings, and monitor water flow, turning these issues into valuable hands-on lessons in maintenance and system design.
In addition to the leaks, we also had to carefully select plants that could thrive in the indoor lighting conditions, helping us understand the importance of choosing species suited to the environment.
These challenges encouraged collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience among students, who gained firsthand experience troubleshooting and adapting systems. This ongoing project continues to offer opportunities for improvement, as there are still many aspects we can tweak and refine to optimize plant health and system efficiency.
As we celebrate the completion of the wall, we also celebrate the creativity, dedication, and teamwork that made it possible. The instructional video created by students is a proud testament to their leadership and passion for sharing sustainable solutions.
The living wall now stands as a vibrant reminder that even small, intentional actions can lead to positive environmental change. We look forward to nurturing this space and applying what we’ve learned to future green initiatives.