A Difficult Stairwell Became a Full Green Feature
A bare internal stairwell became the setting for a carefully planned artificial green wall installation in South Australia.
Inside the residential property was an enclosed stairwell void with a tall vertical wall that offered little visual interest and proved difficult to access. Restricted working space and the height of the wall made installation less straightforward than a conventional feature wall, putting access planning firmly into the project.
Designer Vertical Gardens helped turn the space into a substantial green feature using dense artificial foliage across the vertical surface. Different leaf shapes, foliage heights and shades of green give the finished wall a layered appearance rather than leaving it looking like a flat sheet of greenery.
The project also shows the practical value of modular artificial greenery. Even a difficult internal space can receive substantial foliage coverage when the installation method, access equipment and panel arrangement are planned around the site's physical conditions.
Project Location
South Australia
Application
Residential internal stairwell void and artificial green wall installation
Key Outcome
Dense artificial greenery across a difficult access stairwell, creating a finished green feature without watering, pruning or fertilising.
Before & After Transformation
Before
A tall enclosed wall formed the main part of the stairwell, with limited visual interest. Horizontal timber rails had to be installed across the surface to create the required fixing structure, while the height of the void made straightforward access difficult.
Working inside a residential property brought its own practical constraints. Equipment had to sit within a confined area, while installers still needed a workable route to the upper sections of the wall.
The enclosed stairwell shows the full working area before artificial foliage was fitted across the wall.
Horizontal fixing rails establish the supporting structure across the upper section of the internal wall.
After
Dense artificial foliage now covers the completed wall. Several foliage forms appear across the finished surface, from fine fern like leaves to longer architectural leaves and broader sections of greenery.
The foliage changes in density and texture from one viewing angle to another, giving the stairwell a substantially different appearance from its original bare wall. That variation adds depth to the wall and helps the greenery sit naturally within the internal space.
The completed green wall fills the stairwell void with dense foliage from the lower section through to the upper wall.
Fine leaves and broader foliage create variation across the finished green surface.
Closer foliage sections reveal the different shapes and shades used across the installation.
Project Gallery
Scaffolding creates a working platform within the enclosed stairwell during preparation.
The first foliage section marks the start of coverage across the prepared wall.
Additional panels extend the foliage coverage across the central section of the stairwell.
Fine foliage creates a layered surface across one section of the completed installation.
What the Stairwell Needed
Greenery was required for the space, yet the installation conditions mattered just as much as the final appearance.
The wall was tall and enclosed, leaving limited room for installers to work. Access to the upper sections therefore became a practical requirement. A suitable working platform had to be in place before foliage could cover the full height.
The greenery also needed enough density to cover the wall convincingly. Sparse coverage would have exposed sections of the mounting structure and reduced the finished feature's visual impact.
The Design Objective
Several practical requirements shaped the installation:
-
Cover the vertical wall: Create dense foliage coverage across the main internal surface
-
Work around restricted access: Use suitable scaffolding so installers could reach upper sections
-
Keep the foliage visually varied: Combine different leaf shapes and shades rather than relying on one repeated form
-
Maintain a full appearance: Position panels so exposed backing and obvious gaps were minimised
-
Suit the residential setting: Keep the finished greenery visually compatible with the surrounding interior
-
Reduce plant maintenance: Use artificial foliage without watering, pruning or fertilising requirements
Colour plays a particularly useful part in the finished photographs. Deep green foliage forms the main visual base, while lighter leaves add contrast. Long narrow leaves and fern like sections provide additional texture, giving the completed surface a more varied appearance.
The Solution
Designer Vertical Gardens supplied artificial green wall panels suited to creating a dense vertical foliage feature.
The Luxury Evergreen Rainforest Recycled Vertical Garden Green Wall Panel 1m x 1m covers 1m² per panel and can be joined with adjoining panels. Its modular construction allows larger wall areas to be assembled progressively.
LDPE forms the panel material, with integrated RealTex and UVTEX UV inhibitors within the leaf material. It is SGS tested to 5,000 hours of UV exposure and is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.
For an internal stairwell such as this project, the main value comes from the modular panel format and the density of the foliage. The same product range can also be considered for outdoor walls, fences, courtyards, balconies and commercial spaces where the relevant product specification suits the location
How the Installation Was Positioned
The access structure and mounting system formed the starting point for the installation. Timber rails were fixed horizontally across the wall, creating the supporting framework visible in the early photographs.
Scaffolding then provided access across the height of the stairwell. Installers could work through the upper sections while retaining access to the lower areas.
