facade systems
Green Facade
What are the benefits
A green facade is a building facade that is (partially) covered with plants, mosses, or other types of vegetation. There are different ways to create a green facade, from climbing plants that grow directly against the wall to specially designed systems where plants are placed in planters or modular structures.
The Most Important Benefits Of a Green Facade:
The Most Important Benefits Of a Green Facade:
Improves air quality
Reduces Urban Heat
Biodiversity
Aesthetic appeal
Improves
Air quality
Reduces
Urban Heat
Biodiversity
Aesthetic appeal
What Are Green Facades? (And Why Moss Walls Are Shaping the Future of Urban Architecture)
Green facades — also referred to as vegetated walls or living walls — are building systems where vegetation grows vertically on or along a building’s exterior. These systems combine aesthetic value with environmental performance and are increasingly integrated into urban infrastructure by municipalities, contractors, and design teams seeking sustainable, climate-responsive solutions.
Green Facades vs. Ground-Based Planting
Unlike traditional green strips or facade-adjacent plantings, green facades are structurally supported and allow vegetation to grow directly on or within the building envelope. There are two main system types:
Support-based systems: climbing plants grow upward via cables or mesh in front of the facade.
Integrated systems: pre-grown vegetation is embedded into panels or substrate modules mounted to the wall surface.
Moss Facades: A Next-Level Approach to Sustainable Building Envelopes
One of the most advanced and low-maintenance types of green facade is the moss wall. These systems use selected moss species—often native or cultivated regionally—grown on a base layer such as bioactive concrete or fabric-based structures.
Key Characteristics of Moss
Minimal maintenance: Moss requires no soil, fertilization, or irrigation under most conditions.
No root intrusion: Unlike vines, moss does not penetrate building materials or joints.
Air purification: Moss actively captures fine particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen oxides from urban air.
Consistent visual impact: The uniform texture and color of moss suit both modern and heritage architecture.
Green Facade Design Parameters
What is the cost per square meter?
Depending on type and scale, green facades range between €100–€1.000/m², with moss systems typically at the lower end due to reduced maintenance needs.What is the expected lifespan?
Most modular green walls last 15–25 years. Moss-based systems, due to fewer moving parts and less weight, often exceed that with routine inspection.Can this be retrofitted onto existing buildings?
Yes. Moss systems are particularly well-suited for retrofits due to their lightweight design and modular attachment methods.Are subsidies available?
In the Netherlands and other EU regions, climate adaptation incentives or biodiversity subsidies are often available through local authorities or environmental programs. The purchase of moss walls can, for example, be supported by the MIA/Vamil agreement established by RVO, resulting in a 14,25% nett subsidy on the investment made.
Integration into Building Design and Urban Planning
In practice, green facades support targets across multiple disciplines:
Thermal performance: Added insulation and reduced heat island effect.
Acoustic benefits: Natural dampening of urban noise.
Rainwater buffering: Reduced pressure on sewer infrastructure.
Regulatory support: Positive influence on BREEAM and LEED scores.
Technical Composition of a Moss Facade System
Base structure: Modular concrete panel with bioactive surface treatment or lightweight geotextile layer.
Moss species: Chosen for drought tolerance and self-regeneration under urban conditions.
Water strategy: Capillary systems or no irrigation at all in low-rain zones.
Fixation: Mechanical or adhesive-based, depending on substrate and panel type.
Case Studies and Applications
City of Amsterdam: Moss-covered technical enclosures (e.g., substations) to reduce visual and environmental impact.
Residential Development, Utrecht: Façade panels featuring moss concrete for added thermal mass and biodiversity value.
Urban Ring Road, Rotterdam: Noise-dampening moss walls installed along traffic corridors to improve air quality and visual appeal.
Function Meets Form
Green facades deliver more than visual greening — they become functional infrastructure. Moss-based systems provide measurable performance in terms of air quality, water buffering, and building protection. Their modularity, low maintenance, and clean aesthetic position them as an effective design solution in public infrastructure, mixed-use developments, and climate-conscious architecture.
