Concrete Modular Geometric Wall Planters

These concrete modular planters are inspired by 3 of my
favorite things: geometric modular designs, concrete as a creative material, and the tapestry of living walls.

I created this for my blog a couple of weeks ago, and I can't wait to share it here! Our

amazing instructables community is where my diy roller coaster got started after all! =)

Here's the free template for these concrete planters we will be making!

Step 1: Geometry and Tessellation

I just have to include the best explanation of 'tessellation' for you guys - image credit lefthandedtoons.com Isn't it unbelievably cute??

Here each planter module is created from the shape of an equilateral
triangle, the magical geometry which allows a group of modules endless possibilities of forming new shapes and patterns.

Step 2: Materials (cement Vs Concrete) & Molds

Materials & tools:

• pourable concrete mix, such as Quikrete 3000lb (used here) or 5000lb.
• cardboard or thick card stock for making the moldstemplate for the molds, formatted for 8.5″x11″ – download template pdf above (Hope I'm uploading it right. If not, let me know!)
• plastic containers to mix concrete, plastic bags for curing concrete
• box cutter or scissors, glue and tape for the molds
• gloves, dust mask

Print and cut out the template - Download it here.

Trace onto cardboard, and cut out the inner and outer molds. The template for the outer mold on page 2 is larger than 8.5″x11″, so rotate it when you trace to complete the shape. Score, fold and tape each mold with scotch tape or masking tape. Fold 3/8″ wide strips of cardboard into triangular shapes and glue them to the inside bottom of the outer molds. These will function as drain holes and openings for hanging later.

Because these planters have thin walls, I decided to screen those bigger chunks of aggregates out of the Quikrete 3000lb mix- a plastic nursery pot works great - and leave some small aggregates for strength. The aggregates give important structures that hold the cement together in concrete.

There's a lot of confusion when people talk about cement vs concrete. It's important to understand the difference which will influence how we work with each material. "Cement is to concrete as flour is to a cake." This link here explains very nicely the difference between cement and concrete - http://www.jdm-inc.com/concrete-vs-cement.php

Mix the concrete following the proportions recommended on the bag, using the screened concrete as if it is the original mix. Wear dust mask and gloves when working with concrete.

Step 3: Make Planters

Pour the mix into the outer mold till it’s level with the triangular
pieces, then place the inner mold inside, making sure it is centered. Pour the walls using a Popsicle stick to help pushing the mixture down.

Step 4: Let the Concrete Cure! (very Important)

Let the planters stay in the molds and cure for at least 3 days by
misting them daily and wrapping them in plastic bags. This is a very important step to ensure that the concrete hardens as much as possible so they don’t chip or break. The more moisture you can keep in the plastic bag the better.

Step 5: Decorate

After day 3, take the planters out of the molds. Since concrete is
very alkaline and that can be a set back for plant growth, soak them in a tub of water for a day and let dry. I decided to paint the edges with gold acrylic paint for an added sense of mystery.

Step 6: Planting and Maintenance

Now we are ready to plant. Succulents are great because they are easy
to care for. Give the plants a couple of weeks to form roots that hold the soil in, and now we can hang or stack these planters to create our own mini vertical gardens!

To create a pattern on the wall, use the template to mark where the 3 openings on the bottom of each planter are, and use 1 or 2 nail / screw for each planter depending on the pattern you want to create. A few tips on maintenance: each week take these planters out and water them thoroughly, let them get some sun and fresh air. The best way is to make twice as many and rotate them so they get to spend half the time outdoors or by a sunny window.

Hope you have fun with it and create your own gorgeous living tapestry!

Comments

[doodlecraft]

I love these! I need a bag of concrete stat! And I love the addition of the
tessellation cartoon! haha, so true!

[blissful2015]

thank you natalie! i giggle every time i pass a subway because of that cartoon =)

[ManoelG3]

I came to this page for the planter, and spent half-an-hour browsing the left-handed cartoon site. Now, back to concrete.

[Finster101]

Neat design. Just wondering would it be easier to make if it was cast upside down. Meaning the open end facing down. I think this would eliminate the need for the little spacer bits. I could do a quick drawing if need be. Just thinking out-loud since I haven't made any either way.

[kag432]

The spacer bits also provide mounting holes so you would need them there anyway.

[blissful2015]

yes, and drainage for plant health =)

[blissful2015]

thank you finster ! that definitely will work. what i noticed is that whichever side face down is a lot smoother, so if you want these planters to be tight against a wall, the bottom being smooth and straight might be a priority. =)

[JanPieterman]

Very nice design, thanks for sharing.

[blissful2015]

thank you so much jan! =)

[kebmoore]

Nice design and excellent execution. I might try this with and add squares with sides the same length. The combination of equilateral triangles and squares produce some interesting tiling patterns.

[blissful2015]

oh such a fantastic idea keb! thank you! now we can shift to 4th dimension =)

[shazni]

This looks fantastic! Going to my ever growing must do list ;-)

[blissful2015]

thank you shazni! i know how that to-do list can grow! =)

[Tarun Upadhyaya]

Your ideas are always beyond normal imagination my friend :). I am very pleased to see you back in action.

[blissful2015]

hi tarun! i missed you all! finally caught up with some sleep and so nice to be back =)

congrats on your own contest!! so awesome!! i see some great entry there already =)

[Danger is my middle name]

These are so pretty! I love the gold edges!

[blissful2015]

thank you danger! i LOVE your middle name!

[pachytrance]

This will be my mom's gift

[pachytrance]

This will be my mom's gift

[craftthefuture]

When you planted into these planters, did you line the bottom so the moisture from the plant doesn't damage the walls? I want to make something like this for Christmas gifts but it has be t damage proof.