Plant support structure and system

Abstract

A plant support structure (100, 200, 300) for containing a plant, the plant support structure comprising (100, 200, 300): a frame (110, 210, 310) comprising a plurality of elements (120, 220, 320) interconnected to each other in a vertically extending arrangement, each element (120, 220, 320) having a hollow grid structure defining an internal void (123, 223, 323), where the internal void (123, 223, 323) of each element of the plurality of elements (120, 220, 320) has a plurality of openings (124, 224, 324); the plurality of elements (120, 220, 320) are interconnected and define at least one substantially vertical interconnection void (115, 215, 315), the at least one substantially vertical interconnection void extending through the plurality of elements (120, 220, 320) and the frame (110, 210, 310).

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2022903212, filed on October 28, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a plant support structure and a plant support system for accommodating plants. Background Art

[0004] In the last century, various human activities, such as clearing forests and natural ecosystems for agriculture, industry, commercial and residential real estate, and other human activities, have reduced the amount of flora and fauna in the environment. For many people, the lack of flora has at least an adverse effect on the aesthetics of the built environment. The lack of fauna also has an adverse effect on the biodiversity of the flora and the built environment. Additionally, many cities have started to suffer from the "heat island effect", where built-up areas are hotter than nearby rural areas.

[0005] Recently, some systems, such as green facade systems, green walls, and living walls, have been developed to introduce nature into the urban environment. Green facades use a lattice system to secure the vines of plants rooted in the ground, while in living walls, the plants are rooted in wall modules. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a plant support structure for accommodating plants, the plant support structure comprising: a frame including a plurality of elements interconnected with each other in a vertically extending arrangement, each element having a hollow grid structure defining an internal void, wherein the internal voids of each of the plurality of elements are interconnected and define at least one substantially vertical interconnected void extending through the plurality of elements and the frame.

[0007] In one embodiment, the plant support structure further comprises a permeable substrate disposed in the at least one interconnected void, wherein the permeable substrate is configured to direct water flow through the at least one interconnected void.

[0008] In one embodiment, the permeable substrate is configured to support the growth of plants growing in and through the at least one interconnected void.

[0009] In one embodiment, the permeable substrate is configured to at least partially direct the growth of plants growing in and through the at least one interconnected void.

[0010] In one embodiment, the permeable substrate includes a plant growth medium.

[0011] In one embodiment, the plant growth medium includes a porous bag or grid filled with a medium to support plant growth within and through the plant growth medium.

[0012] In one embodiment, the permeable substrate includes a porous material.

[0013] In one embodiment, the porous material includes a wicking material or a geotextile.

[0014] In one embodiment, the frame has a first layer and a second layer of interconnected elements, the first layer being horizontally spaced apart from the second layer.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one channel is defined between the first layer and the second layer; and a plant growth medium is disposed in the at least one channel, and the plant growth medium disposed in the at least one channel is configured to direct water flow through the at least one channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the plant growth medium disposed in the at least one channel is configured to support plant growth of plants growing in the at least one channel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the plant growth medium disposed in the at least one channel includes a porous bag or grid filled with a medium to support plant growth in the at least one channel.

[0018] In one embodiment, the frame at least partially guides plants growing in the frame through the at least one interconnected void and around and above the plurality of elements.

[0019] In one embodiment, the plant support structure is an exterior wall of a building, a freestanding pavilion / wall, or a fence.

[0020] In one embodiment, the plurality of elements are formed of a cementitious material.

[0021] In one embodiment, the cementitious material is one of the following: lightweight cast concrete, carbon capture concrete, carbon capture cementitious material, reinforced concrete, and fiber-reinforced concrete.

[0022] According to a second aspect, there is provided a plant support system for accommodating and sustaining a plant, the plant support system comprising: a plant support structure according to the first aspect; a permeable substrate disposed in the at least one interconnected void, wherein the permeable substrate is configured to direct water flow through the at least one interconnected void; and an irrigation system configured to deliver water to the permeable substrate.

[0023] In one embodiment, the plant support system further comprises a water treatment tank located near the bottom end of the plant support structure, wherein the water treatment tank is configured to receive and treat water generated by irrigation overflow through the frame of the plant support structure.

[0024] In one embodiment, the plant support system further comprises a water storage tank configured to receive treated water from the water treatment tank.

[0025] In one embodiment, the plant support system further comprises a water tank located at a height near or above the height of the plant support structure, wherein the water tank receives water from the water storage tank and supplies the water to the irrigation system.

[0026] In one embodiment, the plant support system further comprises a power source and a pump for pumping water from the water storage tank to the water tank.

[0027] In one embodiment, the pump is powered by solar energy to pump the water to the water tank.

[0028] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method comprising fabricating or installing on-site a plant support structure according to the first aspect, disposing a permeable substrate in the at least one interconnected void, wherein the permeable substrate is configured to direct water flow through the at least one interconnected void; and providing a plant to grow on the plant support structure, wherein plant growth is at least partially supported by the permeable substrate.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method comprising fabricating or installing on-site a plant support system according to the third aspect, and providing a plant to grow on the plant support structure, wherein plant growth is at least partially supported by the permeable substrate.

[0030] In one embodiment, the plant is provided on the plant support structure by including seeds, spores, minerals, or other organic materials that promote the growth of biological organisms in or on the permeable substrate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 Shows a plant support structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 Shows elements for constructing Figure 1 the plant support structure;

[0034] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 the elements, in which a plant growth medium is disposed in the internal voids of the elements;

[0035] Figure 4 Shows a plant support structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 Shows elements for constructing Figure 4 the plant support structure, in which a porous material is disposed in the internal voids of the elements;

[0037] Figure 6 Shows a plant support structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 an enlarged cross-section of the plant support structure;

[0039] Figure 8 Shows a plant support system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 9 Shows a mold for manufacturing Figure 2 and 5 the elements in;

[0041] Figure 10 Shows Figure 9 the elements manufactured in the mold;

[0042] Figure 11 Shows an example of a plant growth medium that can be used with Figure 1 , 4 and the plant support structure of 6;

[0043] Figure 12 Shows Figure 9 the elements manufactured in the mold, in which a plant growth medium is disposed around the elements in the mold; and

[0044] Figure 13 Shows Figure 12 the elements shown in, with a plant growth medium around them. Detailed Description

[0045] The systems disclosed herein relate to plant support structures and plant support systems for containing and growing a flora.