Foliage was fitted progressively across the prepared structure. As additional panels went into place, the pale wall became increasingly covered until the green surface formed a continuous feature.
The close photographs show the value of careful panel positioning. Fine foliage, larger leaves, long vertical forms and areas of lighter colour appear across the finished greenery. This variation helps break up repeated panel patterns and gives the finished wall a fuller appearance.
The Result
The completed green wall changes the visual character of the internal stairwell without requiring live plant infrastructure.
The finished installation provides:
-
- Dense artificial greenery across a tall internal wall
- A stronger visual feature within the stairwell
- Varied foliage forms and green tones
- No watering or fertilising
- No pruning or seasonal plant replacement
- Modular panel coverage for larger vertical surfaces
- A practical solution for a restricted access installation
The photographs also show the scale of the finished feature from close and wider angles. Greenery extends through the vertical space rather than functioning as a small decorative section.
Why Artificial Greenery Fits Difficult Internal Spaces
Live greenery can require suitable light, irrigation, drainage and regular access for maintenance. An enclosed stairwell may provide limited options for several of these requirements.
Artificial foliage removes the need for irrigation and routine horticultural care. Its finished appearance can also remain consistent without seasonal growth changing the shape of the installation.
Another practical advantage comes from the modular panel system. A wall can be covered section by section, allowing installers to work around access restrictions, structural features and the dimensions of the available surface.
The Luxury Evergreen Recycled Vertical Garden Green Wall Panel also carries SGS testing for 5,000 hours of UV exposure, making the specified panel suitable for projects where outdoor UV exposure is relevant. Its 12 month warranty and 5 year crack guarantee provide additional product support .
Practical Tips for Internal Green Wall Installations
-
Assess access before ordering : Check how installers and equipment will reach every section of the wall
-
Plan the fixing structure first : Establish suitable rails or other fixing points before fitting foliage
-
Calculate coverage carefully : A 1m × 1m panel covers 1m²
-
Allow extra material : Designer Vertical Gardens recommends 10 percent extra for trimming, corners and joins
-
Plan scaffold requirements : Tall internal voids may require specialist access equipment
-
Review the foliage from several angles : A stairwell is viewed from different heights, so coverage should work from each position
-
Keep fixing points secure : Check the installation structure and panel joins as part of routine property maintenance .
Additionally, using the UV Protection Spray for Artificial Plants & Furniture can support maintenance of applicable artificial greenery installations
Plan Your Residential Green Wall Consultation
A difficult access area can still accommodate a substantial artificial green wall when the product, fixing structure and access method are considered together.
Homeowners can share wall dimensions, photographs and access conditions with Designer Vertical Gardens to discuss suitable panel options and installation requirements.
Call 1800 960 565 or email sales@designerverticalgardens.com.au to discuss a residential or commercial green wall project.
Artificial Green Wall FAQs
Can artificial green walls be installed inside a stairwell?
Yes. Artificial green wall panels can be installed on internal stairwell walls where the fixing structure and access arrangements are suitable. Tall or restricted spaces may require scaffolding or other professional access equipment.
How do you install artificial greenery in a difficult access area?
The installation begins with an assessment of the wall, fixing structure and available access. Suitable scaffolding can then provide access to higher sections while installers secure the panels progressively across the wall.
Do artificial green walls need watering?
No. Artificial green wall panels do not require watering, pruning or fertilising. Indoor foliage can be dusted periodically using a soft cloth or gentle air flow.
How much area does a 1m × 1m green wall panel cover?
Each 1m × 1m panel covers 1m². Designer Vertical Gardens recommends allowing 10 percent extra material for trimming, corners and joins.
Can artificial green wall panels be used outdoors?
Yes, where the selected panel is specified for outdoor use. The Luxury Evergreen Rainforest Recycled Vertical Garden Green Wall Panel is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications and is SGS tested to 5,000 hours of UV exposure.
How do you maintain an artificial green wall?
Artificial foliage requires no watering, pruning or fertilising. Dust can be removed periodically with a soft cloth or gentle air flow. Outdoor installations can be lightly rinsed when dust builds up, while fixing points should be checked after strong winds.
Are artificial green wall panels suitable for residential projects?
Yes. Artificial green walls can be used in residential stairwells, feature walls, courtyards, balconies, fences and other areas where a permanent foliage feature is required without live plant maintenance.
Related Products & Inspiration
Discuss Your Project
Planning a residential or commercial greenery transformation? Speak with Designer Vertical Gardens about premium artificial green walls, privacy screening, and custom greenery solutions.