Vert: Wooden Structure That Lowers the City’s Temperature by 8ºC
Collaborators: Diez Office, OMC°C and AHEC
Photographer: Petr Krejci
Location: London
At the 2024 London Design Festival, AHEC, Diez Office, and OMC°C unveil Vert, an innovative modular structure aimed at urban cooling. This cutting-edge design employs tall, plant-covered sails to absorb carbon dioxide and create shaded, refreshing spaces where city dwellers can find respite. The triangular shape of the Vert structure is key to its efficiency, enabling a strong, lightweight design that resists wind and supports the weight of the plants. The system’s modularity allows for flexible adaptation in various urban settings, integrating seamlessly with existing infrastructure. The Vert project is based on the vertical greening system VERD°, launched in 2023 by the Frankfurt-based Office for Micro Climate Cultivation (OMC°C). The VERD° modules require minimal ground intrusion and are largely self-sufficient, needing only a water supply to flourish.
Designer Stefan Diez chose red oak for its superior density and stability compared to standard construction timbers, reducing the need for material while maintaining structural integrity. The choice of red oak also contributes to sustainable forestry by encouraging greater biodiversity and resilience. Projected benefits of the Vert prototype include cooling the surrounding airspace by up to 8ºC, providing four times the shade of a 20-year-old tree, and generating as much biomass as an 80-year-old lime tree—all through the seasonal growth of climbing plants. Blending aesthetics with tangible environmental advantages, Vert represents a transformative approach to urban development, addressing climate challenges while enhancing city life. The integration of VERD° further emphasizes the potential of vertical greening solutions in creating sustainable, livable cities.