"Multi-stemmed trees make the Belsimpel roof garden a beautiful place to work all year round."
In the centre of Groningen, Belsimpel has taken an innovative step to not only make their new office more attractive for employees, but also create an inspiring working environment. The Google Pixel Playground, a multifunctional rooftop garden on the headquarters' roof, is the result of a collaboration with The Urban Jungle Project. This unique green space offers employees not only a place to relax, but also an environment conducive to creativity and collaboration.
The roof garden is designed as a dynamic and flexible space that can be used all year round. In the summer months, the terrace provides an additional outdoor workspace, complete with bar and bocce court for informal meetings and relaxation. The idea behind the space is not only to provide a visually appealing environment, but also to promote employee interaction and enrich the working culture.
When designing the roof garden, great attention was paid to the technical aspects to ensure that the space remains flexible and sustainable. The roof garden is fully modular, meaning that the various components can be easily removed and reinstalled when maintenance of the building is required. This makes the roof garden not only practical, but also future-proof. Another important aspect of the design is the lightweight construction, which ensures that the roof is not overloaded. With a maximum load of only 250 kg per square metre, a light but robust solution has been provided that respects the integrity of the building.
The innovative Jungle Blocks, developed by The Urban Jungle Project, play a crucial role in the success of this design. These 3D printed blocks, made from recycled consumer waste, are the basis for the modular structure of the roof garden. The Jungle Blocks not only ensure minimal weight on the roof, but also contribute to the sustainability of the project. If the roof garden is dismantled or modified in the future, the blocks can easily be recycled, significantly reducing the ecological impact of the project. This makes the roof garden not only a visual asset for Belsimpel, but also an example of how sustainability can be integrated into modern business environments.
The choice of these sustainable and innovative materials is in line with Belsimpel's broader philosophy where technology and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. By creating a roof garden that not only promotes the well-being of employees but also respects the environment, Belsimpel is taking an important step towards a more sustainable business model. The Google Pixel Playground is thus more than just a green roof; it is a statement of a company aware of the interplay between nature and technology.
With this rooftop garden, Belsimpel has not only created an attractive workplace, but also an inspiring environment that stimulates the productivity and creativity of their employees. The combination of nature, technology and sustainability makes the Google Pixel Playground a unique place in the heart of Groningen, where innovation is not only in the technology, but also in the way the work environment is designed. It is a project that paves the way for future office concepts that take employee well-being and responsibility to the planet seriously.
