What happens when architecture and nature come together in a truly intentional way? At the Dunwoody Nature Center in Dunwoody, Georgia, the answer is a living wall that transforms an existing building into a vibrant expression of its natural surroundings.

Conceived by Horizon Roofscapes, and designed by LiveWall, LLC, the custom LiveWall® installation was created to fit the unique architecture of the building, including extending upward into the existing gable. Rather than treating the living wall as an addition to the building, the design makes it feel like an integral part of the structure. It makes a natural connection between the architecture and the wooded landscape surrounding the Nature Center.

Designed to Fit the Architecture

Every building presents its own opportunities and challenges when incorporating a living wall. Square or rectangular designs work well in most spaces, but unique architectural features often call for a more customized approach.

At the Dunwoody Nature Center, the existing building’s gable provided an opportunity to create something truly distinctive. LiveWall, LLC designed the installation to work within the building’s existing form, extending the living wall upward and following the shape of the gable. The result is a dynamic installation that draws the eye upward and emphasizes the building’s architecture.

The custom design also creates a strong visual relationship between the building and the surrounding landscape. With trees and natural areas immediately surrounding the Nature Center, the living wall feels right at home in its setting.

A Living Focal Point

The completed installation is more than a green wall. It has become a defining visual feature of the building.

A diverse selection of plants creates layers of texture, color, and form across the wall. Some plants provide lush, full foliage, while others spill gracefully from their planters. Pops of pink and white flowers add seasonal color among the varying shades of green.

At the center of the installation, a custom sign with the Dunwoody Nature Center’s distinctive logo becomes part of the composition. This demonstrates how openings can be created in LiveWall® installations to accommodate windows, doorways, TVs, and signage. Surrounded by living plants, the logo serves as a focal point while reinforcing the organization’s connection to nature.

From a distance, the wall makes a bold architectural statement. Up close, the variety of plants invites visitors to slow down and appreciate the details. The experience changes depending on where you stand, making the wall both a visual landmark and an engaging part of the visitor experience.

Bringing the Design to Life

A successful living wall project depends on more than a great design. It also requires experienced installation and an understanding of how to bring that design into the real-world environment.

Horizon Roofscapes, a LiveRoof Grower and Representative serving the Atlanta, Georgia area, installed the LiveWall® at the Dunwoody Nature Center. The collaboration between LiveWall, LLC and Horizon Roofscapes helped transform the custom design into a thriving vertical garden that complements the building and its surroundings.

The project demonstrates the value of bringing together specialized design and installation expertise. By considering the architecture, site, and growing environment together, the team created a living wall that feels intentional from every angle.

Creating Living Architecture

The Dunwoody Nature Center project is a reminder that living walls don’t have to be confined to simple rectangles or added to a building as an afterthought. With thoughtful design, a LiveWall® can integrate into the architecture itself, working around unique features, highlighting structural forms, and transforming ordinary exterior walls into memorable living spaces.

For architects, landscape designers, and property owners, the project offers an inspiring example of what’s possible when a living wall is designed specifically for its setting. The result is more than architecture with plants added to it. It is living architecture—a place where the building and the natural world come together.

At the Dunwoody Nature Center, that connection feels especially appropriate. Surrounded by the beauty of the Georgia landscape, the custom LiveWall® helps the building become part of that experience, creating a welcoming and visually striking destination where architecture truly meets nature.

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