Microclimatic performance of a novel living wall system

Purpose – The study aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of Living Wall Systems (LWSs) seasonal performance by addressing the following question: To what extent do Living Wall Systems (LWSs) influence microclimatic conditions in a temperate oceanic climate during summer and winter? To address these questions, this study addresses the microclimatic performance of Plant Pixel, a novel living wall system developed within the SOLOCLIM project. Plant Pixel is a prototype featuring 500 modules and plants constructed in Germany. Design/methodology/approach – This study assesses the microclimate performance of the Plant Pixel, an innovative LWSs. Plant Pixel is an optimized low-embodied carbon, cost-effective, simple-to-assemble and disassemble prototype. The research uses a Plant Pixel mock-up with 500 modules and plants. A long-term monitoring study was conducted from June 20, 2022, to January 1, 2023, in a temperate oceanic climate, comparing the Plant Pixel with a bare wall. Findings – Results indicate that the Plant Pixel achieved maximum temperature reductions of 5.5°C at 10 cm and 3.3°C at 40 cm from the LWSs, exceeding reported cooling values for conventional LWSs in temperate climates. While the LWSs exhibited limited impact on outdoor air temperature during winter, it significantly reduced wind speed, highlighting its potential for thermal moderation year-round. These findings highlight the role of modular LWSs in urban climate adaptation strategies, providing practical insights for policymakers, urban planners and architects. Originality/value – This study addresses the question: To what extent do LWSs influence microclimatic conditions in a temperate oceanic climate during summer and winter? This paper quantifies the Plant Pixel's (an innovative LWSs) microclimatic performance in a temperate oceanic climate by analyzing outdoor temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind velocity parameters. These results highlight the influence of vegetated surface treatments on local microclimates and support the integration of LWSs into urban heat mitigation efforts. Furthermore, this research helps urban planners, landscape architects and architects seeking to integrate LWSs to enhance the livability of urban spaces.