Featured Green Wall Aventura Library

THE LOCATION

Aventura Library
2930 NE 199th St

The newly remodeled Aventura library is open for eager readers again after suffering significant damage during Hurricane Wilma in 2005. For several years, the library was housed in the Aventura Government Center which required a security check each visit.

Committed to providing the community with a space for learning, the city dedicated $15 million over a nearly ten year period for a complete rebuild. The city opted for an environmentally conscious design for the new building by incorporating sustainable materials and eco-friendly construction practices. Architect Augustin Lugones of the Miami-Dade County Internal Services Department spearheaded the project which is known as the country’s first “green” public library.

THE SPECS

AREA: 1200 SQ FT
Materials: 14,000lb Stainless Steel & Fiberglass Hybrid

After numerous damage assessments, the city and county officials decided to completely demolish and rebuild the library after the hurricane. We at Andromeda District partnered with the county to accentuate the already remarkable new design with our green walls. The stunning new facility has one of the largest green walls in Florida covering an area of nearly 1200sq ft.

The unique geometric pattern adds a layer of intrigue to the final piece.

Despite the magnitude of the project and the typical bureaucratic rodeo, the project was completed within 6 months. Constructing and installing the planters were the most time-consuming portions of the project by far. The framing structure consisted of nearly 3,000 stainless steel and fiberglass hybrid planters.

THE GREENERY

Plants: 7,000 Wart Ferns

The city requested a simple yet alluring design. We chose to use a single species of plant to create a dramatic uniformity for the facade of the building. The final project is made up of approximately 7,000 Wart Ferns.

The Wart Fern is ideal for a living wall as they do not grow too tall, are easy to care for, and have thick, attractive foliage. The deep green leaves of the Wart Fern have a dual purpose. Not only do they add an alluring appeal to the facility, but the vanilla-esque aroma they emit is pleasing to all.

THE EFFECT

Green walls are the cutting edge of design. Paired with the attractive modern design of the library, the final project turned out to be more captivating than we could have imagined.

However, the walls were added for more than just aesthetic appeal. The library is expected to receive the coveted Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system.

The LEED program, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, rewards “resource efficient” projects in four categories: certified, silver, gold, and platinum. Living walls directly contribute to a higher ranking on the LEED scale in a variety of ways depending on the type of installation. Exterior green walls reduce wind damage, protect the building’s facade and increase the overall property value.

By introducing nature into the urban world, governments and private enterprises alike can combat the harmful effects of pollution. The Aventura Green Wall is just a step in the right direction.