A.Vogel Visitor Centre fully integrated into nature

In 2023, a new visitor centre was opened in the A.Vogel gardens on the Veluwe. Serving as the gateway to the gardens, the building combines renewable energy, natural materials and a 340 m² pitched green roof that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Fully integrated into the landscape

The green roof allows the building to blend naturally into its surroundings.

Renewable energy supply

A heat pump and solar panels provide sustainable energy.

340 m² pitched green roof

Technically designed for long-term performance.

Designed for long-term performance

With around 40,000 visitors each year, the A.Vogel gardens in Dutch ’t Harde are a popular destination for people interested in natural health and wellbeing. To enhance the visitor experience, a new visitor centre was opened in 2023, designed by VersteeghHofman Architects. The building serves as both the starting point and final destination of the visitor journey, telling the story of the power of nature. Sustainability was therefore a key design principle. A 340 m² pitched green roof from Sempergreen helps the building blend naturally into its green surroundings.

Nature at the heart of the design

A.Vogel has long been known for its natural healthcare products and the healing power of plants. The visitor centre reflects this philosophy. Visitors can discover how approximately 50,000 kilograms of medicinal herbs and plants are cultivated and processed each year. Through photographs, videos, interactive exhibits and an audio tour, the entire process is brought to life. The architecture reinforces this message. Thanks to the green roof, the building appears to emerge naturally from the landscape, blurring the boundary between architecture and nature.

A sustainable building from roof to foundation

Not only does the building look sustainable, but its technology is equally future-focused. The visitor centre is heated by a ground-source heat pump that extracts energy from the earth. In addition, solar panels provide part of the building’s electricity demand. This combination of sustainable technologies reduces energy consumption and perfectly aligns with A.Vogel’s mission to work in harmony with nature. The project demonstrates how natural principles and modern technology can successfully work together.

A technically advanced pitched green roof

The green roof was installed by Daktec Bewust Groen with technical guidance from Sempergreen. The project features a 340 m² vapour-tight pitched green roof system specifically designed for sloping roofs. The system build-up consists of a water-retention fleece, anti-slip provisions, specialised roof garden substrate and pre-grown Sedum blankets. This ensures the roof remains stable and functional on slopes of up to 45 degrees. The green roof contributes to biodiversity, rainwater retention and cooling while creating a natural appearance that complements the surrounding landscape.

Designed for safe maintenance

As the visitor centre is located in the wooded surroundings of the Veluwe, regular maintenance is essential to keep the green roof performing at its best. Safe long-term access was therefore incorporated into the design from the outset. The roof is equipped with an integrated Flesst fall-protection system, allowing maintenance work to be carried out safely. In addition, a specially designed edge profile ensures rainwater is directed underneath the solar panels and into the gutter. This smart detailing combines technical functionality with a clean architectural finish

Thanks to the green roof, the building appears to emerge from the landscape itself, creating a seamless transition between nature and architecture.

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