[0046] Figure 1 Shown is a plant support structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The plant support structure 100 includes a frame 110 having a plurality of interconnecting elements 120.

[0047] The frame 110 is defined by the plurality of interconnecting elements 120. The frame 110 has a top end 112 and a bottom end 113 opposite the top end 112. The frame 110 also has a plurality of openings 114 defined by the plurality of interconnecting elements 120. The plurality of openings 114 allow light to pass through the frame 110. In some embodiments, as Figure 1 shown in the embodiment, the frame 110 forms a single layer 111.

[0048] Figure 2 Shown is a single element 120 from the frame 110. Each element 120 has a first end 121 and a second end 122 opposite the first end 121. Each element 120 also has a hollow grid structure that defines an internal void 123 extending between the first end 121 and the second end 122.

[0049] Figure 3 Shown is a single element 120 from the frame 110 and a plant growth medium 124. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements 120 in the frame 110 have a plant growth medium 124 disposed within the internal void 123. In some embodiments, a plurality of elements 120 that are vertically adjacent to each other in the frame 110 have a plant growth medium 124 disposed within their respective internal voids 123, thereby creating columns of plant growth medium 124. In some embodiments, the frame 110 includes a plurality of such columns of plant growth medium 124. In some embodiments, all or substantially all of the elements 120 forming the frame 110 have a plant growth medium 124 disposed within their respective internal voids 123.

[0050] For each element 120 having a plant growth medium 124, the plant growth medium 124 can extend between the first end 121 and the second end 122. In this way, a continuous or substantially continuous column of plant growth medium 124 can be formed within the frame 110. In other embodiments, there may be vertical gaps between the plant growth media 124. In the case where there are vertical gaps, the lowest portion of the plant growth medium 124 from an upper element 120 can be aligned with the highest portion of the plant growth medium 124 from an adjacent lower element 120, thereby allowing water to drip from the plant growth medium 124 of the upper element 120 into the plant growth medium of the lower element 120.

[0051] Plants can be planted in and grow through a plant growth medium 124. Accordingly, the plant growth medium 124 is configured to support the growth of plants. The plant growth medium 124 can be any suitable plant growth medium, such as a porous bag or grid filled with a suitable medium to support plant growth, a wicking fabric, a 3D printed extruded bonded (solid) plant growth medium. Each of these options can include an organic medium (such as composted organic matter, recycled coffee grounds, organic fertilizer), which can be in the plant growth medium 124 (such as impregnated therein), on the plant growth medium, or encapsulate the plant growth medium to support the growth of plants in, on, and / or through the plant growth medium 124. However, it should be understood that the specific plant growth medium 124 in the internal voids 123 of each element in the element 120 may depend on the type of plant that the plant support structure 100 is intended to accommodate. In some embodiments, an organic plant support medium containing seeds, spores, minerals, fertilizers, and / or nutrients can be combined, impregnated, and / or applied to the surface of the plant growth medium 124. In some embodiments, an organic plant support medium containing seeds, spores, minerals, fertilizers, and / or nutrients can be mixed within the material forming the element 120. The organic plant support medium can promote the growth of plants and / or other biological organisms.

[0052] The plant growth medium 124 can be connected to the element 120 using any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, the plant growth medium 124 can be connected to the element 120 using a net, a cage, and / or mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, the plant growth medium 124 can be cast into the material forming the element 120 (i.e., integrally formed therewith), woven around the element 120, or tied to the element 120. It should be understood that the suitable attachment mechanism for connecting the plant growth medium 124 to the element 120 may also depend on the specific type of plant growth medium used.

[0053] Return reference Figure 1 , in the frame 110, the top and bottom ends of the element 120 are connected to the bottom and top ends of vertically adjacent elements 120 in the frame 110 such that the elements 120 are interconnected with each other in a vertically extending arrangement in the frame 110. Depending on the orientation of each element 120 in the frame 110, the top end of the element 120 is one of the first end 121 and the second end 122, and the bottom end of the element 120 is the other of the first end 121 and the second end 122. It should be understood that the bottom end of the lowermost element 120 in the frame 110 is not connected to other elements 120, and similarly, the top end of the uppermost element 120 in the frame 110 is not connected to other elements 120.

[0054] Reference Figure 1The vertical interconnect elements 120 in the square frame 10, the internal voids 123 of these interconnect elements 120 interconnect and define the interconnect voids 115 that extend through these elements 120. The interconnect voids 115 can be substantially vertical. Thus, the interconnect voids 115 extend through the frame 110 between the bottom end 113 and the top end 112 of the frame 110. It should be understood that the frame 110 has a plurality of interconnect voids 115 that extend through the frame 110, and the plurality of interconnect voids are defined by other vertical interconnect elements 120 in the frame 110. It should also be understood that horizontally adjacent interconnect voids 115 can interconnect / intersect such that water can flow between the interconnect voids 115.

[0055] A plant growth medium 124 of the vertical interconnect elements 120 is disposed in each of the interconnect voids 115 of the frame 110, and the vertical interconnect elements define the corresponding interconnect voids 115. Thus, the plant growth medium 124 is disposed in and extends through each of the interconnect voids 115 of the frame 110. This can allow root ball integration between vertically adjacent elements 120 in the frame 110, which can allow the formation of an integral root structure that continuously extends through the interconnect voids 115 of the frame 110.

[0056] The plant growth medium 124 in each of the interconnect voids 115 is configured to direct water through the interconnect voids 115 from the top end 112 to the bottom end 113 of the frame 110. Water, fertilizers, and other fluids or materials can be delivered through an irrigation system (not shown) to the plant growth medium 124 in each of the interconnect voids 115 at the top end 112 of the frame 110.

