USP gets a roof garden

In the Utrecht Science Park (USP), a roof garden has been created on the basement of the Van Unnik building. This roof garden is the perfect place for a walk, a lunch appointment or just to relax on one of the circular benches. The roof garden was officially opened on Friday 8 September by Margot van der Starre, vice-president of the Executive Board.

Roof garden on the basements

The basements on which the roof garden was laid out were left behind after the demolition of the low-rise Van Unnik building. The basements belong to the redevelopment of the Van Unnik building that is being prepared. Until the redevelopment starts, the cellar basins have no function.

The location, between the Educatorium, the University Library and other educational buildings, has now been temporarily landscaped with greenery: a temporary roof garden with plenty of space for greenery and recreation. This will boost the livability and vibrancy of the area.

Circularly designed garden

The design of the roof garden was based on circularity. Not only was as much use made of materials that get a second life as possible, but the materials used can also be easily reused. Part of the furniture is made from grass from the USP and recycled plastic, and another part from trees that have been processed whole.  The roof garden will also feature a pergola. This will be built from the wood released from the Botanical Gardens during the refurbishment of the System Garden. All plants can be moved easily.

Freely accessible

The roof garden is freely accessible during the day. The entrances are on the side of Casa Confetti. There is a ramp opposite the Educatorium.