Cleaner city air
The plants filter fine dust and CO₂, helping Antwerp breathe a little easier.
For the renovation of Greenhouse Antwerp, Sempergreen created a pioneering living wall with no fewer than 50,000 plants. Designed by CONIX RDBM Architects and commissioned by Ambius BeLux, the façade transforms the office building into a green landmark, the very first of its kind in Antwerp.
The plants filter fine dust and CO₂, helping Antwerp breathe a little easier.
Vegetation reduces noise pollution by absorbing sound waves and softening the bustle of city life.
A striking example of how vertical greenery adds long-term value to existing buildings.
The Greenhouse Antwerp project marks a first for the city: never before had such a large-scale green façade been realised. Commissioned by Ambius Belux, Sempergreen created a 50,000-plant living wall as part of the renovation of Greenhouse Antwerp. Pre-grown in Sempergreen’s nurseries, the wall arrived fully vegetated, providing an instant lush effect. The carefully selected planting palette was designed to thrive in Belgium’s climate while boosting local biodiversity. For Intervest, the building’s owner, the project reflects a forward-looking vision of real estate that combines functionality with ecological responsibility.
For CONIX RDBM Architects, sustainability is not an afterthought but a guiding principle. By greening both roofs and façades, they minimise material use, reduce energy consumption, and add value to the city. The Greenhouse Antwerp façade fits seamlessly into Antwerp’s broader “Groene Singel” project, which seeks to reconnect neighbourhoods through a chain of green spaces.
Vertical greenery does more than decorate. Tests show that green façades actively filter pollutants such as fine dust and CO₂, reducing the burden on city air. At the same time, the vegetation layer slows down wind along the façade and improves insulation. The combination of substrate, plants, and the air trapped in the system creates both thermal and acoustic benefits. Low-frequency noise is dampened by the substrate, while the plants block higher sound waves, creating calmer offices inside and a quieter street outside.
This biophilic design approach doesn’t just improve well-being; it also boosts productivity and creativity.
At Greenhouse Antwerp, the transformation has turned an office building into a hub for new ways of working. The first two floors, branded as RE:flex, provide space for start-ups and co-working, complete with flexible meeting rooms. The living wall reinforces this ambition by offering employees, visitors, and passers-by a refreshing view of greenery in the middle of the urban landscape. This biophilic design approach doesn’t just improve well-being; it also boosts productivity and creativity.
Because the SemperGreenwall system is Cradle to Cradle certified, it aligns with the growing demand for circular, future-proof construction. The wall’s modular structure can be adapted to different shapes and sizes, ensuring design freedom for architects while meeting strict sustainability goals. With minimal maintenance and a web-based Plant Care System, the façade will remain healthy and vibrant all year round.
Working at Green House Antwerp also means access to a full package of on-site services that simplify daily life. While employees focus on their meetings or deadlines, laundry can be taken care of, parcels delivered safely to a Bringme box, or even a quick fitness session enjoyed at Fit20. The building houses the Greenhouse Café as well, where healthy meals complement the ecological character of the design. These amenities create a seamless balance between productivity and well-being.
The living wall on the exterior is more than just a bold design statement; it reflects the ethos of the building itself. Just as the green façade provides clean air, biodiversity and cooling to the neighbourhood, inside Greenhouse Antwerp employees and guests benefit from a refreshing, people-centred atmosphere. The vertical garden thus becomes both a symbol and a practical part of the sustainable identity of the building.
Ready to make a difference? At Sempergreen, we believe in building a greener future, one step at a time. Our innovative solutions are designed to help you decrease your footprint and contribute to a more sustainable world. Join us in replanting the planet!