[0057] Plants can be planted in the plant growth medium 124 in each of the interconnect voids 115, and the plant growth medium 124 is configured to support the growth of the plants. Depending on the plants growing in the plant growth medium 124, the roots of the plants will grow following the movement of water through the plant growth medium 124. Thus, the plant growth medium 124 disposed in each of the interconnect voids 115 can at least partially direct the growth of the plants in and through the interconnect voids 115. Thus, the plants growing in the plant growth medium 124 are capable of growing in and through the interconnect voids 115 and above and around the elements 120.

[0058] As an example, depending on the plant growing in the plant growth medium 124, the plant can grow in and through the interconnected voids 115 and above and around the components 120 such that the plant becomes a partially or fully self-supporting structure. Thus, the frame 110 may become at least partially structurally redundant. Accordingly, in this example, the plant support structure 100 guides the plant through and above the frame 110 such that the plant will grow into a self-supporting structure and the frame 110 becomes structurally redundant. Examples of plants that can grow in and grow into a self-supporting structure in the plant support structure 100 are strangler figs, Ficus Microcarpa, Ficus oblongifolia, Ficus Rubiginosa, Ficus Elastica, other species of fig trees or other rainforest or lithophytic trees.

[0059] Although the components 120 are shown as having a particular shape defining an internal void 123 having a particular shape, each of the components 120 can have a different shape defining an internal void 123 having a different shape. The plant growth medium 124 can be disposed in the internal voids 123 of the components 120 having different shapes and configurations. Thus, the frame 110 can be constructed of components 120 having different shapes that define different shaped internal voids 123, wherein the plant growth medium 124 of different shapes and configurations is disposed in the internal voids 123 of the components 120. In this way, different configurations of the frame 110 can be constructed that guide the growth of plants growing in and through the interconnected voids 115 and above and around the components 120 into a predetermined pattern based on at least partially given natural variations. For example, the frame 110 can be constructed to guide a fig tree to grow in, through, and above the frame 110, the frame having a shape that promotes plant growth according to a predetermined structural geometry such that the fig tree roots form a self-supporting structure.

[0060] Each component 120 is connected to vertically and horizontally adjacent components 120 in the frame 110 using any suitable connector (not shown) and / or method known in the art. The connector can be in the form of a bracket, metal tube, or metal rod, which can securely connect the components 120 together and assemble the frame 110. The connector can be made of a suitable lightweight metal (e.g., aluminum). Alternatively, the connector can be made of any suitable weather-resistant material (e.g., stainless steel). Alternatively or additionally, the connection can be made by an adhesive. In some embodiments, a similar connector can be used to connect each component 120 to the plant growth medium 124 or to a holder for the plant growth medium 124, such as a wire mesh or cable loop. In one embodiment where the plant support structure 100 serves as the facade of a building (not shown), the frame 110 can be coupled to the support structure of the building using a connector, which can be in the form of a bracket, metal tube, or metal rod, which can securely connect the frame 110 to the support structure of the building.

[0061] Figure 4 A plant support structure 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The plant support structure 200 is similar to the plant support structure 100. However, the plant support structure 200 differs from the plant support structure 100 in that a porous material 225 is disposed within the internal void 223 of the component 220, rather than a plant growth medium 124 being disposed within the internal void 123 of the component 120 of the plant support structure 100.

[0062] Features of the plant support structure 200 that are the same as or equivalent to those of the plant support structure 100 are provided with reference numerals that are equivalent to those of the plant support structure 100 but increased by 100. For features that are the same between the plant support structure 100 and the plant support structure 200, it should be understood that the descriptions of these features for the plant support structure 100 above also apply to the corresponding identical / equivalent features found in the plant support structure 200. Therefore, the same features between the plant support structure 100 and the plant support structure 200 will not be described below for the plant support structure 200 as these features of the plant support structure 200 have already been described above for the plant support structure 100.

[0063] Reference Figure 5, for each element 220, the porous material 225 extends between a first end 221 and a second end 222. The porous material 225 disposed within the internal void 223 of the element 220 can be a wicking material, geotextile, specially formulated lightweight plant growth medium, and a combined and extruded (e.g., by 3D printing) plant growth medium that can be formed into a specific geometry. The porous material 225 of each element 220 is configured to direct water through the element 220 and is configured to grow plants within, on, and through the element. The porous material 225 can be woven through and tied to the element 220 or connected to the element 220 using mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, the porous material 225 can be cast within and around the element 220 (e.g., in the form of a combined solid medium extruded from a robotic print head), encapsulating the element 220, or cast around the element 220. In some embodiments, an organic plant support medium containing seeds, spores, minerals, fertilizers, nutrients can be combined, impregnated, or applied to the surface of the porous material 225. In some embodiments, an organic plant support medium containing seeds, spores, minerals, fertilizers, nutrients can be mixed within the material forming the element 220. The organic plant support medium can promote the growth of plants and / or other biological organisms.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 , the porous material 225 of the vertical interconnecting elements 220 is disposed in each of the interconnecting voids 215 in the interconnecting voids 215 of the frame 210, and the vertical interconnecting elements define corresponding interconnecting pores 215. Thus, the porous material 225 is disposed in and extends through each of the interconnecting voids 215 in the interconnecting voids 215 of the frame 210. This can allow for root ball integration between vertically adjacent elements 220 in the frame 210, which can allow for the formation of an integral root structure that extends continuously through the interconnecting voids 215 of the frame 210.

[0065] The porous material 225 in each interconnecting void 215 is configured to direct water through the interconnecting void 215 from the top end 212 to the bottom end 213 of the frame 210. Water, fertilizers, and other fluids or materials can be delivered through an irrigation system (not shown) to the porous material 215 in each of the interconnecting voids 215 at the top end 212 of the frame 210.

[0066] Similar to the plant support structure 100, plants growing in the framework 210 will follow the movement of water through the interconnected voids 215, which movement is guided by the porous material 225 disposed within the internal void 223 of the element 220. Thus, the porous material 225 in each of the interconnected voids disposed in the interconnected voids 215 can at least partially guide the growth of plants within and through the interconnected voids 215. Thus, similar to the plant support structure 100, plants growing in the framework 210 are capable of growing within and through the interconnected voids 215 and above and around the element 220.

