Green|House Short North is a residential community where wellbeing, nature, and modern living coexist in the heart of Downtown Columbus. The vision was to create an immersive, plant-forward environment that connected residents and guests to the restorative power of nature. Working alongside a longtime development partner, Oakland Green Interiors designed and installed a layered biophilic experience throughout the property, integrating live plants, replica botanicals, preserved moss, and natural materials across all key areas.
A Building Rooted in Nature
The project required balancing lush, immersive plant design with the practical needs of a high-traffic residential environment. Key challenges included:
- Creating a strong biophilic identity throughout the building
- Managing long-term maintenance expectations
- Designing for a wide range of lighting conditions and shared spaces
- Incorporating large-scale natural moments not feasible with live plants alone
The goal was to create spaces that felt cohesive, elevated, and deeply connected to nature, without sacrificing any functionality.
Layering Live + Replica Plant Solutions
Oakland Green Interiors blended both live and replica plant solutions that maximized visual impact, while supporting long-term durability and maintenance efficiency. Throughout the building, natural textures, abundant daylight, and greenery work together to create a cohesive biophilic experience.
Highlights of the installation included:
- A faux floral entry feature framing the leasing office entrance
- A 12-foot replica black olive tree anchoring the residential lobby
- Layered plant groupings in natural materials: terracotta, stone, rattan, wood, and ceramic planters
- A street-facing window display of replica plants and moss
- Live plant installations in naturally-lit corridors with sub-irrigation systems
- Preserved moss bowls incorporated into dim meditation and retreat spaces
The Outcome
Green|House Short North made biophilic design into the defining experience of the property itself. Plants and natural materials are integrated throughout nearly every shared space, creating an environment that feels calm, immersive, and connected to nature despite its urban setting. The result is a residential experience that offers residents moments of refuge, visual interest, and restoration throughout the entire building.
