Green Wall promotes recovery at OncoCubus

A natural touch in a clinical space 

The heart of the radiotherapy centre is the treatment room, built with thick concrete walls to protect against radiation. Such spaces are essential but often perceived as cold and intimidating. By integrating a SemperGreenwall, patients now experience a warm, natural view during their therapy. The wall, although enclosed in glass for hygiene, creates a visual escape that helps soften the high-tech character of the room. 

Architectural challenge: a view beyond the concrete 

The radiotherapy bunker required walls and ceilings up to 2.5 metres thick, leaving no opportunity for windows or natural views. This presented a unique architectural challenge: how to make the space feel less confined? The green wall offered the perfect solution. It simulates an outlook to nature, shifting focus away from the imposing concrete surroundings and creating a sense of openness. 

The power of a healing environment 

Scientific studies consistently show that greenery has profound effects on health: lowering stress, improving mood, and even enhancing recovery rates. In a clinical setting, these benefits are invaluable. For patients facing long and often difficult treatments, the living wall offers more than beauty: it contributes to resilience, calmness and emotional balance. 

We wanted to create an atmosphere where patients don’t just endure therapy but feel supported by their surroundings.

 

 

Hygiene and glass enclosure 

In radiotherapy, hygiene is non-negotiable. That is why the SemperGreenwall is placed behind a glass partition. This ensures the plants thrive in a controlled environment while patients enjoy the calming green view. The glass keeps the room sterile, allowing medical teams to maintain safety standards without losing the therapeutic effect of greenery. 

Light and plant growth 

To guarantee a lush appearance, the living wall is illuminated with LED lighting. This provides the spectrum of light needed for plant growth, compensating for the absence of natural daylight in the bunker. Combined with a carefully selected palette of indoor plants, the SemperGreenwall maintains its vibrant character throughout the year. 

Smart plant care behind the wall 

Even though the green wall is positioned in a highly controlled medical space, it can thrive thanks to the Sempergreen Plant Care System. This smart irrigation technology provides the exact amount of water and nutrients the plants need, while remote monitoring ensures that any irregularities can be adjusted immediately. Maintenance is carried out without disturbing the sterile environment, allowing the wall to remain lush and healthy all year round. 

A model for healthcare design 

The Radiotherapy Centre in Recklinghausen is part of a broader movement in healthcare architecture: integrating biophilic design to create spaces that support healing. Hospitals and clinics across Europe increasingly recognise the value of greenery in reducing stress, improving staff satisfaction, and offering patients comfort during difficult treatments. With its combination of advanced medical technology and natural design, this project stands as a pioneering example of how care environments can balance functionality with human wellbeing.

We know from studies that people experience less stress and even recover better in a green environment.