[0067] In some embodiments, the porous material 225 is disposed within the internal void 223 of the element 220 in a configuration different from that Figure 4 shown. Similar to that described above for the plant support structure 100, in some embodiments, the framework 220 can be constructed of elements 220 having different shapes, which elements define internal voids 223 of different shapes, where the porous material 225 is disposed within the internal voids 223 of the elements 220 having different configurations. In this way, different configurations of the framework 220 can be constructed that guide the growth of plants growing within and through the interconnected voids 215 and above and around the element 220 into a predetermined pattern based at least in part on a given natural variation.

[0068] The plant growth medium 124 can be used in situations where relatively rapid greening is desired. For example, the plant growth medium 124 can support epiphytic and lithophytic plants of multiple species, as well as other similar plants. Additionally, during the construction of the plant support structure 100, the plant growth medium 124 can initially be planted with epiphytic and lithophytic plants of multiple species, and / or seedlings of other plant species, such that relatively rapid greening can be achieved. Banyan or other tree roots will still be able to grow through the plant growth medium 124 and connect to form an integral root ball structure, as already described above. As the banyan and / or other tree roots mature, the roots will expand, displacing the plant growth medium 124 bound by the root balls of other plants. In this case, the plant growth medium 124 can contain thin tendrils of a wicking fabric disposed within the plant growth medium 124 and extending through the plant growth medium. This can control the movement of water through the framework 110 and where the banyan and / or other tree roots will grow. This may result in a more resilient ecosystem that can withstand harsher environments prior to maturity.

[0069] In other cases, the plant support structure 200 can be used in locations where relatively rapid greening is not required. For example, the plant support structure 200 can initially be constructed with the frame 210 having no or few plants. A porous material 225 (such as a wicking fabric) can be used to control the flow of water through the frame 210, and plants can then pass through the frame 210 after the water has passed through the frame 210 and grow above and around the frame. Compared to the plant support structure 100 that uses the plant growth medium 124, the plant support structure 200 may be a cheaper and easier system to construct. However, compared to the plant support structure 100, greening may take longer to achieve. Compared to the plant support structure 100, the plant support structure 200 may be less resilient, and plants may need to be pre-grown under controlled greenhouse conditions to reach maturity before being installed into the frame 210. However, the plant support structure 200 can allow for visible inspection of the roots of the banyan tree or other trees, as the roots are not surrounded by the plant growth medium 124 as in the plant support structure 100.

[0070] Although the plant support structure 100 has been described and shown above as having only the plant growth medium 124 disposed within the internal void 123 of the element 120, in some embodiments, the porous material 225 can be disposed within the internal void 123 of one or more of the elements 120 of the frame 110 instead of being disposed with the plant growth medium 124. Similarly, although the plant support structure 200 has been described and shown above as having only the porous material 225 disposed within the internal void 223 of the element 220, in some embodiments, the plant growth medium 124 can be disposed within the internal void 223 of one or more of the elements 220 of the frame 210 instead of being disposed with the porous material 225.

[0071] Since water can flow into and through the plant growth medium 124 and / or the porous material 225, it should be understood that both the plant growth medium 124 and the porous material 225 are permeable substrates. Thus, in some embodiments, the plant growth medium 124 of the plant support structure 100 and the porous material 225 of the plant support structure 200 can be replaced with any other suitable permeable substrate that can direct water through the interconnected voids 115 of the plant support structure 100 and the interconnected voids 215 of the plant support structure 200. It should be understood that the type of permeable substrate used may depend on the plants intended to grow within, on, and / or through the permeable substrate.

[0072] Figure 6Shows a plant support structure 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The plant support structure 300 is similar to the plant support structure 100. However, the frame 310 of the plant support structure 300 has a first layer 311 of interconnecting elements 320 and a second layer 316 of interconnecting elements 320, rather than a single layer 111 of interconnecting elements 120 of the plant support structure 100.

[0073] Features of the plant support structure 300 that are the same as or equivalent to those of the plant support structure 100 are provided with reference numerals equivalent to those of the plant support structure 100 but increased by 200. For features that are the same between the plant support structure 100 and the plant support structure 300, it should be understood that the above descriptions of these features for the plant support structure 100 also apply to the corresponding same / equivalent features found in the plant support structure 300. Accordingly, the same features between the plant support structure 100 and the plant support structure 300 will not be described below for the plant support structure 300, as these features of the plant support structure 300 have already been described above for the plant support structure 100.

[0074] The first layer 311 of the interconnecting elements 320 can be constructed according to the layer 111 of the plant support structure 100 or the layer 211 of the plant support structure 200. The second layer 316 of the interconnecting elements 320 can be constructed according to the layer 111 of the plant support structure 100 or the layer 211 of the plant support structure 200.

[0075] The first layer 311 and the second layer 316 are horizontally spaced apart from each other. The first layer 311 and the second layer 316 can be structurally independent of each other, or can be structurally interconnected using any suitable connectors and / or methods.

[0076] As best seen in Figure 7 , a plurality of channels 317 (only one is labeled for clarity) are defined between the first layer 311 and the second layer 316. Each channel 317 is defined between the periphery of the elements 320 of the first layer 311 and the periphery of the elements 320 of the second layer 316. The distance between the first layer 311 and the second layer 316 and thus the width of the channel 317 can vary between different installations. By way of example, the width of the channel 317 can range from about 10 cm to about 2 m (inclusive).

[0077] A plant growth medium 318 is disposed in each channel 317. The plant growth medium 318 extends from the top end 312 to the bottom end 313 of the frame 310. The plant growth medium 318 can be disposed in the channel 318 by connecting the plant growth medium 318 between the first layer 311 and the second layer 316. The plant growth medium 318 can be connected between the first layer 311 and the second layer 316 using any suitable mechanism. By way of example, the plant growth medium 318 can be connected between the first layer 311 and the second layer 316 using a net, a cage, a mechanical fastener, or a clip that is connected to one or more cables that extend across the channel 317 and are connected to one or more elements 320 in the first layer 311 and the second layer 316. It should be understood that the suitable mechanism for connecting the plant growth medium 318 between the first layer 311 and the second layer 316 may also depend on the particular type of plant growth medium used.

