Renovation of Kadoelerbreek roof garden Amsterdam
Space for trees, shrubs and plants
On the instructions of Ymere Buro Mien Ruys has created a new design for the Kadoelerbreek rooftop garden in Amsterdam. The rooftop garden was easily accessible and regularly used by residents, but lacked atmosphere and quality of stay. Buro Mien Ruys set to work to breathe new life into the rooftop garden. Smit Groenadvies handled the engineering and supervised the execution.
A parking garage lies beneath the garden. Consequently, the maximum load-bearing capacity of the roof played a key role in the design. The existing contours of the paving and planting beds were retained, as Ymere desired. Within these parameters, we designed new planting beds with varying substrate heights. This created space for trees, shrubs, and perennials.
Collaboration with residents
Resident participation formed an important starting point. At the beginning of the design process, we gathered residents' wishes through a survey. We combined this input with the current situation, Ymere's ambition, and our design vision.
From this, four important principles emerged:
- Creating a pleasant living garden
- Create more shelter and windbreak
- Ensuring an attractive garden in all seasons
- A biodiverse garden that attracts many birds, bees, and butterflies
The new design primarily focuses on creating a pleasant garden to spend time in, providing more windbreak through raised areas, and ensuring interesting planting year-round. A planting plan has been created, and new uses for the large planting beds have been explored.
Accessibility
A semi-paved 'stroll path' runs through the planting beds. This allows residents not only to view the garden from the tiled paths but also to actually walk through the vegetation. The stroll path winds through the garden, with occasional extra resting spots equipped with benches. The semi-paving is also accessible to people using a walker or wheelchair.
The circle in the center of the roof garden and the resting spots along the meandering path offer views of the flower-filled borders. Neat hedges and raised shrub beds provide backdrops for the seating areas. This makes the garden feel more enclosed and comfortable. The taller shrubs and perennials give the garden more structure and break up long sightlines. They also help to temper the wind, making it more pleasant for residents to spend time in the garden.
Attractive planting
Where possible, existing trees were preserved or relocated. In addition, trees have been added to provide shelter, shade, and greater layering. A choice was made for more species variety, such as flowering trees and trees with beautiful autumn foliage. The interplay of hedges, paths, and flower-rich borders also ensures a varied view year-round.
The roof garden is not only attractive to residents walking or sitting there. From the apartments above the complex, too, the garden presents a green and lively view. The renovated garden is a place that connects. Residents can gather there for a cup of coffee, a game of pétanque, or to read a book in peace. The terraces offer spots in both the sun and the shade. The planting attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, which is beneficial for biodiversity. In spring, blossoms and flowering bulbs provide color; in summer, perennials follow, and in autumn, the fall colors give the garden a warm appearance. Evergreen plants and ornamental grasses provide structure even in winter. Thanks to the choice of these plants, the garden changes with the seasons, ensuring the roof garden remains attractive all year round.
Festive opening
On Friday, May 22, 2026, the renovated roof garden was officially opened by the oldest resident (96 years old!) of the complex. She had the honor of cutting the ribbon in the presence of all residents and employees. It was a beautiful first summer day in May. While enjoying a drink, a snack, and music, the residents enjoyed their renovated garden together for the first time. The reactions were enthusiastic. The roof garden has been transformed into a lively, green meeting place. At the end of the garden, you look out over the water of the Kadoelerbreek. This gives the place extra tranquility and makes the roof garden a pleasant green oasis for the residents.
