FAQ
Our standard column measures 6m in height and is approximately 70cm in diameter including the plants. It’s straightforward to customize the size and make bespoke columns ranging from 4m to 9m.
The MUBE vegetated column is a standalone object with its own structure and foundations.
The column is a 30cm diameter tube, taking up barely more space than a lamppost.
The standard column requires foundations, similar to a lamppost, but we also offer self-supporting column solutions with a base that can serve as seating.
Installation typically takes from three days to a week depending on the site and project.
The vegetalized column is fully covered with plants only 2 to 3 months after planting, depending on the season.
Can flowers be planted ? The choice of plants is similar to that of a planter. We recommend around twenty different species including flowering plants (flowers), as well as aromatic plants, grasses, perennials, etc., to vary shapes, colors, and scents, just like in a garden !
The column remains green all year round! Out of the twenty or so species, many do not shed their leaves and provide a beautiful cover for the column.
We recommend changing the plants every 5 years to prevent too many large branches from growing far from the column and risking breakage.
The column is directly connected to the water supply and self-irrigates. Thanks to sensors in the soil, it only uses the necessary amount of water, in the right place and at the right time.
The column is a closed system. Unlike conventional planting where 50% of the water is not used by the plants but lost through evaporation or percolation into the soil.
The column self-irrigates, so its maintenance is minimal: 2 to 4 visits per year to prune the plants and check their proper development.
We have designed a breathable shading system that attaches to the column, the ToitREG©, which provides 15m² of shade and REGulates the temperature at the base of the vegetated column.
The column hosts a wide variety of insects, which is also its role. But no worries, no wasps or hornets (because no fruit), nor mosquitoes (no stagnant water). And for bees that will come to forage at height, there’s no risk of stepping on them! We select non-allergenic plants and as for odors, yes, the column smells… Lavender, rosemary, mint, etc. 😉
Plants and trees play an essential role in filtering and purifying the air by absorbing certain atmospheric pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and fine particles. By absorbing these pollutants, plants help improve air quality by reducing the amount of harmful substances present in the atmosphere. Additionally, plants release oxygen during photosynthesis, which is beneficial for the urban environment. One column is equivalent to 15m² of vegetation or a 4m tree.
The plants in the column play a crucial role in cooling urban air in several ways:
1. Transpiration and Evapotranspiration: Plants absorb water through their roots and release it into the air through a process called transpiration. When this water evaporates into the air, it absorbs heat, which has a cooling effect on the local environment.
2. Heat Absorption: Plant and tree surfaces absorb heat from the sun, reducing reflected heat and helping to maintain lower temperatures nearby.
3. Creation of Microclimates: Vegetated areas can create cooler microclimates through shade, air circulation, and evapotranspiration, which can mitigate the effects of the urban heat island. Together, these processes contribute to cooling the air and creating more comfortable and healthier environments for city residents.
An experiment is underway with INRAE to measure the impact of the columns.
We have installed a little over 200 columns of various sizes to date.