Green roofs for biodiversity as added value in project development in the heart of Ghent in Belgium
03/10/2022 - 10:25
The 'Da Vinci' Residence is uniquely located between the “Coupure” and “Bijloke site”. The aim of landscape architect Lieven Vereecke was to add value by creating green roofs as habitat for biodiversity.
Lieven Vereecke was involved in the building project from the outset to design the green roofs on various levels: a ground-level roof garden above the underground garage, intensive green roofs on level +1 and extensive green roofs on level +4.
The idea was to move away from the classic extensive green roof and instead design all green roofs as intensive walk-in green roofs. As such, these outdoor living spaces form additional room to the residential and office areas. The design and choice of materials also interact with the architecture.
To obtain a rich assortment of vegetation, specially blended substrates and custom-made raised planting areas were used.
Plants on green roofs, balconies and green walls need to grow in a limited soil volume. Additionally, they are subject to extreme weather conditions (temperature, drought, wind, etc.). As a result, they require a substantial input of water and nutrients.
The incorporation of the soil conditioner TerraCottem universal into the substrate increases the soil’s water and nutrient retention, stimulates plant development, substantially increasing plant survival rate. And it reduces both the cost and labour of watering.
A green roof is definitely a good investment and offers many advantages. Add to this the promotion of biodiversity through flowering shrubs, perennials, herbs and bulbs in this beautiful urban environment.
- Landscape architect: Lieven Vereecke, Tielt
- Materials: Disaghor/Dockx
- Project developer: Hoprom bvba