[0078] For each channel 317, plants can be planted in and grow through the plant growth medium 318. Thus, the plant growth medium 318 is configured to support the growth of plants. The plant growth medium 318 can be any suitable plant growth medium known in the art (such as a porous bag or grid filled with a suitable medium to support plant growth). The plant growth medium 318 can also be the same as or different from the plant growth medium 124. However, it should be understood that the particular plant growth medium 318 disposed in the channel 317 may depend on the type of plants intended to be accommodated in the channel 317.

[0079] The plant growth medium 318 in each channel 317 is configured to direct water downwardly through the channel 317 from the top end 312 to the bottom end 313 of the frame 310. This can allow the root balls to integrate through each channel 317 to form an integral root structure that can extend continuously through the channels 317 of the frame 310. Water, fertilizer, and other fluids or materials can be delivered through an irrigation system (not shown) to the plant growth medium 318 in each of the channels 317 at the top end 312 of the frame 310. In some embodiments, an organic plant support medium containing seeds, spores, minerals, fertilizers, nutrients can be combined, impregnated, or applied to the surface of the plant growth medium 318. In some embodiments, an organic plant support medium containing seeds, spores, minerals, fertilizers, nutrients can be mixed within the material forming the element 320.

[0080] In the plant support structure 300, plants can grow in and through the interconnected voids 315 between the first layer 311 and the second layer 316, and above and around the elements 320 of the first layer 311 and the second layer 316, similar to that described above with respect to the plant support structures 100 and 200. Plants can also grow in and through the channels 317 of the plant support structure 300.

[0081] Although the plant support structure 300 has been described above with the plant growth medium 318 disposed in the channels 317, it should be understood that any suitable permeable substrate that can support plant growth can be disposed in the channels 317.

[0082] Depending on the type of plants growing in the channels 317, the plants growing in the channels 317 can also grow above and around the elements 320 of the first layer 311 and / or the second layer 316. Additionally, these plants may eventually grow in and through the interconnected voids 315 between the first layer 311 and the second layer 316.

[0083] Similar to that described above with respect to the plant support system 100, the first layer 311 and the second layer 316 can be constructed to have different configurations that can direct plants to grow above and through the frame 310. Depending on the type of plants growing in the frame 310, the plants growing in the first layer 311, the plants growing in the second layer 316, and the plants growing in the channels 317 can grow to eventually interweave to form a self-supporting structure.

[0084] In addition, similar to that described above with respect to the plant support system 100, different configurations of the first layer 311 and the second layer 312 of the frame 310 can be constructed to direct plants to grow above and through the frame 310 in a predetermined pattern according to at least partially given natural variations.

[0085] In some embodiments, the plant support structure 300 can have more than two layers of interconnected elements 320. Additionally, the height of each layer can vary. For example, the last layer may be the highest layer, and the height of each subsequent layer moving forward from the last layer may decrease, resulting in a frame 310 similar to a flying buttress.

[0086] The plant support structures 100, 200, 300 can be in the form of a building facade, a free-standing pavilion / wall, or a fence. In an embodiment where the plant support structures 100, 200, 300 serve as the exterior surface of a building in a building facade structure, the elements 120, 220, 320 are connected together to form the plant support structures 100, 200, 300, which span the exterior surface of the building and are anchored to the building support elements / concrete slabs or the like. In an alternative embodiment, where the plant support structures 100, 200, 300 are free-standing pavilions or fences, the elements 120, 220, 320 can be supported by concrete block foundations or troughs placed within the ground, partially within the ground, or on the ground.

[0087] Since the frames 110, 210, 310 are constructed by interconnecting a plurality of elements 120, 220, 320, it should be understood that frames 110, 210, 310 of different heights and widths can be constructed by varying the number of vertically interconnected elements 120, 220, 320 and by varying the number of horizontally interconnected elements 120, 220, 320. The use of interconnected elements facilitates fabrication at one location and assembly at another location. In other embodiments, any one of the frames 110, 210, 310 is integrally formed, such as by fabricating the frame on-site. Additionally, while each of the elements 120, 220, 320 described above typically forms a vertical channel that alternates between two parallel paths and a single series path, in other embodiments, each element can form only a single series path, or can form two or more vertical paths.

[0088] A method of fabricating or installing the plant support structures 100, 200, 300 on-site (e.g., in front of a building to serve as a building facade) can include interconnecting a plurality of elements 120, 220, 320 to form the frames 110, 210, 310. As described above, frames 110, 210, 310 of different heights and widths can be constructed by varying the number of vertically interconnected elements 120, 220, 320 and by varying the number of horizontally interconnected elements 120, 220, 320. The height and width of the frames 110, 210, 310 can depend on the intended application and installation location of the plant support structures 100, 200, 300.

[0089] The method further includes, after constructing the frame, disposing a permeable substrate (such as the plant growth medium 124 and / or the porous material 225) capable of supporting plant growth in the interconnecting voids 115, 215, 315 and any channels of the frame (such as the channel 317 of the frame 310). Alternatively, the method may include disposing the permeable substrate in the internal voids 123, 223, 323 of the elements 120, 220, 320 before constructing the frames 110, 210, 310. For a frame having channels (such as the channel 317 of the frame 310), the permeable substrate may be disposed in the channels after the frame is constructed.

[0090] The method further includes positioning the plants and / or seedlings on / in the frames 110, 210, 310 after constructing the frames 110, 210, 310. How the plants and / or seedlings are positioned on / in the frames 110, 210, 310 may depend on the type of plant. For example, the plants and / or seedlings may be planted in the permeable substrate or on an element near the permeable substrate. Alternatively, the method may include providing the plants and / or seedlings on / in the elements 120, 220, 320 before constructing the frames 110, 210, 310.

