Integrating greenery into joinery is one of the most striking ways to bring biophilic design into commercial interiors. But achieving that seamless, lush finish takes more than simply dropping a pot into a hole. Behind every successful installation is a mix of thoughtful design, practical construction, and an understanding of what living systems actually need to thrive.
Plant joinery can transform spaces when done right. Joinery that’s built to support living plants must consider waterproofing, planter dimensions, sub-irrigation systems, lighting, and ongoing maintenance. Without these factors, what starts as a beautiful concept can quickly become a maintenance challenge.
It starts with good detail
From planter cut-outs to reservoir depth, precision matters. Too tight, and there’s no airflow; too loose, and the pots shift and look unfinished. Joinery also needs to be lined or built with waterproof materials to prevent water damage over time…especially when using sub-irrigated systems that store water beneath the root zone.
Sub-irrigation: A Smarter Way to Water
Sub-irrigation is a concealed watering system that allows plants to draw moisture from a reservoir below the root zone, rather than relying on top watering. It’s a highly effective method that promotes healthier root development, reduces the risk of overwatering, and significantly extends the time between services. In commercial interiors—where access is limited and maintenance needs to be efficient, this system is not just useful, it’s essential.
However, sub-irrigation can’t simply be added after the fact. It requires consideration in the early stages of design and construction. This includes setting the correct depth in joinery, allocating space for water reservoirs, and ensuring materials are waterproof and durable. Without this planning, future servicing can be more intrusive and costly, and the risk of plant failure or water damage increases.
Better planning creates better outcomes for clients regarding sustainability and ongoing costs. Incorporating sub-irrigation from the outset supports plant longevity, minimises disruption in the workplace, and contributes to sustainability by reducing the frequency of service visits and overall water usage.
Access and Aftercare: Designing Beyond Day One
Greenery in joinery isn’t just about the initial impact. It’s about how well it holds up over time. Even the healthiest plants will need maintenance, replacements, or a little reshaping as they grow. That’s why designing for easy access is essential.
Access may come in the form of removable planters, hinged panels, or discreet cutouts—whatever the method, the key is to ensure technicians can reach plants without dismantling the surrounding cabinetry or damaging the surrounding space. This becomes even more important for planters built into reception desks, café counters, or collaborative work zones where disruption is undesirable.
Ongoing care like pruning, sub-irrigation top-ups, or health checks require reliable, safe access points. Without this, the lush green effect can quickly fade, or worse…become a design liability. Planning for long-term serviceability is just as important as the initial look.
Lighting for Longevity: Natural, Artificial, and Everything In Between
Plants live by light. Without the right level and type of light, even the best-maintained installations will begin to struggle. That’s why lighting must be part of the early joinery planning phase and not an afterthought.
Natural light is ideal, but it isn’t always practical. Joinery often sits in corridors, shared breakout zones, or in the centre of open-plan spaces where natural light is limited or variable. In these cases, the selection of low-light-tolerant species becomes critical or, alternatively, the integration of artificial lighting can be considered to support plant health over the long term.
Artificial lighting doesn’t have to be obvious or intrusive. In fact, it can be a feature of the overall installation when pre-planned. With today’s technology, full-spectrum LED lights can be discreetly installed and timed to replicate natural daylight cycles. This ensures plants continue to photosynthesise effectively, supporting both their longevity and visual appeal.
And when natural light is available, small adjustments, like shifting planter placement or selecting species known to thrive in indirect light, can make a huge difference. Green Design always works closely with architects and designers to assess each site’s light conditions and recommend species that will truly thrive.
Built for the long term
Done well, joinery-integrated planting elevates a space…from polished reception desks to vibrant breakout zones. It speaks to sustainability, wellness, and good design. At Green Design, we’re proud to contribute to projects where plants aren’t just placed, but are part of the architecture.
And while we’ve learned a lot over the years, the goal remains the same: design for people, plants, and longevity.
Want to go deeper into plant-ready joinery design? Download the Design and Construction Guide
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