Taisei Group Develops Indoor Greening Technology That Reproduces the Four Seasons of Native Plants, Reducing Irrigation Water by 80%
May 9, 2025
Indoor greenery at the Taisei Technology Center creates a connection with the natural environment outside
Taisei Group has developed indoor greening technology that allows people to experience the change of seasons using native plants of Japan, which has been difficult to achieve until now. By growing 61 types of native plants in pots that are not too exposed, the pots can be completely in harmony with the natural environment outdoors. By improving the soil, the amount of water required is significantly reduced compared to conventional technology. We will proactively propose this "biological design" technique, which promotes the connection between people and nature, for new construction and renovation of offices and commercial facilities.
When it comes to creating indoor greenery, native plants are difficult to grow due to small temperature differences, so tropical plants are often used. For the new "T-Biophilic Green" technology, the company conducted a two-year growth test to select species that can grow in environments with little temperature variation, focusing on plants that grow naturally near the company's Technical Center (Totsuka Ward, Yokohama) and are distributed in the southern Kanto region. The soil is designed to be easy for plants to take root and has good water retention, reducing the amount of water needed by about 80% compared to conventional technology.
The large stainless steel planters that support the plants are covered on the outside with soil mixed with acrylic resin, reducing the contact area by about 98%. It reproduces a natural look while maintaining durability.
In a demonstration trial conducted at the center from February 2022 to August 2024, 200 trees of 61 species, including Japanese hazel and oak, were planted in an area of 5 square meters. All of them maintained good growth and vegetation coverage, and 15 species flowered and 9 species turned red in autumn.
According to a development official, there are few examples of indoor greening using deciduous trees that change color in autumn, and he said, "This may be the first time a long-term demonstration has been carried out." The new technology has won the 2023 Good Design Award. A patent application is currently being filed.
