Researchers Unveil a Green Brick Facade with a Cooling Effect

(CONNECT) The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), in collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and companies in the construction industry, has developed the GreenBrick green facade system. According to a press release, the research project—supported by Innosuisse, the Swiss Agency for Innovation Promotion—combines clay bricks with mosses and drought-tolerant plants such as ferns and cranesbill.

GreenBrick operates on the principle of evaporative cooling. Simulations and field tests show a cooling effect of up to 4 degrees Celsius in the immediate vicinity of the building. "The effect is particularly noticeable in densely built-up urban areas with little wind," said building services engineering expert Markus Koschenz of HSLU.

At 1.3 liters of water per square meter per day, the system requires less water than existing greening solutions and should preferably be irrigated with rainwater in a closed-loop system. GreenBrick is also intended to promote biodiversity and improve noise protection.

Thanks to its modular design, individual components can be replaced, dismantled, or reused. The facade system is suitable for both new construction and retrofitting existing buildings, and can be combined with other curtain wall systems, such as solar panels. “Our goal was to create a resource-efficient green facade that makes a tangible contribution to quality of life, especially in the city,” says materials designer Cornelia Gassler of HSLU.

In addition to the ZHAW, GreenBrick’s project partners include Skygardens AG (Fislisbach AG), Lüchinger Meyer Partner AG (Zurich), Waldhauser+Hermann AG (Münchenstein BL), Wagner System AG (Willisau, LU), and Zürcher Ziegeleien AG (Regensdorf, ZH). ce/as