SPCS Talks vol.8 | Walls that Breathe With Respyre

2023 was the earth’s hottest year in recorded history. With the urban heat island effect raising temperatures in cities especially, more cities are looking to mitigate rising temperatures with green or blue infrastructure. Respyre – a Dutch startup is proposing that moss and concrete could be the answer.

Moss can absorb up to 20 times their weight in water. Photo credit: Respyre

Moss is often associated with age and neglect – abandoned buildings covered in green are often colonized first by the rootless plant precisely because of its ability to thrive with minimal input. Mosses have adapted to a multitude of climates, from snowy tundras to hot deserts. This resilience also makes it a great choice as low-maintenance greenery.

As part of the environment, the moisture they retain can help cool down the surfaces they live on. In addition, they also act as air purifiers by catching particulate matter. Levels of fine particulates in urban areas can often be three times higher than the WHO recommended maximum values and moss is even starting to be used as a way to purify areas in some European cities.

Enter Respyre – birthed out of research into how moisture in walls could reduce the urban heat island effect, Respyre found that moss was a great solution and developed bio-receptive concrete that is made from 70% recycled material as a substrate for moss to grow directly on vertical surfaces.

Similar to old concrete structures, the new material is intentionally designed to be more porous and suitable for growing moss. Respyre’s bio-receptive concrete is not load-bearing but is suitable for cladding and or objects, allowing the vertical growth of greenery without the addition of containers for soil.

Come hear from CEO and co-founder Auke Bleij as he shares Respyre’s journey to tackle urban environmental and health issues by utilizing moss in cities across the globe.

Respyre’s concrete is specifically designed to be encourage moss growth. Photo credit: Respyre

• Individuals and designers with an interest in biophilic design, exploring bio-based solutions.
• Landscapers, product designers, interior designers interested in adopting and experimenting with new sustainable materials. 
• Civil servants, architects and developers involved in urban planning and interested in green infrastructure.
• Professionals from companies actively engaged in circular design and nature-positive approaches.

• This program will be conducted in English. (There are plans to provide either real-time interpretation or display automatic translation text, but please note that not all talks may be covered.)
• We reserve the right to change this program with no prior notice.