Convert Your Buildings Into Mangrove Equivalents?

Two Yale workers have devised 'artificial mangroves' by studying the tree's ability to survive in salty water (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/feb/21/device-inspired-mangroves-help-clear-flood-water). The trees essentially draw up water from their roots partially via a 'pull mechanism' as water is evaporated from their leaves (as do other plants) but they have cell membranes that prevent the uncontrolled passage of salts and have waxy materials in the cells providing more protection. In this way, they effectively desalinate the water in which they are rooted. The Yale group employed a polymer membrane to remove salts (equivalent to the root); a microporous silica filter (the stem) and hydrogel-filled membranes or aluminium oxide with tiny pores (to act like leaves). Although they conclude that it would be impractical to scale up their method for actual desalination, they argue that it could be incorporated into buildings to help deal with salty flood water. The water would evaporate from the walls and roofs, with the added bonus of cooling the building.