Green oasis on High Tech Campus

idverde NL is committed to valuable green space. The green impact maker actively contributes to social issues such as biodiversity, climate, health and spatial quality. Whether it is a small garden or a large-scale development: every project is valuable in the route to a better world. The new building of Lucis One in Eindhoven fits perfectly within this ambition, not only creating a healthy ecosystem but also providing balanced rainwater management.

idverde Realisatie is responsible for the facade greenery and landscaping of Lucis One's green roof gardens, says Roeland Pullen, Advisor Roof and Facade Greenery at idverde NL. "We were involved at an early project stage by vb&t Projectmanagement and Bouwbedrijf van de Ven, to help think about the green conduit in particular. In cooperation with Kabel Design, various technical solutions were inventoried and calculated. We are also responsible for the construction of two landscaped roof gardens, to a design by Juurlink and Geluk and including the water retention layer, growth layers, planting, decking, walkways and irrigation facilities."

Up in the green

The facade greenery involves an extensive range of climbing plants. From honeysuckle to clematis, wild vine and various species of wisteria, which will soon allow the building to blend nicely into the green surroundings of De Groote Heide and Genneper Parken. "For the roof gardens on the fourth and sixth floors, we planted and sowed various heather species, ferns, pines, juniper, birch and broom that occur naturally in the area. The growing substrate was adapted accordingly."

Green water retention roofs

Both roof garden roofs are completely flat, allowing them to serve as water retention roofs, says Pullen. "We installed a protective layer and water retention crates of 85 mm on the roofs, in which 60 mm of water can be temporarily stored. To allow delayed runoff to ground level and prevent flooding, the rainwater drains are 'pinched off' in the roof. For this purpose, we installed pipes with drainage holes in the rainwater drains. The drainage holes have a specific diameter and stop at a certain height, leaving enough rainwater to hydrate the plants. Capillary bridges and a filter fleece ensure proper water distribution in this process." In longer droughts, an irrigation system in the retention layer provides any additional water supply.

The planting is complemented by three bamboo decking terraces, crushed stone walkways and fencing. "Solar panels have been installed on the sixth floor, with the roof greenery providing more efficiency and cooling in the building." The roof gardens can now begin to grow, with a proper maintenance plan being essential.