University Library, Warsaw

Park with trees, lawn and a pitched green roof with stairs
project profile data
Area: > 10,000 m²
Construction year: 1999
Architects: Z. Badowski, M. Budzynski and A. Kowalewski, Warsaw
Landscape architect: Irena Bajerska
Contractor: Roof Corporation, Austria
General contractor: Porr International, Austria
System build-up: With Floradrain® FD 40-E and Floraset® FS 75
Project report

In 1999 an intensive green roof was implemented on a area of more than 10,000 m² on the roof of the University Library in Warsaw. The different levels of the roof area are connected by steps and bridges. The roof area, even described as “botanical garden” with a view on the Vistula River, is open for the public. It is so popular, that even wedding photos are shot there. The drainage element Floradrain® FD 40-E has been used for the intensive green flat roof. While in the pitched area Floraset® FS 75 has been used. The plant beds have been created in large-scale geometric shapes like circles and squares. The height of the substrate layer varies from 200 mm to 400 mm depending on the proposed vegetation (lawn, perennials or shrubs). A drip irrigation system has been installed so that the plants survive long times of drought.

  • Garden on top of a roof
    The roof garden with an area of more than 10.000 m² is one of the largest in Europe.
  • People sitting on benches on a large roof garden with lawn, shrubs and bushes.
    The library's roof garden is open to the public.
  • Metal panels with climbers and surrounded by ivy
    Metal panels used overhead create shade with air circulation.
  • Pitched green roof
    Different levels of the roof garden are connected by steps and bridges.
  • Building with green copper facade and vinces growing up the facade
    Vines climbing up the walls connect the ground to the roof garden.
  • Roof garden
    Several glass roofs allow visitors glimpses of the interior.
  1. Garden on top of a roof
  2. People sitting on benches on a large roof garden with lawn, shrubs and bushes.
  3. Metal panels with climbers and surrounded by ivy
  4. Pitched green roof
  5. Building with green copper facade and vinces growing up the facade
  6. Roof garden