
The Portola’s location—steps from the bay, historic adobes, and working waterfront—has long invited a thoughtful approach to hospitality: one that prioritizes comfort, wellness, and a connection to place. Landscape and planting elements throughout the property are intended not as decoration, but as living systems that enhance the guest experience, improve microclimates, and reflect the ecology of the region.






Before & After | 783 plants, 9 species, 155 sq ft | Biophilic Hotel Design | Vertical Garden Monterey Bay
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AfterMonterey’s coastal environment is defined by marine air, filtered light, and a mild, temperate climate that supports a rich botanical palette. The hotel’s design embraces these conditions, creating spaces that feel grounded in their surroundings rather than separate from them. Courtyards, transitional spaces, and natural materials play a key role in softening the boundary between built form and nature.
Our services support commercial, hospitality, and high-end residential projects where architectural systems demand precision and foresight.
• Architectural panel systems (metal, MDF, specialty finishes)
• Living walls, vertical gardens, and biophilic installations
• Custom wall assemblies and integrated features
• Curved, faceted, and non-orthogonal geometries
• Material coordination across multiple vendors
• Installation sequencing and tolerance management
• Site-specific problem solving and execution oversight

Our approach differs from conventional general contracting. We engage early with architects and designers to understand the vision, evaluate assemblies, and anticipate installation challenges before they appear on site.
This reduces friction during construction, minimizes change orders, and protects the integrity of the design through completion.
Elevation regularly supports projects utilizing engineered architectural panel systems and specialty materials. By coordinating fabrication requirements, delivery logistics, and installation sequencing, we help ensure these systems perform as intended in real-world conditions—especially in projects involving complex geometry or long continuous runs.
This level of coordination is essential when working with advanced panel systems, custom finishes, and integrated architectural features.
• Commercial and workplace environments
• Hospitality and destination spaces
• Cultural and civic projects
• Design-driven residential applications
We collaborate closely with architects, designers, and material partners throughout the United States, supporting projects where execution quality is non-negotiable.
Here are answers to common questions we receive from architects, designers, and builders about living walls and vertical gardens.
Absolutely. Our living wall systems are designed for the coastal climate in Corona del Mar, with materials and plant selections that resist salt air and thrive year-round.
Depending on what system you deploy there will be different maintenance requirements. However, you can expect plants to grow and in so doing they will need trimming accordingly. It is important to keep a close eye on the soil. Too much or too little water will create challenges to the plants. Soil is the leading indicator of a health.
There are a lot of variables to consider be it indoor or outdoor, edible or ornamental plants. Generally speaking installed system cost approximately $130 - $250 per square foot depending on the quality of the system and the company you work with.
Wow. There are innumerable benefits, but here are just a few of our favorites:
Improved Air Quality- Living walls can filter pollutants and toxins from the air, improving indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
Thermal Insulation- Green walls act as natural insulators, helping to regulate indoor temperatures. This can reduce heating and cooling costs by providing an extra layer of insulation.
Noise Reduction- The plants and their growing medium can help absorb and deflect sound, making living walls effective at reducing noise pollution in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Enhanced Aesthetics- Living walls provide a visually appealing and dynamic element to any space. They can transform dull walls into vibrant, living art pieces, enhancing the overall design and ambiance.
Biophilic Design Benefits- Incorporating living walls into spaces aligns with biophilic design principles, which emphasize the human connection to nature. This can improve occupants' well-being, reducing stress and increasing productivity.
Increased Property Value- A well-maintained living wall can enhance the appeal and value of a property. It's a unique selling point that differentiates a property from others in the market.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Support- Living walls can support local biodiversity by providing habitats for insects and birds, contributing to the ecological health of urban environments.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact- By integrating plants into urban settings, living walls contribute to sustainable building practices, reducing the overall carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship.
Brand Image and Corporate Responsibility- For businesses, living walls can enhance corporate image by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This can resonate positively with clients, customers, and employees.
Health and Wellness- Exposure to plants and greenery has been shown to improve mental health and well-being. Living walls can create a more pleasant and healthier environment for occupants.
We have walls that have been installed and thriving for over 8 years with no plant swaps or substitutions. With proper care and feeding a vertical garden will last as long as a traditional garden plant. Dr Craig Kolodge taught me that the old decaying roots (also called root fluff) become the new soil by which the plants feed in a carbon exchange for sugar.
A basic residential wall, ranging in size from 40-80 SQF should take 3-5 days. Our typical residential installs take 1-2 days for the hardware and 1-2 days of planting, which are typically conducted offsite. Indoor walls typically take longer.
There are a lot of DIY resources available including kits that we sell. Youtube and Pinterest are good resources for such, but it is important to get an engineered system that will allow the plants to mimic a natural environment that would include good soil health, proper irrigation, drainage, circulation and consideration for exposure to the sun.
Similar to a salt water fish tank, living walls are remarkable and require proper care and feeding to stay remarkable.
Our system is offset from the wall substrate so there is proper air-flow and no direct contact with the wall. When considering a vertical garden it is important to find a system that will not introduce mold or regular moisture to the wall surface.
Our system is offset from the wall substrate so there is proper air-flow and no direct contact with the wall. When considering a vertical garden it is important to find a system that will not introduce mold or regular moisture to the wall surface.
We water our greenwalls 2-3 min every other day in summer and we adjust down seasonally as needed. Every location is unique and will require adjustments accordingly. Our system is engineered for sustainability and requires less water than most, and each tray is watered individually as opposed to needing water to cascade from above.


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