National Geographic Channel Headquarters Unveils New Living Green Wall Lobby


Washington, DC (PRWEB) November 22, 2012

GSky Plant Systems, Inc., a leading provider of vertical green walls partnered with a team of young designers from Emerson\White Design to complete the installation of the first double sided, 180-degree curve, freestanding Versa Wall at the National Geographic Channels headquarters in Washington, DC.

National Geographic is one of the largest non-profit scientific and educational institutions in the world, and strives to be an international leader of global conservation and environmental sustainability. To reflect this green dedication, Emerson\White designers Kelly Emerson and Stephen White were inspired to design a lobby area that employed eco-friendly systems including flooring, lighting, and materials. The green wall serves as the focal point of the space and is a bold, environmentally conscious statement and testament to the National Geographic Channels core values.

The President of National Geographic Channel at the time approached the creative team with the goal of executing design elements that incorporated the ideals of the organization, while creating a healthy work environment for employees. National Geographic is not simply interested in educating the public about the natural environment and progression of technology, but also in the preservation of the worlds resources. GSky’s green wall system is forward thinking, self-sustaining, and brings living plant life into a space; it unites all of National Geographics ideals as a company in a single feature. The intent of the Versa Wall is to aesthetically convey these ideals as living art, embracing everything nature has to offer and meshing perfectly with the surrounding sustainable and recycled materials.

At Emerson\White, we knew we wanted a major focal point for the lobby – a central design element that made both a “WOW!” impact upon initial interaction with the lobby, as well as an organic sculptural element that provided color, texture, and visual interest to allow exploration and sensorial discovery of space. Stephen White, Designer, Emerson\White Design.

The entrance has become a pivotal point where everyone is gathered to celebrate various events. The architecture of the lobby creates a nice flow that welcomes people into the building, while establishing a branded separate society that people will immediately recognize.

The green wall is not only a conversational piece, but a focal point for our gatherings and celebrations within the channel. Many of the natural attributes of this lobby such as wood, stone, and the green wall, tie back to mother earth and are a reflection of National Geographics core values. Since the introduction of the green wall, employees have taken interest in the plants as they observe their life cycles. Carla Daeninckx, Design Director Marketing & Creative, National Geographic Channels.

Versa Wall has a recirculating irrigation system that is 100% water efficient and self-contained making the system suitable for any interior wall without the worry of spillage. It is naturally beautiful, eco-friendly, customizable, durable and economical offering flexible installation options and a variety of plant selections.

For photos of this Versa Wall installation, please visit gsky.com

About GSky Plant Systems, Inc:

Founded in 2004, GSky Plant Systems, Inc. remains a leading provider of vertical green walls in North America. The business was founded based on the explosive growth of green technology, including green wall and roof systems in Asia. GSky currently offers three green wall systems, the Pro Wall, Versa Wall and the Basic Wall. Each system is unique in terms of design flexibility, installation location versatility, plant selection variety, desired size, cost, coverage time-line, and system components. GSky also offers a suite of services including maintenance, remote monitoring, and consulting as full-service contracts or

Green Wall Provides Living Focal Point for new Kal Tire Office


Vernon, B.C. (PRWEB) November 13, 2012

GSky Plant Systems, Inc., a leading provider of vertical green walls completed the installation of a Versa Wall for Kal Tires new Vernon Office located in Vernon, B.C. Kal Tire employs more than 5,000 team members, is Canadas largest independent tire dealer with over 240 stores servicing commercial and retail customers, operates on over 150 mines sites in 20 countries, and is entirely Canadian owned. The installation of 254 square feet of green wall composed of ficus and lipstick plants has enhanced Kal Tires new atrium entrance into a welcoming focal point for visitors and team members alike.

David Penner, project manager, design and construction for Kal Tire states, One of the highlights of the new Kal Tire Vernon Office building is the large skylight situated over the atrium which allows for natural sunlight to enter the building. The green wall accents the atrium and together with the light brings a unique energy into the building for our team members.

The new office space has many green features including pine beetle wood interior finishing, large natural windows and skylights, and now an impressive GSky Versa Wall. The Versa Wall uses interior tropical plants that have been selected specifically for their adaptation and ability to thrive, adding a softer side to the space by drawing contrast from the weight of the concrete building structure.

We wanted to keep it soft and personal, thats when the green wall concept was introduced, said Tara Lingle, designer from BOX Interior Design.

GSkys Versa Wall has a recirculating irrigation system that is 100% water efficient and self-contained making the system suitable for any interior wall without the worry of spillage. The Versa Wall is naturally beautiful, eco-friendly, customizable, durable and economical offering flexible installation options and a variety of plant selections.

GSky hopes to extend its reach in the region to support the installation and maintenance of the beautiful green walls, while promoting a greener working space in an urban environment.

For photos of the green wall installation, please visit gsky.com/projects/kaltire/

About GSky Plant Systems, Inc:

Founded in 2004, GSky Plant Systems, Inc. remains the leading provider of vertical green walls in North America. The business was founded based on the explosive growth of green technology, including green wall and roof systems in Asia. GSky currently offers three products, the Pro Wall System, Versa Wall System and the Basic Wall System. Each product is unique in terms of design flexibility, installation location versatility, plant selection variety, desired size, cost, coverage time-line, and system components. GSky also offers a suite of services including maintenance, remote monitoring, and consulting as full-service contracts or