PROJECT

Roofgarden Rabobank Headquarters Utrecht – Winnaar CPA 2023-2023 Commercial & communal gardens

CLIENT

Rabobank Nederland

DESIGN

Baljon landschapsarchitecten

CONTRACTOR

De Enk Groen en Golf

CLAY PAVER

SeptimA Vanilla

Photo's: © Luuk Kramer

The rooftop garden of the Rabobank headquarters in Utrecht is more than an aesthetic highlight. This innovative and sustainable design, created by Baljon Landschapsarchitecten, has won the prestigious Clay Paver Award in the category "Commercial & Communal Gardens". With a surface area of 5,450 m², the project is a showcase of ecologically responsible design and urban renewal, with the clay paver SeptimA Vanilla by Vande Moortel playing a central role.

From stone viewing garden to lush residential garden

Previously, the garden was a sterile, petrified space with minimal vegetation. The original design included a high retaining wall, a reflecting pond and a concrete slab structure. The lack of flora and its deteriorating condition made the garden unsuitable for interactive use. The redevelopment has drastically changed this through three strategic interventions.

A first intervention was the terrace formation and connection to the pond. The retaining wall was replaced by a terraced landscape, which visually and functionally integrates the different sections of the garden. In a second intervention, the focus was on biodiversity and aesthetics. The original artwork, including the iconic steel needle, was given  a new context and surrounded by a flower hill and ecologically rich planting. A substantial water buffering was also integrated and inviting outdoor spaces were designed for relaxation and both formal and informal meetings for the employees. The third intervention involves the addition of routes through the garden, which connect the different levels in the building with the garden. A winding path through the flower garden leads past the sculptures from the company's art collection. These seem to float on their pedestals above the flowers. The terrace garden houses an orchard and herb garden that encourage a healthy lifestyle and on the highest level there is a long bench with a backrest with a view over the entire garden.

Role of the SeptimA clay pavers

The choice of clay pavers instead of traditional semi-pavement was inspired by practical considerations, such as employees wearing high heels. The SeptimA Vanilla clay pavers, with their sand-coloured hue, perfectly match the natural planting and enhance the organic look of the paths. The patterns in the paving follow the winding paths and contribute to the harmony between infrastructure and nature.

Innovation and sustainability

Baljon Landschapsarchitecten and Rabobank hold sustainability in high regard. The design for the rooftop garden includes a water buffering system that collects rainwater and integrates it into the pond, where natural banks ensure water purification. Solar panels are also used to generate energy for smartphone charging stations. Elements from the original garden, such as trees and tiles, have been reused, which contributes to a circular approach. In addition, the SeptimA clay pavers are also ecological and sustainable thanks to their long lifespan of more than 160 years, and their ecologically optimised ECO-7-size format. The production of these clay pavers produces up to 30% less CO2. Another striking aspect is the “edible garden” with orchard and herb plants. This functional addition reflects Rabobank’s agricultural roots and stimulates a healthy lifestyle among employees.

A lush paradise for people and nature

In addition to its aesthetic and functional value, the garden offers a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. The smart planting scheme, based on light measurements and urban barriers, has resulted in a rich palette of flowers, shrubs and trees that make optimal use of shady and sunny areas. Birds, butterflies and dragonflies find a safe haven here, making the garden an ecological success as well.

Rabobank's rooftop garden proves that a green environment is more than a luxury; it is a necessity in urban landscapes. Thanks to the innovative vision of Baljon Landschapsarchitecten and the use of high-quality materials such as SeptimA clay pavers, this garden is not only an award winner, but also an example of how sustainability and design can go hand in hand. The garden is now a popular place for employees to have lunch, relax and meet, while contributing to biodiversity and climate adaptation. A green masterpiece that contributes to biodiversity in the station area.