Organics & 3D Printing: Make Your Own Window Hanging Garden, Perfect for Small Spaces

We love seeing the streamlined simplicity in designs such as this 3D printed Window Hanging Garden. Everyone needs a few houseplants to nurture–and talk to–and what better way to have the full experience than by growing some foliage in a beautiful container you 3D printed yourself? With the ability to admire your handiwork as well as the growing greenery, you’ve created a win-win with a little help from mother nature.

From the spider plant to the philodendron, house plants have been shown to reduce stress and improve health overall. Not only can you spruce up and add vivid color and accent to your home that never goes out of style, house plants increase oxygen levels while decreasing toxins in the air. It’s also a great way to enjoy nature, despite the season. If it’s too hot to get outside, your plant will still survive inside–and when there’s snow on the ground, that’s the perfect time to enjoy the juxtaposition of the warm look of a green plant against the window glass while the outdoors are blanketed in white.

Plants are also supposed to add energy and inspiration to a work environment, so all the more reason to get started on this great weekend 3D printing project after taking advantage of the free download available here.

Nick, a Senior Industrial Design Student at Philadelphia University, was motivated to create the design for the Window Hanging Garden during his junior year. Motivated to make a container for a small plant to live in a small space, the designer says that at 7.5 x 4 x 2.5 inches, it is indeed a great addition to any dorm room, small apartment, or even a table.

Drains are built into the design, which can be fabricated on any 3D printer. Supports are required because it has a complex geometric design. Infill at a minimum of 25 percent is required as well. Suction cups should be standard size, with the metal hooks removed. (You can also use 3M adhesive strips in place of suction cups.)

Once you’ve finished the 3D printed portion of the project, your next challenge is in making sure the suctions cups are firmly attached (a good trick to is moisten them slightly before adhering to the chosen surface) and most importantly, enjoying your new plant and fresh air. Even if you don’t consider yourself to have a green thumb, caring for a plant of this size is a great place to start for any age level, along with the accompanying 3D printing job.