MAGMA - a smart, 3D-printed green façade

Project

THE MAGMA GREEN WALL

Year

2026

Press Release

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.

The aim is practical: as cities face rising temperatures, more noise and heavier rainfall, façades can play an active role in making urban environments healthier and more climate resilient.

Equipped with sensors

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

Modular block structure

The façade is built from 3D printed modules. It combines the flexibility of 3D concrete printing with a modular system that can be adapted to different buildings and applications.

Adapted to its surroundings

Parametric design lets the geometry of each façade respond to local conditions such as sun, wind, noise and water, instead of applying the same solution to every building. It builds on ideas explored in our article on 3D printed façades and in the earlier bioreceptive wall project.

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 develops the material and the large-scale 3D printing process, drawing on its work in 3D concrete construction. Belgian partner Kreate 3D develops the parametric design software and the integrated sensor platform.

The project runs from February 2026 to February 2028.