De Groene Kaap

Rotterdam, NL

Type rooftop landscape, courtyards
Design 2017-2019
Construction 2019-2021
Location Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Size < 1ha
Client Stebru Transformation
I.c.w. Deltavormgroep, Bureau MASSA
Awards Dak van het jaar 2021 (Roof of the year 2021)
Photography Ebben, Laurens Kuipers

Nature is the future of living in the city. What is more beautiful than waking up to the sound of the blackbird’s song or seeing a hedgehog shuffling through the garden looking for worms? De Groene Kaap is a nature-inclusive stepping stone in the urban nature network of Rotterdam.

With 450 homes spread across four residential blocks and five towers, the Katendrecht neighbourhood of Rotterdam residential complex is interconnected by a green network. Focused on creating a nature-based city, LOLA Landscape Architects designed a series of courtyards and roof landscape gardens that are thriving habitats for people, animals, and plants. LOLA’s approach to the built environment is centered around creating a nature-based city.

 

Green Interconnected Rooftops
The rooftop landscape connects as much as possible to the slow networks of the city. De Groene Kaap includes 7600 square meters of roof gardens, of which 80% of the entire roof surface is covered with greenery. The design incorporates various natural play elements, such as tree trunks, boulders, and semi-paved surfaces, that enhance the biological effect. The bridges, towering at 30 meters high, connect all four residential blocks and courtyards, providing an ideal “upper city” ambiance.

Natural cape bringing people together
The inclusion of a wider variety of green areas in De Groene Kaap creates a relaxed, park-like environment that residents and visitors can enjoy. The building facades are adorned with climbing plants, giving them a natural and inviting feel—the courtyard facade houses 50 nesting boxes, which provides an inviting environment for biodiversity. Planters are strategically placed between the individual terraces to offer privacy, while the courtyard plant areas brings the community closer together.

The Belt
The rooftop landscape of De Groene Kaap begins at ground level and gradually ascends to its highest viewpoint. A continuous walking route, guided by a metal line, loops through and over all four blocks. The blue metal line serves as a pathway and doubles as a bench and playful furniture, enhancing the overall experience of residents and visitors alike.

Plan drawing design roof gardens and interconnecting bridges

Harbor panorama.
The highest point of De Groene Kaap complex offers breathtaking views of the serene waters that overlook Maashaven, one of Rotterdam’s historical harbors.

Axo of park and bridges De Groene Kaap

The green network of Rotterdam

The slow network of Rotterdam

Half paved path as a route between the residential buildings

Attractive place to stay with space for public program

The blue metal line weaving through the circular routes

Garden areas bring communities together

The raised route offers a panoramic view of the harbor and city

Recent news

Meelfabriek Garden public-vote winner Archello Awards Park of the Year 2024

De Meelfabriek site has been redeveloped into a mixed-use area. For the landscape design of the public garden, LOLA Landscape Architects worked closely with garden designer Piet Oudolf. For the 2024 Archello Award the public voted De Meelfabiek Garden as winner for the Park of the Year Award.… More

News
LOLA wins Schelling Architecture Prize 2024

According to the jury of the Schelling Architecture Prize 2024, LOLA brings the hidden layers of the landscape to the surface, working directly from the foundation of the soil. There are few planners who have taken such a broad base and focus on the big picture as LOLA.… More

Meelfabriek garden finalist for Archello Park of the Year

Archello has revealed the finalists for the second annual Archello Awards. For the 2024 edition there were over 1,000 entries. The LOLA Landscape Architects and Piet Odolf designed Meelfabriek garden made it to the finale for Park of the Year!… More