What makes moss walls a sustainable indoor design with acoustic benefits?

As businesses across Australia increasingly focus on creating healthier, more sustainable office environments, innovative design solutions like moss walls have emerged as a popular choice. More than just a unique design feature, moss walls offer numerous environmental, aesthetic, and acoustic benefits. As businesses strive to enhance employee wellbeing and meet sustainability goals, moss walls are a powerful tool in achieving these objectives—while providing a natural, calming atmosphere for both staff and visitors.

At Ambius, we offer expert design of moss wall systems tailored to meet the needs of commercial and corporate spaces. Below, we explore what makes moss walls a sustainable design choice and how they contribute to better indoor acoustics in office settings.

What are moss walls?

Moss walls are vertical installations made up of preserved moss that is mounted onto a substrate, such as a backing board or frame. Moss walls require no watering or soil, making them a low-maintenance alternative that still delivers many of the same aesthetic and environmental benefits as traditional indoor plants.

Ambius offers high-quality, eco-friendly moss wall solutions made from reindeer moss, a natural, sustainable material harvested from forests in Scandinavia. This type of moss is preserved using eco-friendly methods, ensuring that it remains vibrant and functional for years to come.

Moss walls and sustainability

In the context of modern interior design, sustainability has become a crucial consideration for businesses seeking to minimise their environmental impact. Moss walls are an excellent choice for companies aiming to contribute to eco-friendly practices.

Here are a few reasons why moss walls are a sustainable option:

1. Low maintenance and longevity

Moss walls require very little maintenance compared to living plants. Since they don’t need watering, soil, or light, moss walls are ideal for office environments with limited access to natural light. This makes them an energy-efficient option, as they eliminate the need for additional resources such as water or electricity typically used in traditional plant care.

Additionally, preserved moss has a lifespan of several years without the need for replacement. This durability makes it a long-term investment for businesses that want sustainable, lasting design solutions.

2. Eco-friendly preservation process

The preservation process used for reindeer moss is environmentally friendly, using natural and non-toxic methods to maintain its appearance and texture. Unlike synthetic materials, preserved moss is biodegradable and does not harm the environment. It is a renewable resource that is responsibly harvested, contributing to a circular economy.

3. Reduction of carbon footprint

Moss walls contribute to lowering the carbon footprint in office spaces by improving air quality. While moss walls themselves do not actively absorb carbon dioxide as living plants do, they contribute to overall indoor environmental quality by acting as a barrier against pollutants. By replacing synthetic wall materials with natural moss, businesses reduce the need for energy-intensive, non-renewable building materials, thereby lowering the environmental impact of their interiors.

The acoustic benefits of moss walls

In addition to their sustainability, one of the most notable benefits of moss walls is their ability to improve indoor acoustics. Noise pollution is a growing concern in modern workplaces, particularly in open-plan offices and high-traffic areas. Excessive noise can lead to stress, decreased concentration, and reduced productivity. However, moss walls can help mitigate these challenges by acting as natural sound absorbers.

1. Sound absorption and noise reduction

Moss walls are naturally porous, and their fibrous texture helps to absorb sound. This makes them particularly effective in reducing noise levels in office environments. The soft, absorbent surface of the moss traps sound waves, preventing them from bouncing around the room and creating noise pollution. This effect is particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas, such as:

• Open-plan offices where noise from conversations, meetings, and phones can be distracting
• Reception areas where customers or clients may be waiting
• Meeting rooms where clearer communication and a quiet atmosphere are essential

Moss walls can be used to reduce the reverberation of sound, helping to create quieter, more focused environments. In fact, research shows that the acoustic benefits of moss walls can be comparable to more traditional sound-absorbing materials, such as acoustic panels and foam.

2. Enhanced speech clarity and focus

In addition to reducing overall noise levels, moss walls can enhance speech clarity by absorbing unwanted echoes. In busy office environments, this means that conversations, phone calls, and video meetings are clearer and easier to understand. As a result, employees are less likely to experience fatigue caused by straining to hear or understand others.

By improving the acoustics of a space, moss walls contribute to a more productive, comfortable working environment where employees can focus on tasks without being distracted by background noise.

The aesthetic appeal of moss walls

While the environmental and acoustic benefits of moss walls are significant, their visual appeal cannot be overlooked. Moss walls add a natural, calming element to any interior. The vibrant green colour of the moss, combined with its unique texture, creates an eye-catching focal point that brings a touch of nature indoors.

In corporate spaces, moss walls can be used to:

• Enhance the aesthetic value of lobbies, meeting rooms, and open spaces
• Create brand-focused designs, incorporating logos or shapes using moss
• Bring a sense of calm and tranquillity, improving the mood and productivity of employees

By incorporating moss walls into office interiors, businesses can create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for both employees and visitors. The presence of nature has been shown to promote creativity, reduce stress, and increase overall satisfaction in the workplace.

How Ambius helps you integrate moss walls

At Ambius, we provide custom moss wall solutions designed to fit your space, your brand, and your sustainability goals. Our expert team works with you to create a moss wall that integrates seamlessly into your office environment, whether it's a small installation or a large feature wall.

Our services include:

• Consultation and design: We work with you to understand your office space and aesthetic goals, creating a custom design that suits your needs.

• Installation: Ambius handles the measuring, planning and ensuring your moss addition is a perfect partner for your space. 

• Ongoing maintenance: Unlike living plants, moss walls require minimal maintenance. However, we offer expert care services to keep your moss wall looking fresh and vibrant.

Final thoughts

Moss walls are more than just a design trend - they’re a sustainable, practical solution that brings numerous benefits to corporate interiors. From improving air quality and reducing noise pollution to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your office, moss walls help create healthier, more productive workspaces.

With their eco-friendly nature, acoustic benefits, and stunning visual impact, moss walls are a future-forward design solution for businesses in Australia. At Ambius, we are committed to providing tailored moss wall solutions that improve your space and align with your sustainability goals.