Green façades breathe new life into Arnhem street

Natural cooling in the city

The large-scale greening quite literally brings cooling to the street. The 87 m² SemperGreenwall functions as a natural air-conditioning system during hot summer days. The façade lowers the surrounding temperature by around 3°C, absorbs approximately 200 kg of CO₂ per year and produces about 148 kg of oxygen annually. In addition, it reduces noise levels by around 6 dB, directly contributing to a quieter and more pleasant living environment.

Flourishing plants, even in the shade

In existing city centres, space for greenery is often limited. Vertical façade systems offer a smart solution. By applying greenery to building façades, additional vegetation can be created without taking up valuable space at street level. The SemperGreenwall makes it possible to add substantial greenery even in compact urban environments.

For this project, the Green Shade plant mix was selected, specifically developed for façades with limited sunlight. This carefully curated selection remains healthy and green even on the shaded side of the street. Sempergreen offers tailored plant mixes for every sun orientation, from full sun to deep shade, ensuring every façade can be sustainably greened regardless of its position.

Greening goes beyond the façade

The green transformation extends beyond the façades alone. The street has been further enhanced with trees, perennials, shrubs, hedges and ornamental grasses. Large areas have been seeded with native wildflower mixes, complemented by flower bulbs that bring colour throughout the seasons. Together, these elements form a cohesive green streetscape that supports biodiversity and strengthens the urban climate.

In addition to the green façades, the homes were fitted with new high-performance triple-glazed windows, significantly improving insulation performance. The combination of high-performance glazing and façade greening results in lower energy demand and a more stable indoor climate. This benefits energy consumption, household costs and the environment alike.

A street with long-term value

Van Muijlwijkstraat is no longer a grey traffic artery, but a vibrant example of how sustainability and aesthetics can reinforce one another. This project demonstrates that investing in a climate-resilient living environment delivers measurable benefits for residents and the city as a whole. An inspiring reference for other neighbourhoods, where greening contributes to health, comfort and a sustainable future.