Understanding the Challenge
Urban green walls have become increasingly common but typically rely on vertical planting systems requiring significant maintenance and regular irrigation. We propose moss as a regionally appropriate and environmentally sound alternative that can be integrated into visual design strategies, avoiding automatic watering systems. Locally adapted bryophytes grow with intermittent water supply, gaining all nutrients and moisture from rainfall and air humidity. This reduces maintenance costs and facilitates assembly and disassembly of building units. The concept combines building quality with natural elements using drought-tolerant local organisms that eliminate irrigation requirements.
Moss-covered panels would improve thermal and acoustic insulation, dampening external noise. A mountable secondary ventilated skin would contribute to building value, regeneration of surrounding areas and improved place identity while supporting local biodiversity. Our aim, utilising interdisciplinary knowledge in Northumbria, is to explore the potential for moss-covered walls to address key environmental and design requirements of urban areas.
Our Approach
The project will address key evidence gaps in moss-covered building systems through a three-stage, desk-based and collaborative approach. First, an evidence-based literature review will examine existing technical approaches to moss-covered panels and their application within architecture and urban design. This review will identify current limitations in substrate selection and performance evaluation.
Second, the project will develop a substrate–species evaluation protocol to assess the feasibility of moss-covered panels. Using existing literature, case studies, and botanical databases, substrate characteristics (including pH, texture, porosity, water retention, and material composition) will be systematically evaluated and cross-referenced with locally available bryophyte species. The resulting framework will establish clear assessment criteria accounting for environmental exposure, building orientation, and species interactions, and will identify promising substrate–species combinations for future laboratory and field trials.
Finally, two networking workshops with academic and industry partners will scope competitive research council proposals. These will support consortium building, define research priorities and work packages, and position the team to submit large-scale funding applications for future projects.
Project Lead
Architecture and Built Environment
Email: cecilia.zecca@northumbria.ac.uk
Project Themes
