Circular roof garden for WEC Lauwersoog

Sedum: a living roof

At the heart of this roof lies the Sempergreen Sedum roof. This exceptionally resilient succulent is known for its ability to store water in its leaves, allowing it to withstand both extreme drought and heavy rainfall. Sedum is therefore ideally suited to an increasingly unpredictable climate. On sunny days the roof provides cooling, while during heavy downpours it retains and gradually releases water. In addition, flowering Sedum attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity on and around the building. The result is a roof that is not only functional, but truly alive – contributing to a healthier natural balance.

As a proud partner and Friend of the World Heritage Centre Wadden Sea, Sempergreen contributes to a place where nature, education and sustainability come together.

Olivine: a natural CO₂ filter

The roof edges are finished with Olivine gravel – a remarkable mineral stone with a unique property: it removes CO₂ from the air. As Olivine weathers, it reacts with CO₂ and converts the greenhouse gas into nutrients for plants. One kilogram of Olivine neutralises roughly one kilogram of CO₂. Even the edging of this roof therefore actively contributes to cleaner air and a healthier environment. Alongside its technical benefits, Olivine also adds aesthetic value; its natural look fits seamlessly with the robust architecture of the building and the rugged landscape of the Wadden Sea area.

Terra: circular substrate as fertile ground

Beneath the vegetation lies Sempergreen’s circular Terra substrate. Made from crushed bricks sourced from demolished buildings, it gives construction waste a second life as fertile ground for new nature. Terra fits perfectly with the circular vision of the World Heritage Centre: not discarding materials but reusing them intelligently in a new context. Using Terra reduces waste and creates a strong, sustainable foundation where plants can grow and root optimally. The WEC roof shows how circularity and nature development can go hand in hand.

Sustainable architecture that blends in seamlessly

The green roof integrates perfectly with the sustainable architecture of Team 4 and the natural materials used throughout the building. The façade is clad in treated spruce wood, while a louvre screen made from reused mooring posts forms a striking feature. These wooden slats filter sunlight, prevent overheating and reduce light pollution – particularly important in this designated ‘dark sky’ area.

Inside, the sustainable approach continues: 70% of the materials are bio-based. Table tops are finished with locally harvested coastal grasses, reception desks are decorated with seashells and a plaster made from potato starch, and acoustic panels are produced from recycled denim and hospital linen. Everything is designed to be fully demountable, so that materials can be reused again in the future.

Architect Corten of Team 4: “The centre strengthens the regional identity and connects people with the landscape they live in.”

The outdoor areas also reflect this sustainable vision. LAOS landscape urbanism connected the diverse landscapes of Lauwersoog – the Wadden Sea, the harbour and the dike – into one cohesive whole. Broad staircases and walking routes with planting beds and native species invite visitors to linger, explore and learn.

A green oasis for learning and relaxation

The result is a building and roof garden that together tell a powerful story of sustainability. A green oasis with seating areas and panoramic views over the tidal flats, where education and relaxation come together. The green roof contributes to cooling, water retention, biodiversity and improved air quality, while reinforcing the WEC’s role as a centre for nature research and awareness.

Rough character

Architect Corten of Team 4 emphasises: “The appearance may be somewhat rougher than people are used to, but precisely because of that the building tells a strong sustainable story, expressed in both the interior and exterior materials.”

This robust design goes hand in hand with the green roof, which with its seating areas and views over the tidal flats creates a space where nature, education and relaxation intersect. The World Heritage Centre thus becomes an inspiring environment where visitors not only enjoy the landscape but also become more aware of the importance of sustainability and biodiversity.