German Rail Offices Feature Instant Sedum Roof

At Grand Central Frankfurt, the new DB Netz AG headquarters houses 2,200 employees in two seven-story office buildings. On the roof, 3,800 m² of the traditional Sempergreen green roof system with Sedum-mix blankets provide instant greenery, boosting sustainability and creating a healthier environment from day one.

Instant green roofs, without the wait

Unlike roofs planted with loose cuttings, a common approach in Germany, Sempergreen’s traditional green roof system uses pre-cultivated Sedum-mix blankets. Delivered with at least 90% coverage, they ensure an immediate green result. The plants are already rooted, eliminating the risk of substrate blowing away and reducing weed growth. For DB Netz AG, this meant no waiting years for vegetation to establish. From the first day, the roof was complete, functional, and attractive.

Performance that lasts

Sedum plants are known for their resilience. They store water in their leaves, thrive in both heat and frost, and flower in vibrant colors that shift through the seasons. The Grand Central roofs now buffer rainwater during heavy showers, stabilize indoor temperatures in summer and filter fine particles from the air. For employees, this translates into a healthier, more comfortable workplace; for the city, it means less runoff, cleaner air, and more biodiversity in a dense urban setting.

Architecture with vision

The design of Grand Central Frankfurt was led by Sweco GmbH and Jo. Franzke Generalplaner GmbH, who envisioned more than just office space. Their approach placed strong emphasis on flexibility, light, and color. Six different colors were used in the interiors, from glass partitions to furniture, creating variety and identity within the vast floor plans. The glass façades and slim structural solutions ensure transparency and openness, while modular systems allow for future adaptability. The result is a headquarters that balances efficiency with a distinct architectural character.

A sustainable workplace in the heart of Frankfurt

Grand Central shows that green roofs are no longer a luxury but a necessity for modern cities. By turning bare surfaces into living landscapes, they improve climate resilience, add ecological value, and extend the lifespan of buildings. For Frankfurt, this project underlines how sustainability can be embedded in large-scale developments. And for DB Netz AG, it delivers a headquarters that is not only efficient and modern but also future-ready, with a roof that proves how powerful the color green can be.