The mBiGToldo prototype is a vertical surface system with very thin vegetation that was installed at the Horta das Figueiras school in Évora at the end of February 2024. The system consists of a waterproof sheet on which a non-woven felt is adhered on which a seeded substrate is projected. Due to the low thickness of the substrate, a hydroponic irrigation system is integrated, which is distributed by gravity across the substrate surface. In the lower area, a channel is integrated to collect excess irrigation, which connects to the irrigation station. The system is framed and separated from the building, creating a shading system parallel to the façade.

Close-up of substrate used in the mBiGToldo prototype at EB1 Horta das Figueiras (Évora) © CIMAC

The early maintenance phases of this type of prototype are crucial, as lack of irrigation can bring vegetation growth to an irreversible halt, causing the process of planting and treatment of the substrate to be repeated. However, once the system is established, it becomes more resilient and the maintenance required is considerably reduced. In addition, the recirculation of irrigation water considerably minimises water consumption in the long term.

In the mBiGToldo prototype implemented in Évora, it has taken two to three months for the vegetation to show the first signs of growth, as can be seen in the pictures. It is expected that these first sprouts will spread over the entire surface and will considerably cool down the environment of this Nature-Based Solution (NBS), as well as reduce the temperature reached in the classrooms behind this solution.

First signs of mBiGToldo vegetation growth at EB1 Horta das Figueiras © CIMAC

For all news and events related to the LIFE-myBUILDINGisGREEN project, we recommend following the project’s Twitter and LinkedIn channels.