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PROJECT
The Element Hotel, Salt Lake City, UT – Hospitality Greening Project: Multi-species Preserved Moss Blended Feature Wall
What We Did
What: Hospitality
Location: Entrance
Materials:
-Preserved Sheet Moss
-Preserved Reindeer Moss
-Preserved Sheet Moss
-Preserved Reindeer Moss
-Preserved Pillow Moss
Client
Other Details
- Install Date:
March 2023 - Temporary Event Feature Wall
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Transforming Hospitality Spaces with an 80 ft² Temporary Moss Feature Wall at Element Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT
When it comes to modern hospitality design, biophilic elements aren’t just décor—they’re a strategic upgrade. At the Element Hotel in Salt Lake City, we completed an 80 ft² temporary moss feature wall that delivers a calming, nature‑inspired statement while staying true to the brand’s clean, wellness‑oriented aesthetic. Designed in partnership with Sequel, this installation brings texture, color, and a sense of organic stillness to a contemporary hotel environment—without the challenges of live plant maintenance.Why Moss Feature Walls Are Redefining Hospitality Design
Today’s guests expect immersive, wellness‑aligned environments. But hotels often struggle with:- Limited daylight for sustaining live greenery
- No built‑in irrigation or drainage systems
- A need for features that are impactful yet operationally lightweight
- Temporary activations that must look premium, not improvised
This is why preserved moss walls have become one of the fastest‑rising trends in hospitality design. They offer:
- A lush, organic aesthetic
- Zero maintenance
- Lightweight, modular installation
- Photogenic texture ideal for social media and marketing
- Flexibility for temporary displays, seasonal activations, and brand events
Element Hotel needed a feature that could be installed cleanly, removed without damage, and look handcrafted and high‑end the entire time it was displayed.
The Challenge Behind the Beauty
Element Hotel and Sequel were looking for a specific solution:- A biophilic focal point in a controlled interior environment
- A temporary wall that installs safely and reversibly
- A premium look without permanent construction
- A design that aligns with Element’s modern, wellness‑driven brand identity
- A system that could be pre‑built offsite and installed with minimal guest disruption
And unlike typical decorative backdrops, this moss wall needed to pass “hotel quality” standards—durable, polished, and aligned with the property’s design language.
Design Details That Make This Moss Wall Stand Out
UpScapers designed the installation around Element’s clean lines, earthy palette, and emphasis on restorative guest experiences.Scale That Feels Intentional
- The 80 ft² footprint was chosen to feel like a true architectural feature—not a small accent panel.
- The wall reads as a cohesive biophilic art installation rather than temporary décor.
A Textural, Layered Moss Composition
To avoid the flat, uniform look seen in lower-quality moss walls, we blended multiple preserved moss varieties:- Sheet moss
- Reindeer moss
- Pillow moss
This created depth, movement, and a handcrafted feel visible from both close-up and wide-angle views.
A Calming, Brand‑Aligned Color Palette
Nuanced, natural green tones were selected to complement Element Hotel’s interior materials and lighting—bringing softness and serenity to a modern space.System Details: Premium, Temporary, and Surface‑Safe
Because the feature had to install and remove cleanly, UpScapers used:- Preserved moss (not live), eliminating the need for irrigation, grow lights, or maintenance
- Modular backing panels for clean installation and quick removal
- Mounting methods engineered for hospitality surfaces—protecting walls and finishes
- Fire‑consideration and safety checks appropriate for public interior spaces
This ensured the moss wall looked like a permanent feature but behaved like an activation.
Execution With Sequel & Element Hotel
Sequel and the hotel operations team needed predictability and clarity. UpScapers focused on:1. Precise Placement
Evaluating which wall location maximized visibility along:- Guest paths
- Lobby seating areas
- Photo‑friendly zones
- Marketing sightlines
2. Tight Install Windows
Crews arrived with pre‑fabricated panels and all hardware for a smooth, efficient installation that minimized disruption.3. Removal Planning From Day One
For temporary installations, removal matters as much as installation. UpScapers documented:- De‑install method
- Surface protection steps
- Destination of moss panels (reuse, storage, or future activation)
This made the entire project predictable for staff and design partners.
Results: A Temporary Feature With Long‑Lasting Impact
A Signature Biophilic Moment in the Hotel
The moss wall instantly transformed the environment:- A calming visual anchor for guests
- A photogenic backdrop for events and social content
- A brand‑aligned expression of modern, nature‑focused hospitality
Zero‑Maintenance Greenery
No watering, no lighting, no plant monitoring—just lasting visual impact throughout the activation period.Premium Quality, Temporary Flexibility
The wall installed and removed as cleanly as a temporary feature should, but looked every bit as polished as a permanent hospitality installation.A Repeatable Activation Model
Element Hotel and Sequel now have a proven template for:- Seasonal installations
- Opening events
- Brand campaigns
- Future hotel locations
This is temporary biophilia—elevated, operationally easy, and entirely on brand.
Why This Project Matters
The Element Hotel moss installation proves how a modest amount of square footage—when designed well—can dramatically shift a hospitality environment. This project shows that:- Biophilic design doesn’t require live plants
- Temporary features can be premium, not makeshift
- Preserved moss offers the texture and richness of natural greenery with none of the upkeep
- Thoughtful planning turns temporary installations into unforgettable guest experiences
It’s a reminder that in hospitality, the right feature wall doesn’t just decorate a space—it defines it.