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Sustainability

Green facade: what it is and how it contributes to more sustainable spaces

Incorporating a green facade into the project is a way to reduce projects impacts and create more welcoming projects.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Jun 12, 2025, 4:30 PM

10 min de leitura
Green facade: what it is and how it contributes to more sustainable spaces
When architecture meets landscaping, the result is always transformative. The green façade is an example of this fusion, combining aesthetics, sustainability, and well-being. Whether in residences, commercial buildings, or cultural spaces, it is capable of bringing nature closer and transforming the relationship between construction and projects.
In Piauí, a house with a concrete facade and wooden brises seems to float. Design by Vangii Guerra. In the photo, the facade of the concrete house and wooden slats.

Projeto de Vangii Guerra. (Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

In addition to serving as a visually striking feature, the green façade functions as an ecological solution that values the conscious use of materials and the presence of green in urban centers. Learn more about this system and get inspired to incorporate it into your project!

What is a green façade?


A green façade is a system that uses live vegetation to cover the exterior of a building. Through lattices, vertical supports, pots, or panels, the plants are arranged to partially or totally cover a wall, creating a natural and dynamic visual effect.
Sustainable tiny house is located at 1500 m altitude in the mountainous region of SP. Project by Ricardo Delgallo. In the photo, facade of the house amid the mountains.

Projeto de Ricardo Delgallo. (Thiago Farias/CASACOR)

There are different methods of installation and selection of species, which vary according to the climate, solar orientation, type of construction, and project goals. The important thing is that the green façade goes beyond aesthetics: it promotes thermal, acoustic, and project balance.

Benefits of a green façade


Next, see how the green façade can contribute to the comfort and sustainability of built spaces.

Reduction of internal temperature


The presence of plants acts as a natural thermal insulator. Green façades help reduce heat absorption by the walls, keeping the temperature more pleasant inside the construction and reducing the use of air conditioning.

Acoustic insulation


The layers of vegetation and the supports of the façade act as acoustic barriers, decreasing the entry of external noise. This benefit is especially valued in urban areas, where noise pollution is more intense.
Landscaping embraces the corner house and creates privacy for the interiors. Project by Flávia D'Urso.

Projeto de Flávia D'Urso. (Fávaro Jr/Divulgação)

Air Quality


The vegetation contributes to the purification of the air, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. In addition, the plants capture suspended particles, such as dust and pollutants, contributing to a healthier environment.

Aesthetic Valuation


Visually striking, the green façade gives identity to the project. It transforms buildings into living elements of the urban landscape and contributes to the valorization of property, as it adds sophistication, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Green Curtain House; landscaping; Vietnam; nature; vertical garden; hanging garden; bricks

(Duc Nguyen/CASACOR)

Rainwater Retention


With the use of appropriate systems, it is possible to capture and filter rainwater for irrigation, reducing the consumption of potable water and promoting sustainable drainage.

Green IPTU Discount

In some Brazilian cities, properties with sustainable initiatives can benefit from the so-called Green IPTU. The program offers discounts on the tax value for constructions that adopt proven ecological practices, including green façades.

Brise Residence by Gisele Taranto.

Residência Brise por Gisele Taranto. (MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

Types of green façades


There are different ways to implement a green façade, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and challenges.

Vertical garden with pots or modules


This type of green façade uses modular panels or pots fixed directly to the wall. It is a practical solution, allowing easy maintenance and plant replacement. Pros: simple maintenance, ideal for small spaces, versatile aesthetics. Cons: less vegetation coverage, may require frequent irrigation.
Duda Machado, Michelle Marie and Rodolpho Baracho - Garden Space. CASACOR Rio Grande do Norte 2021 project.

Duda Machado, Michelle Marie e Rodolpho Baracho - Espaço Jardim. A arquiteta Duda Machado, a paisagista Michelle Marie e a empresa Art Sol Paisagismo, representada por Rodolpho Baracho, se uniram para desenvolver este espaço que tem o verde como principal protagonista. Por meio da união entre natureza e arquitetura, e com o uso do design biofílico, os profissionais apresentam elementos capazes de estimular o convívio social, a criatividade, a produtividade, e o fortalecimento do equilíbrio emocional e bem-estar do indivíduo. (Felipe Costa/CASACOR)

Trellis with climbing plants


In this system, a trellis structure is installed close to the wall, serving as a support for the growth of climbing plants, such as jasmine, ivy, or cat's claw. Pros: low cost, efficient use of space, excellent thermal performance. Cons: growth time until full coverage, need for constant pruning.
green facade with climbing vines on the wall

(Pinterest/Divulgação)

Active façade (or hydroponic system)


This is a technically more complex system, with self-sufficient structure, lightweight substrate, and automated irrigation. It is generally applied in corporate and institutional buildings. Pros: precise technical control, lush aesthetics, large-scale use. Cons: higher cost, demand for specialized maintenance.
Bosco Verticale (Milan, Italy), project by Stefano Boeri.

Bosco Verticale (Milão, Itália), projeto de Stefano Boeri. (Barcelo/Divulgação)

Mixed green façade


Combines different techniques in the same project, such as pots integrated into the trellis or modular panels with climbing plants. It is a creative and functional alternative for extensive façades. Pros: personalization, greater variety of species. Cons: complexity of installation and irrigation.
With 1547 m², the garden mixes 47 species of tropical and fruit plants. Project by Flávia D´Urso. In the photo, balcony with garden and facade.

Com 1547 m², jardim mescla 47 espécies de plantas tropicais e frutíferas. Projeto de Flávia D´Urso. (Fávaro Jr/CASACOR)

CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho. [april-see-also]W3siaWQiOjE5ODgzNCwidGl0bGUiOiJTZW1hbmEgZG8gTWVpbyBBbWJpZW50ZTogYSYjeEU3OyYjeEY1O2VzIHN1c3RlbnQmI3hFMTt2ZWlzIG5hIG9icmEgZGEgQ0FTQUNPUiBTUCAyMDI1In0seyJpZCI6MTk5MjgyLCJ0aXRsZSI6IjcgcHImI3hFMTt0aWNhcyBzdXN0ZW50JiN4RTE7dmVpcyBwYXJhIGFkb3RhciBubyBzZXUgZGlhIGEgZGlhIGUgZW0gY2FzYSJ9LHsiaWQiOjE5NzE2OSwidGl0bGUiOiI1IGlkZWlhcyBwYXJhIHJldXRpbGl6YXIgbWF0ZXJpYWlzIGRlIGNvbnN0cnUmI3hFNzsmI3hFMztvIn1d[/april-veja-tambem]