Perhaps it’s the tidal pull of the nearby North Sea, but when you stand at ground level in this garden in Zeeland, the Netherlands, the entire house appears to be floating above its concrete base. This impression is only enhanced by a series of three green-roof gardens suspended above ground level. It turns out this floating illusion is entirely by design, in a split-level collaboration between Dutch architect Bart Vos and landscape designer Piet Oudolf, with logistical support from Dutch designer Tom de Witte.
The roof gardens came high on the client’s original wishlist – designed for optimal viewing from inside through the upper-storey bank of windows. Piet updated his essential matrix concept for the occasion in what he describes as “a complex matrix with everything repeating” to create a low shimmering haze of resilient perennials and grasses.
Top tips for creating a successful green roof
Dutch garden designer Tom de Witte shares essential advice for roof and podium planting
• Before all else, consult a structural engineer to ascertain the load-bearing capacity for a given roof structure. This determines the maximum depth of engineered soil substrate, allowing for rain saturation and drainage with a minimum two-degree slope.
• What are termed 'extensive' roofs have substrate depths of less than 15cm deep, which is better suited to simpler, low-maintenance plantings. This project has 'intensive' roofs with a more generous depth of 15-20cm, comprised of recycled brick, soil and lava rock. Greater depth allows far more planting options.
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Gardens Illustrated.
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Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Gardens Illustrated.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?
Giving your free time to volunteer in the community or as a mentor can have a big impact, and also benefit you in ways you can't imagine, says John Wyer
EARTHLY CONCERN
Weeds, slugs, birds and mice - all are welcome on Birch Farm in Devon, where Joshua Sparkes seeks to respect the local ecosystem and mimic nature in his innovative approach to growing
Gardening is good for you
In the first of his new factual column on the benefits of gardening, Dr Richard Claxton uncovers all the evidence-based ways it can help your physical health.
TANGERINE DREAM
On the edge of one of London's busiest roundabouts, Nigel Dunnett has created exciting combinations of drought-tolerant plants for a roof garden that is as unexpected as it is joyful
GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT
Growing your own edible plants is a great way to boost your gut microbiome. Discover expert picks of edimentals that are both beautiful and beneficial
Waste not, nice plot
Designer Miria Harris gave herself the challenge of a no-skip, zero-waste project, giving away, recycling or reusing everything in this back garden before transforming it into a space her client could love
One for all
A new community garden designed by Sarah Price around an old library turned arts centre in southeast London is a treasured space for local residents and garden lovers alike
Meet our horticultural HEROES
Discover the stories of the extraordinary garden champions who are making a difference to places, people, plants and the planet
SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE
In the culinary world, chefs and food writers sometimes closely guard their recipes, says Nigel Slater. Among gardeners, however, there is a refreshing spirit of generosity
Autumn at Sissinghurst
As the garden slips into a new season, head gardener Troy Scott Smith and his team are busy with tasks from hedge cutting and lawn work to bulb planting and sowing seeds.
