Living Façades: Microbial Coatings for Sustainable Architecture

A team of researchers and companies, including Graz University of Technology, is developing a groundbreaking way to make building façades come alive. The project, called REMEDY (Archibiome tattoo for resistant, responsive, and resilient cities), combines microorganisms with printable coatings. These “living tattoos” aim to transform external walls from static surfaces into active, eco-friendly systems.

By adding carefully chosen microbial communities into printable ink, the project’s team wants to help buildings capture CO₂, filter air pollutants, repair small cracks, and resist environmental damage. This technology could revolutionise façades, making them sustainable, functional, and responsive to their environment.

A Sustainable Opportunity for Architects and Designers

The project has major potential for architects, interior designers, and landscape architects seeking innovative, sustainable materials. With 9.4 billion square metres of façades and roofs set for renovation or new construction in the European Union over the next 25 years, living façades with microbial coatings could make a big impact. These surfaces provide valuable benefits without taking up precious ground space, making them ideal for densely built cities.

Bio-Ink for Living Buildings

Dr. Carole Planchette from Graz University of Technology leads the bio-ink development. Unlike typical ink, this bio-ink needs to keep microorganisms alive. These organisms are larger than usual ink particles, creating challenges for traditional inkjet technology. The team works closely with Qres Technologies and TIGER Coatings to adapt printing systems for this new material. The goal is to apply the living ink quickly and precisely to various building surfaces, including concrete, wood, and metal.

Designing a Stable Building Microbiome

At the University of Ljubljana, microbiologist Dr. Nina Gunde-Cimerman and her team are identifying the best microorganisms for this project. They are building stable microbial communities that can thrive on façades, resist harmful microbes, and repair cracks. These microorganisms will also filter pollutants, capture carbon, and produce oxygen. By combining bacteria and fungi in a balanced system, the team aims to create a self-sustaining microbiome that benefits both buildings and the environment.

Towards a New Era of Living Materials

REMEDY bridges microbiology, synthetic biology, and materials science. The project aims to create engineered living materials (ELMs) that are scalable, sustainable, and customisable for architects and designers. Dr. Anna Sandak, project coordinator from InnoRenew Centre of Excellence, says this innovation could reshape the way we design and build our cities.

The Future of Living Architecture

If successful, living façades with microbial coatings could set a new standard for building materials. Living façades could become a key element in circular design strategies, helping cities become more sustainable and resilient. By turning buildings into active, self-sustaining ecosystems, this technology may pave the way for a greener future.

Source: Graz University of Technology
Image: Ana Gubenšek