A simple idea for a vertical garden shaped like a tree makes maximum use of everyday, available materials. This turns an otherwise unremarkable façade into something special.

Weathered steel is used for the ‘branches’ of the tree. At the end of each branch, plants are added in small containers, which also provide irrigation. Natural deposits and weathering in these metal containers means that the branches of the tree darken naturally. This gives the installation a more realistic look.

This clever work is the result of collaboration between two partners. Landscape experts Unusual Green  teamed up with design studio Urbanarbolismo to produce the metal tree for a project in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain). The shaping of the tree’s branches is designed to allow for easy access to the irrigation and drainage containers where vegetation grows.

Various different plants are grown, such as hops and honeysuckle, as well as the cattail, a plant that is proving increasingly useful. The structure is building-high and placed at the end of an unimpressive row of houses.

The tree construction is supported by a secondary mesh structure between it and the building. This keeps it a small distance from the stonework façade, preventing damage at the same time. The common weathered steel applied here is great for this outside use. For indoors a similar effect can be created using this rust-like coating.