محققان دانشگاه پلی‌تکنیک کاتالونیا در بارسلونای اسپانیا نوع جدیدی از بتن را ساختند که آب باران رو درون بافت لایه‌ای از خود جمع می‌کنه تا محیطی مناسب برای رشد خزه، گلسنگ و ... ایجاد کنه. به این ترتیب می‌شه از این نوع بتن برای ایجاد نمای سبز بدون هیچ‌گونه سازه مجزا و سیستم آب‌رسانی پیچیده، استفاده کرد. بر اساس ادعای محققان این نوع بتن توان اون رو داره که کربن‌دی‌اکسید هوا رو جذب کرده و باعث تنظیم میزان عناصر تشکیل‌دهنده‌ی هوا بشه یعنی از لحاظ زیست محیطی هم این بتن به صرفه است.

    Researchers develop biological concrete

    Scientists at a Spanish university are developing a new type of concrete that captures rainwater to create living walls of moss and fungi.

    Unlike existing vertical garden systems which require complex supporting structures, the new "biological concrete" supports the growth of organisms on its own surface, according to researchers from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunyain Barcelona.

    Researchers develop biological concrete

    Top image: simulation of a vegetated facade at the Aeronautical Cultural Centre in El Prat de Llobregat

    Above: simulation of a vegetated facade at the Ako-Suites Aparthotel in Barcelona


    A waterproof layer separates the organisms from the inner structural part of the concrete, while an outer layer acts in reverse, allowing rainwater in and preventing it from escaping.

    Researchers develop biological concrete

    Above: lichens on a rock

    The concrete also absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and acts as an insulating material and a thermal regulator, say the researchers, who are currently in the process of patenting the material.

    The next step is to accelerate the process so that the mossy surface develops in under a year, they add.

    We've featured lots of buildings with living walls, including a mossy office building in Amiens, France, and a São Paulo furniture showroom covered with plant-filled vases – see all our stories about green walls.

    We've also featured a number of projects using algae, such as a conceptual skyscraper that would make energy from algae and a concept car that would also use the organism to make fuel – see all our stories about algae.

    Images are courtesy of UPC.

    Here's some more information from the researchers:







    Three layers of material




    CO2 reduction




    Architectural renovation



    Patent and commercialisation

