Ogurchik: For a façade that really feeds, I’d start with a lightweight, porous mix—think equal parts perlite or pumice, coconut coir, and a good chunk of composted kitchen scraps. That keeps the walls breathing and the roots from drowning. If the building gets plenty of sun, add a bit more sand or grit so the water runs off and the leaves stay crisp. If it’s a shaded corner, drop a splash of worm castings for extra nutrients and keep the light at around 4–6 hours a day with a grow‑light if needed. Don’t forget a drip irrigation system; it’s the most reliable way to keep the roots happy without turning the whole wall into a swamp. And remember: patience is key—plants need their time to establish a root network before you start harvesting.

Ogurchik: Think of the pipes as the veins of the plant, not the skeleton. Hide them inside the insulation cavity or behind a decorative panel that looks like a stone or wood finish; it’ll blend in. Use a micro‑drip kit so the emitters are tiny and flush with the wall. Run a small reservoir at the top that feeds down by gravity—no pumps, no maintenance. Add a slow‑release fertilizer block in the reservoir; that’ll give the roots what they need for months. And, if you’re clever, use a rain‑water catchment system so the whole thing runs on the clouds instead of your faucet. That way you’ll be sipping coffee while the wall quietly grows.