Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Recognised for »Vertikalen KlimaKlärAnlage« Research
The »Tilia Awards« were presented for the first time on 20 March 2026 for scientific and practice-based projects that take new approaches to urban spaces. Out of over 150 entries, 24 winners were selected, including the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and the IAB-Institut für angewandte Bauforschung Weimar for their work in the »Akademische Arbeiten und Forschung« (academic work and research) category. The interdisciplinary »GrayToGreen« research project was honoured for its integration of vertical greening and grey water treatment.
The heart of the project is the »Reallabor VertiKKA« and its »vertikalen Klimakläranlage« (vertical climate purification plant), a modular green façade. So-called grey water – meaning slightly contaminated water from kitchens and washrooms – is treated with an integrated purification system and then used for irrigation. Plants grow on the outside of the system and are supplied with the purified water through a fleece barrier. Suspended moveable photovoltaic elements generate energy and protect the plants from heat, wind, and heavy rain. Various physical effects, including shade and evaporation, can help improve the thermal building envelope and the urban climate, something which can be measured by sensors. Current research is examining the laboratory analysis of the microplastics in the water, the development of the purification substrate through the use of secondary of recycled materials, and a comprehensive life cycle analysis.
The multifaceted research topics are being addressed by the Professorship of Building Physics, the Professorship of Urban Water Management and Technologies for Urban Material Flow Utilization, and the IAB-Institut für angewandte Bauforschung Weimar. »The holistic approach of the »GrayToGreen« project combines technical innovation and ecological principles«, said the jury of their decision. The Tilia Awards 2026 highlights the relevance of this kind of solution when it comes to sustainably transforming urban spaces. The prizes were awarded by URBAN UTOPIA at a horticultural industry event.
The »GrayToGreen« project is funded by the State of Thuringia’s through resources from the European Social Fund Plus. The »Reallabor VertiKKA« was created as part of the »VertiKKA2« project under the Resource-Efficient Urban Districts for the Future (RES:Z) funding project.
Further information can be found at:
https://www.tilia-awards.com/
https://www.uni-weimar.de/de/bau-und-umwelt/professuren/bauphysik/forschung/labor-und-versuchseinrichtungen/reallabor-vertikka/
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact project members at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar:
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Maria Hartmann, M.Sc. (Building Physics)
Phone: +49 (0) 36 43 / 58 48 49
E-mail: maria.hartmann[at]uni-weimar.de
Theresa Paskert, M.Sc. (Building Physics)
Phone: +49 (0) 36 43/58 44 59
E-mail: theresa.paskert[at]uni-weimar.de
Gloria Kohlhepp, M.Sc. (Grey water)
Phone: +49 (0) 36 43/58 46 56
E-mail: gloria.maria.kohlhepp[at]uni-weimar.de
Gregor Biastoch, M.Sc. (Microplastics)
Phone: +49 (0) 36 43 / 58 48 67
E-mail: gregor.biastoch[at]uni-weimar.de