Roof garden is fine viewing and dwelling place for Goudshof residents

Just before the vacations, the completion of project Goudshof in Gouda took place. This residential complex consists of 72 apartments with an underground parking basement. Construction company Van Wijnen, Stolwijk branch, began construction in early 2020 based on the design by Piet Onderwater & Partners Architects. On top of the underground parking garage, enclosed by the high-rise buildings of the complex, has idverde Realisatie, Utrecht office engineered and then constructed the roof garden. The project is a development of Vesteda and AM.

The roof garden design consists of approximately 45% of greenery and approximately 55% of paving. A square section with four planting beds is crossed with diagonally running tile paths that lead to a small square with benches. Green strips are also placed along the blind facades and as partitions to the private terraces. Furthermore, a large pergola structure of about 60 meters has been placed along the tiled paths. The design also includes room for several multi-stemmed large shrubs as well as bollard lights that illuminate the planting beds and walkways at night.

Approx. 55% paving

For waterproofing under the roof garden, a two-layer fully bonded root-resistant roofing material was applied. This roof covering was applied to a cementitious insulation mortar applied to the concrete structure of the basement deck. To test the waterproofing, a water test was performed prior to the realization of the roof garden. After this test, the installation of the roof garden was started. The paving consists of 60 x 60 cm concrete tiles in gray and anthracite colors that are playfully mixed together. These tiles are placed on height-adjustable plastic tile supports, creating a completely level tile surface. All planting areas are enclosed by corten steel retaining walls that are filled with a water-buffering drainage layer with filter fleece and a 30 to 80 cm thick growth layer of roof garden substrate. 

Ca. 45% green

The planting in the planting beds consists of about 30 species of hardy perennials and biennial partly native plants. The average height ranges from 30 to 60 cm with some tall accent plants of 80 cm. The flowering color shades are blue, purple, pink/red, white and light yellow and ca. 30% is evergreen. The flowering period extends from late March to early December.

Great variation

Just after planting, the garden still looks somewhat sterile and sparse but after up to two growing seasons, the planting beds will be completely dense. In the process, many of the plant species are attractive to butterflies and bees. Species include pasqueflower, forget-me-not, sage, yarrow, bellflower, aster, anemone and various ornamental grasses. The hedge planting consists of native privet which, if not pruned too tightly, give beautiful white flowering panicles in summer. Climbing plants such as honeysuckle, vine, woodland vine and wisteria will eventually envelope the pergola structure and reflect the seasons well with blossoms, fruits and bright fall colors. Finally, on the growth pen in the planting beds, four multi-stemmed and beautiful large shrubs have been planted: a lilac, a seven-sun tree, a lantern tree and a Tibetan cherry. These shrubs/small trees guarantee lavish blooms throughout various seasons and give structure to the garden.

The roof garden, with all its variety of plants, will become a nice place to stay and watch for residents. It also provides habitat for birds, insects and other small animals. Several residents have already been able to enjoy the greenery and this will only increase. Gouda has gained a great place to live!