Weesper Lusthofje
Situated on the bustling Weesperstraat in Amsterdam, this municipal office building underwent a transformation to create a greener inner park with a focus on climate adaptation. The project aimed to convert a former parking lot into a vibrant and environmentally friendly space.
The task presented a unique challenge as a significant portion of the garden was situated on the roof of the underground parking garage, and there was very little time to transform it. Ultimately the whole project from briefing till realisation took three weeks.
To achieve the desired result, they applied natural semi-paving techniques on top of the asphalt where they could not work with soil so the differences in the underground became invisible. In close collaboration with landscape designer Harry Pierik, a magician with plants, they filled borders and planters with a richly detailed and cohesive selection of plants.
The carefully chosen vegetation blooms year-round, creating an ever-changing color palette. In addition to its aesthetic value, the greenery also serves practical functions, such as rainwater collection and attracting birds and insects, leading to a significant increase in biodiversity.
The Weesper Lusthofje has been designed as a lush retreat – a small haven in a busy environment. It offers ample seating where people can work or simply enjoy the tranquil beauty of nature. A water feature adds an extra sense of serenity to the garden, creating a calming atmosphere for all who visit – birds, insects, and humans alike.
Project details
Design: Blooming Buildings
Project Location: Weesperstraat / Lepelkruisstraat, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Typology: Urban garden
Design year: 2019
Built: 2019
Collaborator: Harry Pierik
Blooming Buildings
In Blooming Buildings they see urban greening as an investment. By integrating high-quality planting into cities and buildings, they enhance visual appeal, boost biodiversity, improve climate resilience, strengthen social interaction, promote well-being, and increase financial returns. In doing so, they help organizations create both sustainable and social impact while adding economic value to their real estate. What does that look like in practice? Through inspired designs, premium planting, and dedicated maintenance, they create lush urban havens that thrive 365 days a year. Their multidisciplinary team combines deep botanical expertise with knowledge of real estate, design, and architecture. And above all, they bring an unstoppable drive to make a difference, they won’t stop until urban nature is the norm.