This materials research project from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia in Barcelona describes an experiment that explores the bio-receptivity of ceramics, taking advantage of the porosity of the material that allows it to retain water and using natural fibers as complement elements that benefit other properties. Botanical species like moss have the capacity to grow on particular surfaces with high concentration of moisture and acceptable levels of acidity.

Ceramics, like roof tiles, become suitable places for the reproduction of these organisms, enhancing the material performance in terms of thermal and acoustic parameters – and furthermore photosynthetic organisms also improve air quality and alleviate urban heat island effects.

Read project feature in 4th Holcim Awards 2014/2015 (flip-book)

Iker Luna from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia researches how plants including mosses are able to live in ceramics. “Bio Ceramic: Moss-grafted clay tiles for green roofs, Barcelona, Spain” was commended by the jury for the research project’s investigation into the material properties of “bio-ceramics”.

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The winning projects of the Holcim Awards 2014 for Europe illustrate how sustainable construction continues to evolve – developing more sophisticated and multi-disciplinary responses to the challenges facing the building and construction industry. An ecological reserve and remediation project in Southern Italy, a low-cost flexible university building in Paris, and a participatory urban neighborhood in Vienna won gold, silver and bronze.

The jury commends the research objectives of the experiment – an investigation into the material properties of “bio-ceramics”. Particularly promising is the improved characteristics of mineral matter when combined with an organic substance. The investigation offers the grounds for a potentially new understanding of materials in construction, combining natural and fabricated elements.

This materials research project from Barcelona, Spain describes an experiment that explores the bio-receptivity of ceramics, taking advantage of the porosity of the material that allows it to retain water and using natural fibers as complement elements that benefit other properties. Botanical species like moss have the capacity to grow on particular surfaces with high concentration of moisture and acceptable levels of acidity. Ceramics, like roof tiles, become suitable places for the reproduction of these organisms, enhancing the material performance in terms of thermal and acoustic parameters – and furthermore photosynthetic organisms also improve air quality and alleviate urban heat island effects.