Willow unitized façade system

A new generation of timber façade systems - Pilefaçade

The building sector remains one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in Europe. As demands for climate-conscious solutions grow, the Pilefaçade project offers a visionary shift toward regenerative construction – by embracing fast-growing willow as the foundation of a scalable, hybrid unitized curtain wall system.

Pilefaçade is a low-carbon, hybrid unitized curtain wall system, replacing aluminum with willow and using recycled aluminum caps for weather protection. It can save up to 150 kg CO₂e/m² FSA, reducing carbon footprint and enabling fast, cost-effective on-site assembly.

From fast-growing willow to scalable façade system

Pilefaçade explores using willow, a fast-growing, carbon-absorbing plant, to create a prefabricated façade system as a scalable, low-emission alternative to current building systems.

The system incorporates biogenic materials, primarily willow, replacing high-carbon materials like aluminum. It uses laminated willow for load-bearing frames, thin branches for rainscreen cladding, and pressed panels from by-products.

This hybrid design combines the aesthetic and thermal benefits of wood with the stability of recycled aluminum caps, enabling faster installation, improved insulation, durability, and a reduced CO₂ footprint.

Key sustainability benefits

Carbon impact
Willow absorbs 10–15 t CO₂/ha/year – more than many timbers. It saves up to 150 kg CO₂e/m² compared to aluminum façades and reduces frame emissions by up to 75%.

Local & low-impact
Grown in Northern Europe, fully utilized from bark to branch. Heat-treated without toxins, with lignin acting as a natural binder.

Superior insulation
Provides better thermal performance than metal, enhanced with wood fiber and cork-based layers.

Modular & reusable
Click-mounted system allows for fast assembly, easy repairs, and full disassembly.