Smaragden, Uppsala (Rosendal)

Roof garden with luscious plant beds and wooden decking
project profile data
Area: ca. 600 m²
Construction year: 2015
Architect/Design: Christensen & Co. Architects A/S, Copenhagen
Landscape architect: Karavan landskapsarkitekter AB, Uppsala
System build-up: “Roof Garden” with Floradrain® FD 60 and water dam-up
Project report

Situated in the new Uppsala district Rosendal, “Smaragden” is a new housing development which was completed in 2015. As the Danish Architects Christensen & Co. focused on an ecological and sustainable construction, the building has got an even visible environmental profile. One of its most striking features is the greenery you can find everywhere. Not only that the building is located in the immediate vicinity of the city forest, the greenery penetrates the whole building from the ground to the roof. All the 115 small but modern apartments are sized between 23 and 48 square meters and are flooded with natural daylight. The upper and top floor units are equipped with French balconies or private roof gardens whereas the ground floor units have private terraces with big planters for vegetables or other vegetation. On the parking garage there’s a shared circumferential terrace consisting of a generous wooden deck and vegetated areas. It allows for informal gatherings, parties or relaxation and has a splendid view of the adjacent tennis courts.

  • Plant bed with herbs and rusty metal edging on a wooden deck.
    The metal edgings with rust patina around planting beds blend in well with the natural design of the roof garden.
  • Roof garden with strawberries growing in plantinge beds and wooden decking.
    The public areas are planted with various sorts of crop plants like fruit trees and berry bushes.
  • Green courtyard with barbecue place surrounded by residential buildings.
    Moveable public furniture can be arranged freely near one of the fixed barbecue places.
  • Plant bed with Geraniums and benches surrounded by residential buildings.
    Geranium Cantabrigiense “Biokovo” prosper in sunny or semi-shade warm areas.
  • Roof garden with planting beds and railing.
    The surrounding balustrade railing was installed without any roof penetration.