[0091] In some embodiments, the permeable substrate and / or the elements 120, 220, 320 may include seeds, spores, and organic / inorganic matter. Such a permeable substrate may be positioned in / on the frames 110, 210, 310 after constructing the frames 110, 210, 310, or in / on the elements 120, 220, 320 before constructing the frames 110, 210, 310. In such embodiments, after the permeable substrate is exposed to water (such as through rain and / or an irrigation system), plants may grow from the seeds and spores.

[0092] Figure 8 A plant support system 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The plant support system 400 has a plant support structure 401 and components of a water supply system. For clarity, only a part of the plant support structure 401 is shown. The water supply system components include a drip irrigation system 402, a reservoir 404, an elevated water tank 406, a water storage tank 408, and a water treatment tank 410. The plant support structure 400 may be any one of the plant support structures 100, 200, and 300 disclosed herein.

[0093] In Figure 8 a disassembled view of the plant support system 400 is shown to illustrate an embodiment of how the various parts of the plant support structure 401 are assembled and fixed together. It should be understood that there are various alternative ways of assembling and properly fixing the components.

[0094] The plant support structure 401 includes an interconnecting element 420. The interconnecting element 420 can include any of the elements disclosed herein. The interconnecting elements 420 are connected together using connectors such as brackets, metal tubes, or metal rods to form the framework of the plant support structure 401. In this embodiment, the connectors are formed by aluminum tubes 412. The plant support structure 401 has a plurality of openings 414 defined by the interconnecting elements 420. In this embodiment, the openings 414 are shown as having a hexagonal geometry.

[0095] The plant support system 400 further includes or is connected to one or more support elements 416 to support the plant support structure 401. In one embodiment, each support element 416 is a concrete slab that is fixed to a building / wall / other structure at its rear surface 416a or forms part of the building / wall / other structure. Fasteners 418 fix the plant support structure 401 to the support element / concrete slab 416 at its front surface 416b. In this way, the plant support structure 401 is properly held in an upright position. Depending on the size of the plant support structure 401, one or more support elements 416 can be used.

[0096] In one embodiment, a maintenance platform 422 is fixed to the concrete slab 416 and supported by the fasteners 418. The maintenance platform 422 can provide access for maintenance personnel to the plant support structure 401, enabling structural and / or plant maintenance. Stairs, ladders, or the like (not shown) can be provided between the platforms 422 to provide additional exits from structures attached to or attached by the plant support system 400. If the structure is a building, these can provide, for example, a fire escape ladder in the building.

[0097] The plant support structure 401 is configured to receive water from a drip irrigation system 402 that is in fluid communication with a reservoir 404 and an elevated water tank 406. If the plant support structure 401 is constructed according to the plant support structure 100 or 200, the drip irrigation system 402 is configured to deliver water, fertilizer, and other fluids or materials into the plant growth medium or porous material in each of the interconnecting voids 115 or 215 at the top of the plant support structure 401. If the plant support structure 401 is constructed according to the plant support structure 300, the drip irrigation system 402 is configured to deliver water, fertilizer, and other fluids or materials into the plant growth medium or porous material in each of the interconnecting voids 315 of the first layer 311 and the second layer 316, and to deliver water, fertilizer, and other fluids or materials into the plant growth medium 318 in each of the channels 317 at the top of the plant support structure 401.

[0098] During irrigation of the plants in the plant support structure 401, some overflow of water may occur, and the overflow can be collected in the water treatment tank 410 provided near the bottom end of the plant support structure 401. In one example, the plant support system 400 can have a plurality of water collectors 424 disposed at the bottom of the plant support structure 401. Each collector 424 is configured to collect water flowing out from the bottom end of the interconnected voids and any channels of the plant support structure 401 during irrigation of the plants growing in, through, and above the plant support structure 401. Each collector 424 is in fluid communication with the water treatment tank 410, and any excess water in the collector 424 can flow into the water treatment tank 410.

[0099] After water treatment at the water treatment tank 410, the treated water can be moved to the water storage tank 408. Then, the treated water can be pumped from the water storage tank 408 to the elevated water tank 406 at a height above the top edge of the plant support structure 401. The plant support system 400 can also include a solar energy system (not shown) that can generate sufficient solar energy to pump the treated water to the elevated water tank 406. The drip irrigation system 402 takes water from the elevated water tank 406 and / or from the reservoir 404 and delivers this water into the plant support structure 401 as described above. The plant support system 400 can also be fluidly connected to an external water supply (such as tap water). The external water supply can provide water to the plant support system 400, such as to the water tank 406 or the water storage tank 408.

[0100] The plant support system 400 of the present disclosure is a system that can simulate a complex ecosystem of a forest to a certain extent to support plant growth, and thus provide an "artificial" habitat for insects, reptiles, birds, and other animal groups. Therefore, these systems can also help solve the problem of the rapid reduction of biodiversity in urban areas.

[0101] A method of installing a plant support system (e.g., plant support system 400) may include fabricating or installing a plant support structure (e.g., plant support structure 401) at a desired location. The plant support system may be installed as a building facade, a freestanding pavilion / wall, or a fence. The plant support structure may be constructed using methods similar to those described above for plant support structures 100, 200, 300. The method further includes providing plants, seedlings, spores, and / or seeds in / on the plant support structure. The plants, seedlings, spores, and / or seeds may be provided in / on the plant support structure using methods similar to those described above for plant support structures 100, 200, 300. The method further includes installing an irrigation system configured to deliver water, fertilizer, and / or other fluids or materials to the plants growing in, through, and above the plant support structure. The irrigation system may include a drip irrigation system 402, a reservoir 404, an elevated water tank 406, a water storage tank 408, a water treatment pond 410, and a collector 424 of the plant support structure 400. The drip irrigation system 402, the reservoir 404, the elevated water tank 406, the water storage tank 408, the water treatment pond 410, and the collector 424 of the irrigation system may be installed as Figure 8 shown.

