A Jungle in Concrete

Bioactive Vivarium came from a keen interest in the natural world, its functions, and how lfew green spaces are available in large cities.

This enclosed space was meant to accurately mimic the natural environment of a New Caledonia rainforest, including the native plants, leaf litter, mosses, a drainage layer and bugs such as isopods and springtails. It can even house a small companion, such as a frog or gecko, if one is so inclined.

Needing no more maintenance than an average house plant, this contained ecosystem will hopefully bring a little bit of the natural world into an apartment or house in the middle of the concrete jungle.

Building The Background

The background of the vivarium was put together on a backing of pink foam, allowing it to be removed in the future in case a change of scenery is in order.

Ghostwood, cork bark and plastic planters are set into expanding foam to provide texture and areas where live plants can be placed.

Look Natural

After the expanding foam has been cut and shaped, it is covered in a thin layer of silicone and then soil, followed by dried moss to create a more varied background and to retain humidity.

The foam background is then fit into an upturned, reclaimed aquarium. Acrylic panels with air holes and latches are then sealed into the front to keep water from the drainage layer from leaking.