For system specifications, datasheets, or BIM-ready modules, contact the technical design team or rquest the Architect's folder.
Urban Climbers: for the creation of beautiful vegetative facades
What Are Green Facades? (And Why Moss Walls Are Shaping the Future of Urban Architecture)
Green facades — also referred to as vegetated walls or living walls — are building systems where vegetation grows vertically on or along a building’s exterior. These systems combine aesthetic value with environmental performance and are increasingly integrated into urban infrastructure by municipalities, contractors, and design teams seeking sustainable, climate-responsive solutions.
Green Facades vs. Ground-Based Planting
Unlike traditional green strips or facade-adjacent plantings, green facades are structurally supported and allow vegetation to grow directly on or within the building envelope. There are two main system types:
Support-based systems: climbing plants grow upward via cables or mesh in front of the facade.
Integrated systems: pre-grown vegetation is embedded into panels or substrate modules mounted to the wall surface.
Moss Facades: A Next-Level Approach to Sustainable Building Envelopes
One of the most advanced and low-maintenance types of green facade is the moss wall. These systems use selected moss species—often native or cultivated regionally—grown on a base layer such as bioactive concrete or fabric-based structures.
Key Characteristics of Moss
Minimal maintenance: Moss requires no soil, fertilization, or irrigation under most conditions.
No root intrusion: Unlike vines, moss does not penetrate building materials or joints.
Air purification: Moss actively captures fine particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen oxides from urban air.
Consistent visual impact: The uniform texture and color of moss suit both modern and heritage architecture.
Green Facade Design Parameters
What is the cost per square meter?
Depending on type and scale, green facades range between €100–€1.000/m², with moss systems typically at the lower end due to reduced maintenance needs.What is the expected lifespan?
Most modular green walls last 15–25 years. Moss-based systems, due to fewer moving parts and less weight, often exceed that with routine inspection.Can this be retrofitted onto existing buildings?
Yes. Moss systems are particularly well-suited for retrofits due to their lightweight design and modular attachment methods.Are subsidies available?
In the Netherlands and other EU regions, climate adaptation incentives or biodiversity subsidies are often available through local authorities or environmental programs. The purchase of moss walls can, for example, be supported by the MIA/Vamil agreement established by RVO, resulting in a 14,25% nett subsidy on the investment made.
Integration into Building Design and Urban Planning
In practice, green facades support targets across multiple disciplines:
Thermal performance: Added insulation and reduced heat island effect.
Acoustic benefits: Natural dampening of urban noise.
Rainwater buffering: Reduced pressure on sewer infrastructure.
Regulatory support: Positive influence on BREEAM and LEED scores.
Technical Composition of a Moss Facade System
Base structure: Modular concrete panel with bioactive surface treatment or lightweight geotextile layer.
Moss species: Chosen for drought tolerance and self-regeneration under urban conditions.
Water strategy: Capillary systems or no irrigation at all in low-rain zones.
Fixation: Mechanical or adhesive-based, depending on substrate and panel type.
Case Studies and Applications
City of Amsterdam: Moss-covered technical enclosures (e.g., substations) to reduce visual and environmental impact.
Residential Development, Utrecht: Façade panels featuring moss concrete for added thermal mass and biodiversity value.
Urban Ring Road, Rotterdam: Noise-dampening moss walls installed along traffic corridors to improve air quality and visual appeal.
Function Meets Form
Green facades deliver more than visual greening — they become functional infrastructure. Moss-based systems provide measurable performance in terms of air quality, water buffering, and building protection. Their modularity, low maintenance, and clean aesthetic position them as an effective design solution in public infrastructure, mixed-use developments, and climate-conscious architecture.
For system specifications, datasheets, or BIM-ready modules, contact the technical design team or rquest the Architect's folder.
Urban Climbers: for the creation of beautiful vegetative facades
Why Choose a Green Facade System for Your Building?
Urban temperatures continue to rise each year, largely due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, which causes cities to retain more heat than surrounding rural areas. This persistent heat presents challenges for public health, building integrity, and urban infrastructure.
In response to these challenges, bioreceptive concrete offers a promising solution for retrofitting existing structures.
