Depending on the density of the foliage, planters can lower indoor temperatures by three to five degrees compared to the outdoors, providing a natural cooling effect
Built-In Planters: A Growing Trend in Modern Urban Living
Saima Hamid, a resident of a South Breeze apartment in Gulshan, appreciates the unique design of her home, especially its 60-square-foot built-in planter adjacent to the living room. Adorned with grasses and creeping plants, the planter is not a functional space but offers an aesthetic appeal.
“Although we cannot use the space, it’s our favorite corner of the apartment. The green view is refreshing,” Saima shared, adding that the planter also acts as a natural filter for the harsh morning sunlight her east-facing apartment receives.
The Appeal and Benefits of Built-In Planters
Built-in planters are becoming increasingly popular in urban architecture, valued for their ability to integrate greenery into modern living spaces. These planters not only enhance visual appeal but also improve air quality and help mitigate the urban heat island effect.
“For west-facing apartments, planters do more than look good,” said Rehnuma Tasnim Sheefa, principal architect of Parti Studio. “Depending on the foliage density, planters can reduce indoor temperatures by 3–5°C, offering a natural cooling effect.”
Planters vs. Balconies: Key Differences
Planters are essentially large containers for growing plants, shrubs, or trees in spaces without traditional soil-based gardening. In contrast, balconies are architectural extensions used for relaxation, views, or even mini-gardens with furniture and decor. However, Ipshita Mazhar, an architect and BUET alumna, warns against placing furniture on planters as it can damage the grass.
To address usability concerns, developers sometimes add decks or stone pavements to planters, making portions usable without harming greenery. Ipshita also noted that while balconies offer great opportunities for greenery, many tenants neglect their upkeep, which affects the building’s aesthetics.
Infrastructure and Maintenance of Planters
Planters require careful construction and maintenance. They typically consist of:
- A waterproof base layer
- A drainage medium with a geotextile grid and gravel
- A plumbing connection for water drainage
- A soil layer (1–1.5 feet) for planting
Dishan Rahman, an architect at Dehsar Works, explained that using a mix of infertile and fertile soil layers helps plants grow deep while ensuring nutrient availability. For deep-rooted plants, additional soil depth may be needed.
Maintaining planters involves regular care, which developers often handle to preserve the greenery and the property’s aesthetic. Integrated watering systems, such as pipelines or sprinklers, are often installed to ensure consistent hydration.
Built-In Planters: A Sustainable Addition
As urban spaces evolve, built-in planters are an innovative solution to incorporate nature into city living. From enhancing aesthetics to improving environmental conditions, they represent a blend of functionality and sustainability for modern homes.
