Two WallBreeze Units at the Christophorus House of Diakonie Hamburg

For several weeks now, the Christophorus House of the Diakoniestiftung Alt-Hamburg has been making a strong statement for sustainable heat protection and a healthy indoor climate: two innovative WallBreeze units are now providing clean, cooled air in both the dining and common rooms — significantly improving the quality of life and wellbeing of the residents.

Sustainability as a Lived Value

Since its founding in 1967, the Christophorus House in Hamburg’s Hummelsbüttel district has stood for a family-like atmosphere and professional care. Since 1995, the house has been part of the Protestant Diakoniestiftung Alt-Hamburg, which is committed to sustainable management and the preservation of Christian values. Sustainability is therefore not just a buzzword, but — “also due to our Christian values — an important concern in diaconal and church work”, ranging from “sustainable procurement” to innovative solutions for the wellbeing of residents. Christophorus House is the first senior residence to be equipped with moss filters.

Photo: GCS

Naturally Cooled, Sustainably Protected

A key factor was the rapid implementation of an effective and immediately impactful measure: the management of Christophorus House, led by Ms. Agnes Popow, wanted to provide immediate relief for the residents and mitigate as many warm days as possible.

The bio-digital WallBreeze moss filters were therefore installed as indoor versions with integrated water tanks and simple power supply, exactly as requested and as quickly as possible in the dining and common rooms. They not only meet the requirements for air purification and cooling, but also for easy and quick installation, quiet operation — especially during prayer times — and, thanks to their compact and modular design, are ideal for smaller rooms and any wall size. Not only the application scenario and size are customizable, but also the financing model: the moss modules are available for purchase or rent — a flexible solution that adapts to the individual needs of facilities, whether as a short-term pilot project or a long-term investment in sustainable heat protection and improved air quality.

The effect is impressive: the moss modules purify the indoor air through multiple hourly recirculations and cool it by up to 4°C, creating a natural and pleasant indoor climate.

Already after just a few days of use, we are pleased to receive feedback from the management of Christophorus House, Ms. Agnes Popow, who reports consistently positive responses from the residents.

In a Facebook post, Christophorus House, part of the Diakoniestiftung Alt-Hamburg network, writes about the actively ventilated green walls: “With two partition walls and the associated technology, as well as water tanks, these two moss walls will clean and ventilate two dining and common rooms over the next six months.

Especially in the summer months, this is a real blessing.”

Photos: GCS

Heat Protection and Good Indoor Climate – A Growing Need

Especially during the summer months, heat protection and air quality are becoming increasingly important in care facilities.

Heat stress can lead to a variety of health problems, including headaches, exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, and cardiovascular issues, up to and including life-threatening heatstroke. It increases the risk of falls, can cause dehydration, and affect the efficacy of medications. On particularly hot days, the number of hospital admissions rises, for example due to lung or kidney diseases, diabetes, dehydration, and heatstroke, as reported by the Center for Quality in Care (Zentrum für Qualität in der Pflege).

The center emphasizes that elderly people in need of care are particularly at risk from heat, as their physical adaptability and cardiovascular systems decline with age. They have an increased risk of dehydration, especially those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. During heatwaves, their rates of illness and mortality rise significantly. Therefore, they require more support during such times for heat protection, cooling, and adequate fluid intake.

Authorities and health insurers are increasingly calling for measures to protect vulnerable groups from the effects of heat. In July, the newspaper Die Zeit headlined: “Heat Protection in Nursing Homes: Cool Down the Elderly!” — because “during heatwaves, elderly people suffer—and die. Yet, there is usually no air conditioning in senior homes”.

Photos: GCS

Air quality and quality of life were also key topics at the 14th German Senior Citizens’ Day. Under the motto “What Matters Most”, discussions focused on how to ensure a good life in old age — with health playing a central role. Good air quality is an essential part of this, as it contributes not only to physical health but also to overall wellbeing.

You can read more about the important role that clean and fresh air plays for health and wellbeing in urban spaces — especially for older people — in the blog post “Good Air for a Good Life in Old Age”.

Clean and fresh air is not just an environmental issue, but also a matter of quality of life.

Clean, cool air is not a luxury, but a necessity — especially for older people.

Photo: Harli Marten

Care with Responsibility: Sustainable Solutions for Seniors

By installing the WallBreeze systems, Christophorus House is setting an example for sustainable heat protection and a healthy indoor climate—in line with the Christian values of the Diakonie. The project demonstrates how innovative green technologies and social responsibility can go hand in hand to noticeably and immediately improve the lives of older people.

Make your facility future-ready too — with sustainable solutions for clean air and effective heat protection. Whether it’s a nursing home, daycare center, or other social institution: protect the health of seniors, children, and all those who particularly depend on a good (indoor) climate.

“You Immediately Feel Much Better Here”: How Clean Air Supports Seniors

An example of how clean air can improve quality of life can be seen at Forum Köpenick in Berlin, where CityBreeze air filters with moss technology have been installed. (Read more in the blog “CityBreeze at Forum Köpenick: Breathe Easy.”)

An elderly lady enthusiastically told our CEO, Peter Sänger:

“I usually shop at other centers, but the air there is so stuffy that I don’t want to stay long. It’s great that you’re using moss here to provide fresh air—it makes you feel so much better right away.”

This feedback shows how important it is to ensure good air quality in urban spaces — not only for health, but also for overall wellbeing.

Photo: rbb