Plantika: Greening roofs a whole new way

Vienna is known for its stunning architecture—much of which was built at a time when nature was frightening and decorative stone facades offered grandeur and a sense of civilization. But as the climate heats up, the benefits of more eco-friendly structural elements, such as green facades and roofs, have become clear. This begs the question: what can be done with existing structures? 

Plantika, based in the heart of Vienna, is revolutionizing urban spaces. Founded by Mathieu Lebranchu and his team, this pioneering startup is enhancing the cityscape by transforming rooftops into lush, vibrant green areas.

Plantika’s mission extends beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating sustainable, energy-efficient, and biodiverse urban environments that enhance the well-being of city dwellers.

The startup’s journey began with a simple yet ground-breaking idea: to transform unused rooftops into thriving green spaces. Traditionally, green roofing has been limited to flat surfaces—Plantika broke this mold by being the first company to develop a patented system for sloped metal and tile roofs. 

“Our solution eliminates the need for complex and expensive construction work, making green roofs accessible for a wider range of buildings,” says Mathieu Lebranchu.

The company’s green roofing system consists of modules which are pre-vegetated with durable, low-maintenance Sedum plants. These modules, housed in recycled aluminium, include a vegetation layer, substrate, and drainage system, ensuring effective water management and insulation without compromising the roof’s integrity.

Plantika’s solution presents substantial environmental benefits. “Our green roofs not only beautify urban spaces but also play a crucial role in improving air quality, managing stormwater, and promoting biodiversity,” explains Mathieu Lebranchu.

Each square meter of green roof contributes to absorbing CO₂, significantly reducing urban air pollution. Additionally, these spaces can store rainwater per square meter, alleviating pressure on urban drainage systems and reducing flood risks.

Beyond their environmental impact, Plantika’s green roofs provide natural insulation, reducing the need for air conditioning in summer and heating in winter, thereby lowering energy costs. By cooling the surrounding environment, green roofs can also enhance the efficiency of solar panels.

Moreover, these spaces provide a habitat for various plant and animal species, enhancing urban biodiversity and transforming unused roof spaces into attractive green areas, ultimately increasing property value.

With its vibrant community and initiatives for sustainability startups, Vienna has proven to be an ideal home for Plantika. The city’s commitment to combating heat islands and promoting green infrastructure aligns perfectly with the company’s mission. The team has successfully networked with various city magistrates and participated in strategic urban development programs, such as WieNeu+.

“Vienna is the perfect location for our startup,” says Lebranchu. “The support and funding we’ve received from local institutions have been instrumental in our growth. These programmes provide valuable resources and networking opportunities that are essential for young companies—without this financial backing, we wouldn’t be here today”

In early 2023, Plantika embarked on a research and development project funded by the METABUILDING program to further improve their product. Their new demo product combined organic photovoltaics with their green roofing systems on a 30° sloped tile roof, marking a significant step forward in integrating renewable energy solutions with green infrastructure.

“By collaborating with architects and urban planners, we aim to set new standards for sustainable urban development,” says Mathieu Lebranchu.

And as Plantika continues to grow, their vision remains clear: to integrate their green roof modules into urban landscapes worldwide. After establishing a strong presence in Austria, they are now looking to enter the international market. 

With their innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Plantika is poised to transform urban environments, one green roof at a time. As Mathieu Lebranchu aptly puts it, “We’re not just building green roofs; we’re building a greener future.