Van Dijk Architects’ Office
Product: Greenwood Moss
Location: Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland
Founded in 1993 by Jan and Ingrid van Dijk, Van Dijk Architects has grown into one of Ireland’s leading architectural firms, recognised for its forward-thinking design and strong commitment to environmental responsibility — a philosophy that shapes everything from large-scale projects to the design of its own workspace.
The practice is on track to become Ireland’s first carbon-neutral architectural firm, operating entirely on renewable energy from its own solar array and using a natural ventilation strategy to reduce energy demand at its headquarters. It has also acquired land to develop an urban biodiversity park with native trees, bee hives and ponds, helping offset its carbon footprint while supporting local ecosystems.
Sustainability is deeply embedded in the firm’s philosophy, influencing everything from large-scale architecture to the design of their own workspace.
That same sustainability ethos shaped the redesign of the office breakout space, where the team embraced biophilic design principles to reconnect people with nature. The centrepiece is a bespoke moss wall using Greenwood Moss Extra Plus from Surface Wow — real, low-growing forest moss, carefully preserved to retain its lush appearance without the upkeep of a living wall. It requires no light, watering or feeding provided humidity stays between 40–60%, and is available in 2D or 3D formats, standard or bespoke sizes, with options like moss edging and B1 fire resistance.
To achieve this, the architects introduced a bespoke moss wall design that acts as both a visual focal point and a reflection of the firm’s environmental values. The installation enhances the atmosphere of the space while subtly reinforcing the company’s sustainability-driven brand identity.
The completed installation transforms the breakout area into a calm, restorative space, reinforcing the firm’s sustainability credentials while enhancing the office’s visual identity. As the team put it: “Our Greenwood Moss installation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our workspace but also supports our commitment to sustainability. It’s a meditative addition that offers mental health benefits and requires minimal maintenance.”
The result is more than a design feature — a connection to nature that complements the practice’s environmental mission, and a clear example of how ecological responsibility and aesthetic excellence can coexist in contemporary interiors.