[0102] The applicant's co-pending International Patent Application No. PCT / AU2021 / 050509 (PCT 509) describes several embodiments of facades, buildings, plant support structures, plant support systems, freestanding pavilions / walls, and fences. PCT 509 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0103] In some embodiments, the plant support structures of the facades, buildings, plant support systems, freestanding pavilions / walls, and fences described in PCT 509 may be replaced by / use any one of the plant support structures 100, 200, and 300 described herein. For example:

[0104] ● The plant support structure 62 of the building 60 described in PCT 509 may be replaced by any one of the plant support structures 100, 200, and 300 described herein;

[0105] ● The plant support structures 107, 120, 121, 122, 130, 131, 132, 190, 200 described in PCT 509 may be any one of the plant support structures 100, 200, and 300 described herein;

[0106] ● The plant support structures (i.e., freestanding pavilions / walls) of the plant support devices 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 340 may be replaced by any one of the plant support structures 100, 200, and 300 described herein; and

[0107] ● The plant support structures of the plant support systems 270, 320, 390, 410, 420 described in PCT 509 can be replaced by any of the plant support structures 100, 200, and 300 described herein.

[0108] In some embodiments:

[0109] ● The elements 120, 220, 320 described herein can include the micro sunshades 192 of the element 191 described in PCT 509;

[0110] ● The plant support structures 100, 200, 300 described herein can include one or more of the pots 241 described for the plant support structure 240 in PCT 509; and

[0111] ● The plant support structures 100, 200, 300 described herein can include one or more of the nesting boxes 251 described for the plant support structure 250 in PCT 509.

[0112] The plant support structures and plant support systems disclosed herein can have a variety of applications, such as on building facades, retrofit building facades, free-standing pavilions / walls or buildings, fences inside or outside houses and other real estate infrastructure.

[0113] The installation and operation of the plant support structures and plant support systems disclosed herein can cool a building naturally, and thus reduce the cost of artificial cooling using air conditioners and fans. Therefore, these systems can reduce the operating costs of a building by reducing the building's heat load and reduce the need for artificial cooling. Well-ventilated plant support structures can cool naturally, further reducing the heat load from radiant and / or reflected ambient heat.

[0114] The plant support structures and systems disclosed herein also help reduce the heat island effect in crowded urban areas (with many buildings and concrete infrastructure). These systems can reduce the heat island effect by shielding the thermal mass of buildings with well-ventilated plant support structures that house various plants. The vegetation within the plant support structures provides a living barrier. This may further reduce the heat gain of buildings, building facades, and the surrounding built environment. The vegetation both shades and absorbs solar radiation and thermal energy, while the openings in the plant support structures allow light to pass through the plant support structure to the building behind the plant support structure.

[0115] In addition, the growing vegetation can absorb CO2 and other harmful gases from the environment. The plant support structures disclosed herein can have a large plant surface area in a substantially vertical direction. Thus, air purification can be achieved in a space-efficient manner.

[0116] The elements 120, 220, 320 disclosed herein can be made of different materials and manufactured using different manufacturing techniques.

[0117] The elements 120, 220, 320 can be made of a cementitious material, metal (such as aluminum, steel), or any other suitable material known in the art. The elements 120, 220, 320 can be manufactured using casting techniques, 3D printing techniques, or any other suitable manufacturing technique known in the art.

[0118] As an example, the elements 120, 220, 320 disclosed herein can be formed from lightweight cast concrete, carbon capture concrete, carbon capture cementitious materials, or other impermeable or substantially impermeable materials. Forming the elements 120, 220, 320 from carbon capture concrete and carbon capture cementitious materials can reduce the carbon footprint of the interconnected elements and pots.

[0119] In some embodiments, the elements 120, 220, 320 disclosed herein are made of fiber (such as fiber) reinforced concrete or reinforced concrete. Fiber reinforced concrete is concrete containing fiber materials. It contains short discrete fibers that are typically uniformly distributed and randomly oriented within the concrete. Carbon fiber reinforced concrete elements can withstand greater tension at strains greater than those at which normal non-reinforced concrete elements would begin to crack.

[0120] In some embodiments, the elements 120, 220, 320 can be manufactured from a cementitious material using 3D printing techniques. For example, referring to Figure 9 , the elements 120, 220, 320 can be 3D printed in a mold 50 using any suitable 3D printing technique, method, or equipment known in the art. The mold 50 can be filled with a support fluid / gel (not shown), and subsequently the elements 120, 220, 320 can be 3D printed in the support fluid / gel in the mold 50 (see Figure 10 ).

[0121] In one embodiment, the plant growth medium 124 can be 3D printed in the support fluid / gel in the mold 50 simultaneously with the elements 120, 220, 320 such that upon completion of the 3D printing process, the plant growth medium 124 is disposed within the internal voids 123, 223, 323 of the 3D printed elements 120, 220, 320. Figure 11 An example of a portion of the plant growth medium 124 that can be 3D printed using the method described above is shown.

[0122] In another embodiment, after the components 120, 220, 320 are 3D printed, the support fluid / gel can be removed / drained from the mold 50, leaving the 3D printed components 120, 220, 320 within the mold 50. Subsequently, the plant growth medium 124 can be introduced into the mold 50 such that the plant growth medium 124 is cast around the components 120, 220, 320 (see Figure 12 ). Thus, the resulting components 120, 220, 320 are encapsulated in the plant growth medium (see Figure 13 ).

[0123] In another embodiment, the components 120, 220, 320 can be formed from a gelling material using casting, 3D printing, or any other suitable manufacturing technique known in the art. The composition of the gelling material can include spores, seeds, and organic matter / minerals such that the final hollow grid structure of the components 120, 220, 320 has spores, seeds, and organic matter / minerals embedded therein. In this embodiment, the components 120, 220, 320 can be covered with a waterproof material to prevent water from reaching the spores, seeds, and organic matter / minerals embedded in the components 120, 220, 320. Before using the components 120, 220, 320 to construct the plant support structures 100, 200, 300, the waterproof material can be removed from the components 120, 220, 320. Then, the components 120, 220, 320 can be exposed to water (e.g., via rain or an irrigation system), and the water can flow into the components 120, 220, 320 and reach the spores, seeds, and organic matter / minerals embedded therein. In response to exposure to water, plants can begin to grow from the spores and / or seeds embedded in the components 120, 220, 320. Then, the growth of the resulting plants can be partially guided through the plant support structures 100, 200, 300 by the plant growth medium and / or porous material disposed in the plant support structures 100, 200, 300, as described above.

