The 7 most beautiful green roof projects
Posted on Monday 25 September, 2023There are increasing numbers of green roofs being installed, and not without reason: they are an indispensable structural solution in the fight against the negative effects of climate change, such as heat stress and flooding. They also boost local biodiversity. In addition, green roofs have a cooling effect, both inside the building and for the environment. And if the green roof is installed in combination with solar panels, the efficiency of the panels will increase. These are just a few examples of the many benefits a green roof offers. But green roofs are not only useful, they are also a feast for the eyes. To inspire you, we have listed some of our most beautiful green roof projects. This is just a small selection of the many stunning green roofs we have delivered, there is simply too little space to show all. Which green roof appeals most to you?
1. Wildflowers for Wildlands Emmen Zoo
If you have ever had the chance to see the special roof of the entrance building of Wildlands Emmen Zoo and the Atlas Theatre, you most probably have noticed how beautiful it is. With the motto 'culture alongside nature', the different functions have been combined in a logical way. The building forms a striking dividing line between city and zoo. This is why the architects of the Van den Berg Group and the Danish architectural firm Henning Larsen chose to design the building as a wide fold in the landscape, concealing the view from the park onto the city. The wildflower-covered roof is the most undulating green roof in all of Europe, with slopes ranging from 5 to even 55 degrees. Moreover, the roof continues into the facade at a 90-degree angle, which is also covered with vegetation. What craftsmanship!
2. Back to Middle-earth, Maaseik, Belgium
This beautiful cottage, inspired by Tolkien's work called 'The Hobbit', is made of natural loam and enhanced with a striking green roof by Sempergreen. The abundant greenery on the roof highlights the enchanting architecture and gives the accommodation a pleasant ambience, making guests want to stay just that little bit longer.
3. Triodos Bank's round Sedum roofs, Zeist, the Netherlands
With its organically shaped Sedum roofs, Dutch Triodos Bank's nature-inclusive main building fully blends into its wooded surroundings. The building is fully sustainable and remountable, which fits Triodos' green vision. This inspiring practical example of a sustainable office was built according to the design of RAU Architects.
4. Impressive green roof US Coast Guard, Washington DC, United States
The multi-award-winning United States Coast Guard headquarters is the first project on the new DHS St. Elizabeths Campus. Completed in 2016, the US Coast Guard headquarters features several building and operational measures in line with LEED v2.2 Gold certification, including a green roof of more than 400,000 m² with Sempergreen Sedum blankets for storm water management and energy efficiency, making it the second largest green roof system in the country.
5. Lush green roof on Radisson Blue hotel in Sopot, Poland
This beautiful hotel roof has an undulating structure and is covered with two different types of vegetation blankets. In this project, the designers of Blue Grass Architektura Landscape used a combination of low Sempergreen Sedum-mix blankets and higher Sempergreen Wildflower blankets. Due to the height difference between the grasses and wildflowers, a distinct striped and undulating pattern emerges. As a result, the hotel integrates perfectly into the natural dune landscape surrounding the building and also looks very attractive.
6. Biodiverse Roof with peaceful message, the Netherlands
Beautiful green roofs can be created not only on the roofs of homes and offices, but also on carports, shed roofs, verandas and extensions. See, for example, this creative green roof which, besides being green, also proclaims a peaceful message. VDZ Projecten have installed this biodiverse green roof on an extension, strewn with host and nectar plants so that insects can find plenty of food and nesting places here. In spring and summer, the green roof will be abundantly filled with cheerful flowering plants.
7. Extraordinary wall houses in Hamminkeln, Germany
Newly built houses with a unique architectural style and appearance have been completed in German Hamminkeln. These homes are integrated into a new sound wall based on an idea by architect Johannes Bielefeld of the Bielefeld architecture firm. The newly built houses are called 'Wallhäuser' in German because they have the shape of an earth embankment; a protective wall against water. The wave shape makes them fit well with the adjacent public outdoor swimming pool. Moreover, this roof shape is perfect for the application of a green roof. Pool visitors also benefit from the green roof: from the pool they have a wonderful view of the greenery.
This was a small sample of the many beautiful green roofs Sempergreen has delivered worldwide. Want to see more great project examples? Go to our reference page for more projects:
Advice and information
Are you inspired by these beautiful projects and do wish to install a stunning green roof yourself? Or do you have a question about green roofs? Please feel free to contact us. Our staff is happy to give you advice tailored to your specific project.