The use of bio-receptive concrete as a new typology of living wall systems

¹ Barlett School of Architecture, University College London, London, UK
² Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain

^a Corresponding author: s.blanco@ucl.ac.uk

Received: 26 May 2016
Accepted: 25 August 2016

Abstract

The constant increase in population and the urbanisation process are decreasing the ratio of surface of green areas per habitant in a high amount of European cities. Living wall systems and green roofs have been developed as a way of using the buildings’ envelope to provide a higher surface of green areas. Related to the vertical surfaces, the already developed systems present some drawbacks in terms of low integration between the structure and the living organisms, limitations in application and high costs related to their installation and maintenance. The aim of this paper is to provide a general overview of a new typology of living wall systems, a bio-receptive concrete, developed at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, which is still under research. The paper is covering the most relevant aspects of the concept, the research already finished and the current and future research. Scientific results obtained during the previous stage showed the potential of this development although further research needs still to be done.