“HydroSkin” is a patented façade system and research initiative that reimagines the building envelope as more than a passive barrier between interior and exterior. Instead, it becomes a living, breathing skin—one that supports hydroponic growth, contributes to building performance, and enhances urban ecosystems. Developed as a modular prototype, HydroSkin addresses three primary goals: adaptability to existing façades, support for a full horticultural life cycle, and integrated illumination.Each 5'x5' module attaches to a grid mounted on the existing façade, housing a hydroponic system composed of nutrient feeder tubes, a rainwater-fed reservoir, and planting cavities designed for seasonal vegetation. The modularity ensures design consistency and scalability across various building types. During colder seasons, the vegetation is harvested to allow greater daylight penetration, while built-in LED lighting supports plant growth and transforms the building’s nighttime identity.HydroSkin functions as a vertical farm—reducing pollution, lowering energy demands, and contributing to healthier urban environments. It is fed by rainwater and condensate discharge from the host building, further reinforcing its sustainable intent. With potential applications as both a rentable amenity and a source of building-integrated agriculture, HydroSkin offers economic as well as environmental value.In 2014, in response to growing interest, Metalwerks USA partnered in the fabrication of a physical prototype consisting of four HydroSkin panels. The result demonstrated not only the system’s technical feasibility but its potential to reshape how we think about architecture, infrastructure, and living systems.