Biologically active moss blocks are turning buildings into vertical forests
In Rotterdam, a green-tech startup has begun manufacturing building bricks that do more than hold walls together. These blocks are biologically active — designed to grow moss naturally over their surface, turning buildings into vertical forests.
The outer layer of the brick contains micropores and mineral blends that encourage native moss growth while resisting harmful fungi. Once installed, the bricks soak up moisture from the air, activating the moss and triggering its natural filtration process.
Moss isn’t just decoration — it removes nitrogen dioxide, traps particulate matter, and absorbs CO₂. But it also cools. Tests show these bricks can reduce ambient wall temperature by 5–7°C in summer heat, especially in dense urban zones.
