Trend: Living Air Filter

New filters use living plants to improve indoor air quality.

Trend Description
Green plants are nature’s natural air filters. Why not use them for human purposes, too? “Living air filters” are mini greenhouses that take in polluted air into their humid mini-environments and filter out contaminations. A study by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) in the ’80s showed that many houseplants not only convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, but also remove harmful elements such as trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde, preventing something called sick building syndrome.

Mathieu Lehanneur: Bel-Air
Designer Mathieu Lehanneur built on the above mentioned NASA study. It was conducted soon after the first space flights and found that astronauts returning from long trips inside capsules were found to have high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their bodies. The same VOCs can be found in modern buildings. While NASA did the research on “space gardens” testing which plants are most effective to help keep recirculated air healthy, Lehanneur designed an every-day solution. His retro-futuristic pod is a free-standing, mobile container version of NASA’s space garden and can be placed in every room to improve the air quality.

Natalie Jeremijenko: GreenLight
This GreenLight uses an integrated solar panel to power an LED bulb, which stimulates plants to filter the air. A smart system, which not only improves the indoor air quality, but also provides a mystical glow to the room. Designer Natalie Jeremijenko chose high air filtrating species and designed the entire gadget with parts that are both recycled and recyclable.
YouTube Video:

Trend Impact

Newer homes and buildings, especially those designed for energy efficiency, are often tightly sealed to avoid energy loss. The new central heating and air-conditioning systems recirculate the air, which already contains pollutants from synthetic building materials in modern construction. Living air filters are a beautiful and simple way to make indoor air healthier to breath. Of course, regular houseplants work just as well — NASA recommends using at least 15 houseplants grown in containers at least six inches in diameter for an average home of under 2,000 square feet.

PDF file of the NASA studies related to plants and air quality:

Mathieu Lehanneur

Thank you to Haute Green

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