World’s tallest vertical garden sprouts in sri lanka

A unique sustainable development has launched in Sri Lanka: the world's tallest vertical garden. Vertical gardens have become an increasingly attractive option for architects around the world, as developments balance the need for additional accommodation units in crowded cities with environmental sustainability.

Stretching 46 floors high, Clearpoint Residencies near Colombo city is the latest to blossom - and, when it finishes growing in 2016, will be the tallest in the world. The building, which is billed as Sri Lanka’s first sustainable high rise, is covered in planted terraces and mango trees, giving the property its unique appearance while also reducing heat levels and providing fresher air.

A unique drip irrigation system will be installed during construction, eliminating the need to water the plants manually. The main source of water will be rain, making the system eco-friendly and sustainable in the long run. Recycled water from the building itself will also be used to supply the irrigation system. Space will be avaolable for residents to grow their own plants too.

The building is a joint project of Milroy Perera Associates and Mäga Engineering and will include units ranging from two-bedroom apartments to a luxury penthouse. The project is already listed on property portal Lamudi Sri Lanka.

Wilhelm Hammes, Managing Director of Lamudi Sri Lanka, says: "This development is the first of its kind for Sri Lanka. In recent years, with the local property market registering considerable growth, issues like sustainability have started to come into focus. As the real estate sector matures, we expect to see more eco-friendly developments hit the market.

Architect Milroy Perera's plans also include 13,500 square feet of solar panels which will be used to power segments of the building such as the lobby lights and elevators.

Perera comments: "The Kanadalama Hotel was one of the inspirations for the project as we wanted to do something more than just create a home. A house is more than just shelter, it's a lifestyle."