Development
VertiScape has been developed in alignment with future urban standards. It helps mitigate the UHI effect, manage excess rainwater, capture CO₂, and create new opportunities for biodiversity in urban settings. The system utilizes specially engineered bioreceptive concrete designed to support moss growth. This not only adds a natural visual element to built environments but also contributes to improved air quality and ecological diversity. By integrating VertiScape into urban architecture, cities can move towards more climate-resilient and sustainable environments. The system offers a practical intersection between aesthetic value and environmental performance.
Urban climbers: creating a beautiful vertical garden
Climbing plants play a crucial role in creating a green facade, a vertical green system where plants grow on or against building surfaces. These living walls are increasingly popular in both urban and residential projects because they combine aesthetic beauty with environmental benefits. For architects, developers, and property owners looking to enhance building performance and sustainability, understanding the value of climbing plants is essential.
Vertical Garden: urban solution for people and environment
Discover Mobilane’s modular system
Interested in a low-maintenance and sustainable vertical garden or green wall? Mobilane’s modular MobiPanel system offers a versatile solution with endless design possibilities. The corrosion-resistant omega profiles can be mounted both horizontally and vertically, making them suitable for any exterior wall configuration.
Smart system for green walls
The 40x40 cm plant cassettes and 20x20 cm pixel modules provide ample space for a wide variety of plants. Thanks to the built-in water buffer and capillary microfiber cloth, plants stay hydrated. An automated irrigation and drainage system ensures balanced water distribution and efficient usage.
Boost biodiversity with a vertical garden
A vertical garden not only improves air quality and insulation but also supports biodiversity. By integrating bee hotels or nesting boxes, you create a safe haven for pollinators such as bees. These accessories are available in different sizes and can be added seamlessly to any Mobilane outdoor product.
Request your quote today
Interested in a vertical garden or green wall for your project? Contact us for more information or request a free quote today.
See options
Precast Concrete Sandwich Panels
A wall panel constructed with an outer skin and a core of insulation material in between.
Precast Concrete Cavity Walls
Flexible and time-saving facades of quality to green the cities.
Precast Rigid Concrete Walls
Robust constructions for high construction speed with a solid, durable wall.
Lightweight (Insulated) Panels
Lightweight facade panels are an advanced facade solution for ease of instalation.
Noise Bariers
Utilise mosses for sustainable noise barrier design with low maintanence.
Precast Concrete Sandwich Panels
A wall panel constructed with an outer skin and a core of insulation material in between.
Precast Concrete Cavity Walls
Flexible and time-saving facades of quality to green the cities.
Precast Rigid Concrete Walls
Robust constructions for high construction speed with a solid, durable wall.
Lightweight (Insulated) Panels
Lightweight facade panels are an advanced facade solution for ease of instalation.
Noise Bariers
Utilise mosses for sustainable noise barrier design with low maintanence.
New building
Precast Concrete Sandwich Panels
A wall panel constructed with an outer skin and a core of insulation material in between.
New Building
Precast Concrete Cavity Walls
Flexible and time-saving facades of quality to green the cities.
New building
Precast Rigid Concrete Walls
Robust constructions for high construction speed with a solid, durable wall.
Renovation
Plaster Solution
Transition existing structures into a living construction with Repsyre's Plaster Solution.
Renovation | New Building
Lightweight (Insulated) Panels
Lightweight facade panels are an advanced facade solution for ease of instalation.
New building
Noise Bariers
Utilise mosses for sustainable noise barrier design with low maintanence.
New building
Precast Concrete Sandwich Panels
A wall panel constructed with an outer skin and a core of insulation material in between.
New Building
Precast Concrete Cavity Walls
Flexible and time-saving facades of quality to green the cities.
New building
Precast Rigid Concrete Walls
Robust constructions for high construction speed with a solid, durable wall.
Renovation
Plaster Solution
Transition existing structures into a living construction with Repsyre's Plaster Solution.
Renovation | New Building
Lightweight (Insulated) Panels
Lightweight facade panels are an advanced facade solution for ease of instalation.