[0124] Although the components 120, 220, 320 have been described and shown as having a grid structure defining internal voids 123, 223, 323, in some embodiments, the components 120, 220, 320 can also include an internal grid structure (not shown) within the internal voids 123, 223, 323. The internal grid structure can define one or more internal voids (not shown) within the internal voids 123, 223, 323. The one or more internal voids can be interconnected with one or more internal voids of other components 120, 220, 320 in the structures 110, 210, 310 to define at least one interconnected internal void extending through the frames 110, 210, 310 in the corresponding interconnected voids 115, 215, 315.

[0125] Although elements 120, 220, 320 are described and shown as having a grid structure defining internal voids 123, 223, 323, in some embodiments, elements 120, 220, 320 may define multiple internal voids. In these embodiments, for each of elements 120, 220, 320, the multiple internal voids may be isolated from each other to define separate paths through elements 120, 220, 320, or may define multiple paths through elements 120, 220, 320 that intersect each other. Additionally, for such embodiments, each of the multiple internal voids of elements 120, 220, 320 may be interconnected with one or more of the multiple internal voids of adjacent elements 120, 220, 320 in frames 110, 210, 310, thereby defining multiple interconnected voids extending through these interconnected elements 120, 220, 320 and frames 110, 210, 310.

[0126] Although interconnect voids 115, 215, 315 are described and shown as being substantially vertical, in some embodiments, depending on the orientation of elements 120, 220, 320 in frames 110, 210, 310, interconnect voids 115, 215, 315 may extend in other orientations. For example, elements 120, 220, 320 may be interconnected to define interconnect voids 115, 215, 315 that extend substantially horizontally or at an angle between vertical and horizontal.

[0127] Any reference in this specification to any prior art does not represent an admission or implication that such prior art constitutes a part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction, nor that such prior art can be reasonably understood, regarded as relevant, and / or combined with other prior art by a person skilled in the art.

[0128] For the purposes of clarification and to avoid doubt, as used herein and unless the context otherwise requires, the term "comprise" and variations of the term such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised" are not intended to exclude additional additives, components, integers or steps.

[0129] It should be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or apparent in the text or drawings. All such different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. A plant support structure for accommodating plants, the plant support structure comprising: A frame including a plurality of elements interconnected with each other in a vertically extending arrangement, each element having a hollow grid structure defining an internal void, wherein the internal voids of each of the plurality of elements are interconnected and define at least one substantially vertical interconnected void extending through the plurality of elements and the frame.

2. The plant support structure according to claim 1, further comprising a permeable substrate disposed in the at least one interconnected void, wherein the permeable substrate is configured to direct water flow through the at least one interconnected void.

3. The plant support structure according to claim 2, wherein the permeable substrate is configured to support the growth of plants growing in and through the at least one interconnected void.

4. The plant support structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the permeable substrate is configured to at least partially direct the growth of plants growing in and through the at least one interconnected void.

5. The plant support structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the permeable substrate comprises a plant growth medium.

6. The plant support structure according to claim 5, wherein the plant growth medium comprises a porous bag or grid filled with a medium to support the growth of plants in and through the plant growth medium.

7. The plant support structure according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the permeable substrate comprises a porous material.

8. The plant support structure according to claim 7, wherein the porous material comprises a wicking material or a geotextile.

9. The plant support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame has a first layer and a second layer of interconnected elements, the first layer being horizontally spaced apart from the second layer.

10. The plant support structure according to claim 9, wherein: At least one channel is defined between the first layer and the second layer; and A plant growth medium is disposed in the at least one channel, and the plant growth medium disposed in the at least one channel is configured to direct water flow through the at least one channel.

11. The plant support structure according to claim 10, wherein the plant growth medium disposed in the at least one channel is configured to support the plant growth of plants growing in the at least one channel.

12. The plant support structure according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the plant growth medium disposed in the at least one channel comprises a porous bag or grid filled with a medium to support the plant growth in the at least one channel.

13. The plant support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame at least partially directs plants growing in the frame to grow in and through the at least one interconnected void and above and around the plurality of elements.

14. The plant support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plant support structure is an exterior facade of a building, a free-standing pavilion / wall or a fence.

15. The plant support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of elements are formed of a cementitious material.

16. The plant support structure according to claim 15, wherein the cementitious material is one of the following: lightweight cast concrete, carbon capture concrete, carbon capture cementitious material, reinforced concrete and fiber-reinforced concrete.

17. A plant support system for accommodating and maintaining plants, the plant support system Comprising: The plant support structure according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 16 when dependent on claim 2; and An irrigation system configured to deliver water to the permeable substrate.

18. The plant support system according to claim 17, further comprising a water treatment tank located near the bottom end of the plant support structure, wherein the water treatment tank is configured to receive and treat water generated by irrigation overflow passing through the frame of the plant support structure.

19. The plant support system according to claim 18, further comprising a water storage tank configured to receive treated water from the water treatment tank.

20. The plant support system according to claim 19, further comprising a water tank located at a height close to or higher than the height of the plant support structure, wherein the water tank receives water from the water storage tank and supplies the water to the irrigation system.

21. The plant support system according to claim 20, further comprising a power source and a pump for pumping water from the water storage tank to the water tank.

22. The plant support system according to claim 21, wherein the pump is powered by solar energy to pump the water to the water tank.

23. A method comprising fabricating or installing on-site the plant support structure according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 16 when dependent on claim 2, and providing plants to grow on the plant support structure, wherein plant growth is at least partially supported by the permeable substrate.

24. A method comprising fabricating or installing on-site the plant support system according to any one of claims 17 to 22, and providing plants to grow on the plant support structure, wherein plant growth is at least partially supported by the permeable substrate.

25. The method according to claim 23 or the method according to claim 24, wherein the plants are provided on the plant support structure by including seeds, spores, minerals or other organic materials that promote the growth of biological organisms in or on the permeable substrate.

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