The challenge
In the busy Zuidas business district in Amsterdam, the FOZ Building is a coveted and exclusive office building. The entrance is an imposing 144-m² hall with ceilings 7 metres high. What was missing, however, was a warm, hospitable atmosphere for doing business while enjoying a cup of coffee or for informal meetings between colleagues. Commissioned by Patrizia, architect D/Dock transformed the sterile space into a green oasis with an inviting ambiance by incorporating dreamy lush green façades and wooden elements. HB Watertechnologie designed the irrigation system, with the challenge of a lack of water drains on the ground floor.
Our approach
In contrast to the norm in paved urban areas, the walls of the FOZ building’s entrance feature the green façade system from Sempergreen. Through the application of a number of SemperGreenwalls with a total surface area of nearly 100 m², what would otherwise be a noisy entrance has become a green oasis. The green walls are not only attractive but also absorb ambient noise and have also been proven to have a positive effect on the mental wellbeing of people. Three plant species were selected: Philodendron scandens was used as the foundation (70%), with a Marantha species (15%) and Ficus repens (15%) serving to add colour accents. The irrigation method specified by HB Watertechnologie consists of the latest technology in the area of integrated nutrient feeding systems and remotely controlled measuring and regulation techniques – the iMC Box. In addition, specially designed pump systems were installed to pump away drain water up to drains located higher.
The result
A spectacular SemperGreenwall that can be monitored remotely by means of the various sensors. HB Watertechnologie also carries out the complete maintenance of the irrigation system, ensuring consistent quality.