Triodos Bank's new head office in Driebergen, the Netherlands, has now become an internationally renowned concept. Nature and civilization come together in this office building. This is reflected in a holistic concept, in which building and nature form a harmonious whole. Something that benefits both people and nature. To create the green roofs of this extremely sustainable project, around 16,000 square feet of Sempergreen Sedum mix mats have been delivered, as commissioned by Van Helvoirt Groenprojecten.
Ingenious water collection system
The green roofs have helped Triodos Bank and RAU architects to achieve their objective: to connect Triodos Bank's head office to its surrounding nature. In addition, the green roofs have a water-buffering effect, which prevents overloading the sewage network due to heavy rainfall. Excess rainwater is collected in a rainwater tank. When it’s full it flows into a nearby pond. If the pond is also filled, the water seeps to a infiltration trench located on the estate. Here it can slowly drain into the ground. The building thereby becomes part of the local water cycle.
Inseparable bond with flora and fauna
The plants on the roofs provide birds and insects with a healthy and pleasant living environment. Flying insects in particular benefit from the green roofs. They form an insect highway and function as connecting bridges between the surrounding nature on the estate. The fact that the building was built close to the afforestation also helps here. In addition, construction has ensured that the flora and fauna on the estate are not disturbed. For example, nest boxes have been placed, spaces for amphibians have been created and amber lighting has been installed. The latter ensures that the flight paths of bats are not disrupted.
Photos: Bert Rietberg, Ossip van Duivenbode