PROJECT
El Cortez Hotel & Casino – Signature Artificial Green Wall Installation, Hospitality Interior Feature, Project: Boxwood Designed w/ Ruscus & Forest Flame Accents, Biophilic Design
What We Did
What:
Project design, foliage composition development, panel system detailing, materials coordination, and production of a custom artificial green wall solution for YESCO and the El Cortez Hotel & Casino.
Location:
Las Vegas, NV
Materials:
- Custom foliage composition: dense commercial‑grade boxwood with ruscus and “forest flame” accent foliage
- Modular panel system engineered for precise coverage and long‑term durability
- UV‑stable, commercial‑grade materials suited for high‑traffic hospitality interiors
Client
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YESCO, in partnership with El Cortez Hotel & Casino
Other Details
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INSTALL DATE: January 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Transforming Hospitality Spaces with a Custom Artificial Green Wall at El Cortez Hotel & Casino
When it comes to revitalizing hospitality environments, greenery isn’t just décor—it’s a competitive advantage. At the historic El Cortez Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas, we partnered with YESCO to create a signature artificial green wall installation that blends modern biophilic design with the demands of a 24/7 gaming environment. This custom-designed feature wall uses a dense boxwood base enhanced with ruscus and forest flame accents, delivering a lush, high‑impact visual statement without the maintenance burden of live plants. If you're searching for artificial green wall ideas, casino design inspiration, or low‑maintenance hospitality greenery solutions, this installation is a standout example of what’s possible.Why a Green Wall for Hospitality Design?
In hospitality—especially in competitive markets like Las Vegas—design isn’t just aesthetic, it’s strategic. Guests expect immersive, photo‑worthy spaces that enhance their experience. Artificial green walls offer major advantages:- They deliver instant biophilic impact without irrigation.
- They maintain consistent beauty year‑round.
- They reduce operational burdens in high‑traffic environments.
- They elevate visual identity and encourage social sharing.
But here’s the truth: building a commercial‑scale green wall in a 24/7 casino is no simple install. It requires planning, coordination, sourcing, and precise execution.
The Challenge Behind the Beauty
The El Cortez team—and our partners at YESCO—needed a green feature that would:- Stand out visually in a competitive hospitality design landscape.
- Hold up to constant traffic, cleaning, and artificial lighting.
- Avoid the unpredictability of live plants (die‑off, pests, irrigation issues).
- Integrate seamlessly with YESCO’s signage and existing architectural elements.
- Provide long-term durability, maintaining its “freshly installed” appearance for years.
Live plant walls were eliminated early. The space needed the look of live greenery—without the cost, weight, or ongoing upkeep. Artificial foliage was the clear solution, but only commercial‑grade materials could meet the casino’s performance demands.
Design Details That Make It Pop
For this installation, UPScapers engineered a foliage composition that feels lush, layered, and premium—avoiding the flat, repetitive look that often plagues lower‑quality artificial greenery. The design features:- Primary foliage: Dense, commercial-grade boxwood for a clean, uniform foundation.
- Accent foliage: Ruscus + “forest flame” elements strategically placed for organic variation and depth.
- Panelized system: Modular, precise, and engineered for seamless installation around signage and architectural details.
- Lighting & signage coordination: YESCO’s illuminated features shine cleanly across the greenery without visual interference.
The result is a wall that feels alive—rich with texture, movement, and dimension.
What to Know Before You Start a Commercial Green Wall Project
If you’re considering a green wall for a hotel, casino, or retail environment, here’s what matters most:- Choose commercial-grade materials designed for long-term performance.
- Plan early with signage teams to avoid conflicts with lighting, electrical, or mounting points.
- Use layered foliage to prevent repetitive patterns in high-visibility areas.
- Install panels after nearby construction to avoid dust contamination.
- Map sightlines so the feature looks exceptional from every guest approach.
The combination of boxwood, ruscus, and forest flame is particularly effective in hospitality settings because it blends modern minimalism with natural variation.
The Implementation: Precision Meets Collaboration
This installation succeeded because of tight coordination between UPScapers, YESCO, and the El Cortez design team. Project phases included:Discovery & Scope Definition
- Site review to map square footage and visibility points.
- Objectives set around brand alignment and long-term maintenance.
Design Development
- Concept exploration using boxwood + ruscus + forest flame.
- Adjusted density and layering to create a premium, non-repetitive look.
Engineering & Detailing
- Panel layouts refined to match wall dimensions and signage integration.
- Hardware planned for secure anchoring in a high-traffic indoor environment.
Fabrication & Logistics
- Custom panels sequenced for efficient, dust-free installation.
- Materials shipped and staged to align with YESCO’s installation schedule.
Installation Support
- UPScapers guided YESCO’s team through best practices for tight seams, hidden joints, and naturalistic blending.
Why It’s Worth It
Yes—commercial green walls require planning, thoughtful design, and precise execution. But the payoff is undeniable. At El Cortez, the installation delivers:- A signature feature that guests instantly notice.
- A highly Instagrammable backdrop that encourages social sharing.
- A consistent, high-quality appearance with virtually no maintenance.
- Strong brand alignment that bridges historic character with modern design.
Early feedback from El Cortez staff and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive—including increased photography, guest engagement, and operational appreciation.
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