MossDule: Development of an optimised, moss-based bio-tech-filter facade technology

The MossDule project is concerned with the development of a moss-based BioTech filter facade technology. The MossDule will be used to vertically implement moss in urban areas on a large scale and to improve microclimate and air quality in the adjacent area. The goal here is to prepare a product development that revolutionizes the market of green facades and contributes to the reduction of high air pollution in urban areas. For this reason, this project is a possible product (green facade made of moss) as well as a service offered (air filtration/improvement of microclimate). With the MossDule, an optimized BioTech filter technology is to be integrated into the facade. In this way, a new type of "smart" (Internet-of-Things-controlled) urban greening could be established, which would have positive effects both on the climate balance of the buildings and on the immediate surroundings. This would differ significantly from conventional systems in terms of functionality and effectiveness. The technology is found at the interface between nature and technology: Specially cultivated moss cultures filter substances that are harmful to the climate and health from the air. Thus, fine dust can be separated from air flowing through. As a CO2-active green plant, moss absorbs CO2 and produces oxygen from it, ensuring a cooling effect in the immediate vicinity. Thus, moss greening on facades can effectively reduce the heating of building structures and reduce local heat islands. The MossDule is a moss-based facade greening system with high as well as active filtering performance. By integrating it into the facade, it is aimed at large-scale application. Thus, the positive effects in the urban space can be scaled. The system is to be designed in a modular fashion and meet all structural requirements (including fire protection, insulation, moisture protection) for facades. In the course of the development process, all framework conditions and interfaces to the building structure, building technology, anchoring systems and static requirements, etc. are taken into account and constructive, technical and design solutions are actively found. Thus, flexible reference can be made to individual facade requirements. In the project, the international consortium will carry out climatic chamber, wind tunnel and field tests, examine vegetation-technical parameters, microclimatic and filter performance as well as clarify questions regarding the optimization of the Moosträger substructure. Furthermore, vegetation-technical details for scalable façade planning and above mentioned framework conditions will be elaborated. Based on this, a scientifically sound impact analysis will be carried out using representative building structures in the inventory, which will allow real cost frame and benefit estimates. Subsequently, impact-based (alternative) financing and management instruments can be developed to support direct implementation on a broad scale.