MAGMA - a smart, 3D-printed green façade

THE URGENT NEED FOR CLIMATE ADAPTIVE SOLUTIONS

As cities face rising temperatures, increasing noise and heavier rainfall, building façades can play a more active role in creating healthier and more climate-resilient urban environments.

MAGMA is developing a climate-adaptive, modular 3D-printed green façade that combines vegetation, digital fabrication and integrated sensors. Each façade can be parametrically designed to respond to the specific conditions of a building and its surroundings.

EQUIPPED WITH SENSORS

Temperature, humidity, UV, sound and air-quality sensors are integrated into the modules during production, allowing the performance of the façade to be monitored over time.

MODULAR BLOCK STRUCTURE

The façade is built from 3D-printed modules, combining the flexibility of digital fabrication with a modular system that can be adapted to different buildings and applications.

ADAPTED TO ITS SURROUNDINGS

Parametric design allows the geometry of the façade to respond to local conditions such as sun, wind, noise and water, rather than applying the same solution to every building.

From Prototype to Real-World Façades

By the end of the project, MAGMA aims to demonstrate two pilot façades in Flanders and the South Netherlands. Their performance will be monitored for at least six months to evaluate reductions in heat and noise, as well as improvements in water buffering and air quality.

Cross-Border Collaboration

MAGMA brings together expertise in large-scale 3D concrete printing, material development, computational design and sensor technology.

Vertico is responsible for the development of the material and large-scale 3D printing process, while Belgian partner Kreate 3D develops the parametric design software and integrated sensor platform.

The project runs from February 2026 to February 2028.