This materials research project from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia in Barcelona describes an experiment that explores the bio-receptivity of ceramics, taking advantage of the porosity of the material that allows it to retain water and using natural fibers as complement elements that benefit other properties. Botanical species like moss have the capacity to grow on particular surfaces with high concentration of moisture and acceptable levels of acidity.

Ceramics, like roof tiles, become suitable places for the reproduction of these organisms, enhancing the material performance in terms of thermal and acoustic parameters – and furthermore photosynthetic organisms also improve air quality and alleviate urban heat island effects.