Type: Exterior wall insulation plastering, renovation, commercial building
Green facade surface: 220 m²

Project description:
This project involves the transformation of a commercial building in the heart of The Hague, located at Spui, into a new facility for Leiden University. As part of the redevelopment, the building required both aesthetic improvement and functional upgrades to meet modern standards.

The existing facade previously featured an artificial green finish that lacked authenticity and ecological value. The ambition for this project was to replace this superficial appearance with a truly living and sustainable green solution that would better reflect the progressive and environmentally conscious identity of the new occupant.

Due to the urban setting, implementing ground based greenery was not a viable option. In addition, the facade required thermal upgrading through exterior insulation. These constraints led to the selection of bioreceptive moss concrete as the most effective and integrated solution. This innovative material supports natural moss growth while simultaneously functioning as part of the building’s insulated facade system.

By combining exterior wall insulation with a bioreceptive surface, the project achieves multiple objectives within a single intervention. The facade is not only thermally improved, contributing to energy efficiency and indoor comfort, but also transformed into a living surface that evolves over time. As moss begins to establish itself across the 220 square meters of facade, the building gradually develops a rich, natural texture that enhances its presence within the urban environment.

Beyond its visual impact, the green facade contributes to improved environmental performance. The moss layer helps capture fine dust particles, supports local biodiversity, and plays a role in regulating moisture and temperature at the building envelope. This makes the solution both functional and forward thinking, aligning with broader sustainability goals in urban development.

The result is a clear shift from artificial to authentic, from static to living. What was once a purely decorative surface has been reimagined as an active, ecological facade that continues to develop and improve over time. The building now stands as a strong example of how innovative materials and design strategies can turn urban limitations into opportunities for meaningful greening.