Greenroofs.com Project of the Week: 5/18/15

Klinikum 2, Cantonal Hospital of Basel
Basel, Switzerland
32,307 sf. Greenroof

Project Description & Details

The University Hospital of Basel (Cantonal Hospital of Basel) is one of the five university hospitals of Switzerland. Located in the city center, it brings together 50 clinics, units, and institutes all working together in an interdisciplinary manner under one roof. Originally constructed in 1937, by 1990 Klinikum 1 (Clinic 1) had several greenroofs installed for the benefit of patient health. Klinikum 2 was built in 1978 and all of the flat roofs sported greenroofs. In 2003 one of the greenroofs on the Klinikum 2 was reconstructed as a pilot “Habitat” greenroof spearheaded by Dr. Stephan Brenneisen, head of the Green Roof Competence Center at Zurich University of Applied Sciences.

Researching the ecological significance of extensive greenroofs as contributors to the protection of nature and species, Dr. Brenneisen designed a space to encourage and test biodiversity. The design mimics the river bank conditions of the nearby Rhine River and the substrate regimes range from gravel and sand (simulating river terrace conditions) to topsoil coverage (for near-natural dry meadows). The original substrate depths were 6, 12, and 20 centimeters. Different micro habitats at various depths provide living areas for many local plants and animal species. The vegetated roof contains two large gravel areas to attract birds as well as areas of sedum and herbs, moss, and large grass meadows with mixed areas between. Large branches and big stones were included in the design and provide cover, and the roof is monitored for birds, spiders, beetles, ladybugs, bumblebees, and more.

Find more photos and additional information about this project in The International Greenroof & Greenwall Projects Database.

Klinikum 2, Cantonal Hospital of Basel is Greenroofs.com’s Project of the Week in honor of its designer, Dr. Stephan Brenneisen, who is one of the Keynotes for the Greenroofs & Walls of the World Virtual Summit 2015. Join us and enjoy Stephan’s 26 minute video “Biodiversity in the Sky – How Green Roofs Can Be Designed as Wild Life Refuges” for an in-depth look into his research in this very important field, now playing though May 31, 2015.

Year: 2003
Owner: University Hospital Basel
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Building Type: Healthcare
Type: Extensive, Test/Research
System: Custom
Size: 32,307 sq. ft.
Slope: 1.5%
Access: Inaccessible, Private

Designers/Manufacturers of Record:

Designer: Dr. Stephan Brenneisen, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Environment and Nature Resources

Project of the Week Video Feature

Watch the Klinikum 2, Cantonal Hospital of Basel Project of the Week Video below or see it on our GreenroofsTV channel on YouTube:

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Love the Earth, Plant a Roof!

~ Linda V.