Sustainable neighborhood renovation

Energy-efficient housing upgrade

The renovation project did not stop at the rooftops. All homes were equipped with new doors and windows fitted with HR++ insulating glass, and cavity wall insulation was added. The complete roof covering was replaced, and the roofs were upgraded to meet the latest thermal standards by roofing contractor DAKaccent.

On top of the new insulation and waterproofing layers, Sempergreen’s lightweight Sedum system was combined with photovoltaic panels. This pairing is a win-win: the green roof keeps the roof surface and its surroundings cooler, which in turn increases the efficiency of the solar panels. Residents benefit from lower energy costs, a more pleasant indoor climate, and a greener view from their windows.

Lightweight innovation for green roofs 

One of the challenges in renovating existing housing is that the original roof structures often cannot carry the additional weight of a traditional green roof system. To address this, Sempergreen has developed a lightweight Sedum solution, perfectly suited for renovation projects and applicable to both flat and slightly sloping roofs. 

In this system, the traditional substrate layer is replaced by a substrate roll made of long mineral wool fibers. This material is up to eight times lighter than conventional green roof substrates, while still allowing excellent root development and plant growth thanks to its open structure. Additional advantages include quick and clean installation, strong water retention capacity, effective sound insulation, and high fire resistance certified with the A1 fire safety label. 

Given the load-bearing capacity of these existing homes, the lightweight Sedum roof system from Sempergreen was chosen for this project. In total, more than 1,000 square meters of lightweight Sedum roofs were installed by green contractor idverde.  

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Boosting biodiversity in the city   

By placing green roofs on the Nachtegaallaan homes, BrabantWonen is actively bringing nature back into the neighborhood. Sedum plants provide food, shelter, and resting places for a variety of insects, including bees and hoverflies, which are increasingly under threat in urban environments. Birds and butterflies also use the rooftops as stepping stones to other green areas nearby, strengthening the ecological network across the city.  

To further support biodiversity, several bat boxes were integrated into the façades of the houses, ensuring compliance with Dutch nature protection legislation. Together, these measures make the Vogelbuurt not just more sustainable, but also more nature-inclusive. 

The presence of greenery has a proven positive effect on people’s health and sense of community.

Green neighborhood, healthy community 

The presence of greenery has a proven positive effect on people’s health and sense of community. It encourages outdoor activity, enhances social safety, and reduces stress levels. Green roofs also mitigate the urban heat island effect by cooling the environment, an increasingly important feature in the warming climate.  

By combining insulation, renewable energy, and green roofs, this renovation delivers homes that are energy-efficient, comfortable, and future-proof. The residents of the Vogelbuurt now live in a neighborhood where sustainability is visible every day in the form of vibrant green rooftops that benefit people, nature, and the city alike. A transformation that makes sustainability visible, improving daily life for both people and nature.