What is Preserved Moss? A Guide to Specifying a Moss Wall

As an architect or interior designer, you're constantly seeking innovative ways to transform spaces, try something new, and bring a touch of the extraordinary to your projects. If you've been searching for a design element that is both visually stunning and highly functional, it's time to explore the world of moss walls.

At GrowUp Greenwalls, we believe in the power of nature to inspire and heal. While our living walls are a testament to that philosophy, our preserved moss walls offer a unique, maintenance-free solution that delivers on all the principles of biophilic, human-centered, and neuroaesthetic design. This guide will walk you through what a moss wall is and how to integrate one into your next commercial or residential project seamlessly.

Directory

What is a Moss Wall? 

How to Specify a Moss Wall: From Concept to Creation 

What to Consider Before Getting a Moss Wall

Quick Facts About Moss Walls

Case Study: New York City Retail Moss Installation 

Moss Wall FAQs 

What is a Moss Wall? 

A moss wall is a piece of art created from various types of real, preserved moss. Unlike living green walls that require irrigation and a specific light and temperature environment, a preserved moss wall is essentially a "forever" piece of nature. The moss is carefully harvested from sustainable sources in Florida, North Carolina, and Kentucky. It then undergoes a natural preservation process using glycerin, which replaces the water in the plant's cells, keeping it soft and pliable for years to come. The moss is then dyed to a rich palette of colors and tones, from vibrant greens to an array of colorful hues, offering a vast range of design possibilities.

We use a variety of moss species, each with its own unique texture and character:

• Reindeer Moss: Light, airy, and fluffy, often used for a soft, pillowy effect.
• Mood Moss: Denser and more rounded, perfect for creating a lush, forest-floor feel.
• Pin Cushion Moss: As the name suggests, this moss forms tight, rounded clumps.
• Carpet Moss: A low-profile moss that provides a great base texture.
• Deerfoot Moss: With its unique, branch-like structure, it adds an interesting, three-dimensional quality.

The combination of these textures and colors allows for incredible creative freedom, from subtle, monochromatic designs to vibrant, intricate murals.

How to Specify a Moss Wall: From Concept to Creation

Specifying a moss wall with GrowUp is a collaborative and streamlined process, designed to bring your vision to life with precision and expertise.

1. The Design Call: The journey begins with a design consultation with one of our experienced moss designers. This is where we get to know you and your project. We'll discuss the goals for the space, the inspiration behind your design, and the overall aesthetic you're aiming for. This is your opportunity to share your vision, whether it's a simple rectangular accent piece or a complex, freeform installation.
2. The Design & Approval: Based on our conversation, our designer will develop a detailed drawing of the proposed moss wall. This drawing is more than just a sketch; it's a blueprint that outlines the specific moss species, colors, patterns, and dimensions. You will have the opportunity to review and approve this drawing, ensuring every detail aligns with your expectations before we move into production.
3. The Production Process: Once the design is finalized, our dedicated moss artists begin their work. We design our moss walls in easy-to-handle panels, which are then assembled on-site. We require a production time of approximately two weeks to ensure a thoughtful and meticulous approach, allowing us to deliver a product of the highest quality.
4. Installation & Delivery: After production is complete, the panels are carefully packaged and shipped to the project site. You have two options for installation: our professional GrowUp installation team can handle the entire process, or your on-site contractor can install the panels using our detailed instructions.

What to Consider Before Getting a Moss Wall: 

• Preserved moss walls thrive in indoor-only environments with no direct sunlight.
• They should not be placed next to heating or air conditioning vents. 
• They don’t require any watering, misting, or spraying.

Quick Facts About Moss Walls

Moss walls are more than just a beautiful design element; they offer tangible benefits that can enhance the functionality and value of your project. Here are a few key points to consider:

• Zero Maintenance: The number one question we get is, "Do I have to water it?" The answer is no! Preserved moss walls do not require any water, sunlight, or specialized lighting. The only maintenance they might need is occasional dusting, just like any other piece of furniture or decor. For dusting your moss wall, we recommend using a can of compressed air for ease of use and to protect the moss. 
• Highly Customizable: The design possibilities are virtually endless. Moss walls can be created in any shape, size, or pattern. We can incorporate additional elements like faux or preserved plants, company logos, or signage directly into the design.
• Superior Acoustics: Moss is an excellent natural sound absorber. A moss wall can significantly reduce noise levels in a room, making it an ideal solution for busy offices, restaurants, or residential spaces where acoustics are a concern.
• Enhances Well-Being: A moss wall is a tangible representation of biophilic design, which connects humans with nature to improve health and well-being. By integrating natural elements, you can create a more calming and productive environment, aligning with the principles of human-centered design and neuroaesthetics.

Case Study: New York City Retail Moss Installation 

The creative potential of a moss wall is best seen through a real-world example. Here's a recent project we completed that pushed the boundaries of traditional design.

The Challenge:

In a collaboration with a leading shop fitting company, GrowUp Greenwalls was tasked with creating a surreal, photo-worthy space for the flagship Google Pixel store in Chelsea, NYC. The goal was to transform a small white room into an enchanting, whimsical forest that would encourage customers to use the newly released Google Pixel phone's camera to its full potential.

Our Solution:

To achieve this, our designers created several organically shaped moss walls that flowed seamlessly from the ceiling down to the floor. These installations softened the hard lines of the room and created a lush foundation for the forest-themed setup. We used a mix of different moss species to create varying textures, giving the illusion of a diverse, natural landscape. The moss walls were handcrafted in our San Diego moss studio by our skilled team or artists.

To enhance the whimsical effect, vibrant sections of purple and blue preserved reindeer moss were strategically integrated into the lush green background. These colorful accents tied the moss walls to other whimsical elements in the room, such as large flower sculptures and smaller floral installations. The moss even extended onto the floor, forming textured hills that further immersed visitors in the enchanting outdoor scene.

The Result:

Once the panels were complete, two of our dedicated artists traveled to New York City to perform the installation. Their on-site presence ensured every detail lived up to the client's expectations, and the final result was a complete transformation. What was once a simple white room became a captivating escape in the heart of New York City, demonstrating the power of biophilic design to not only beautify a space but also to inspire engagement and wonder.