Buen

Nature-Inspired Rooftop Garden

Yes, nature, recreation, and vegetable cultivation are indeed possible on rooftops in Bergen.

We challenged our client, ourselves, and our partners when we launched the concept in 2011: a roof that combines nature, social zones, and vegetable cultivation right in the traffic-heavy area of Kronstad. For Bara Eiendom, we have planned and built a green roof on the office building BUEN. Impressive efforts have been made here to promote biodiversity and create a green and sustainable environment. With MATTAK's green roof surface, BUEN has achieved an Excellent rating in the BREEAM-NOR environmental certification. BREEAM-NOR.

The roof is divided into three main green areas: a kitchen garden, an orchard, and a natural roof. Inside our self-developed fence lies the fruit and kitchen garden. Fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs, and a variety of other edible plants have been planted here. The inner part of the roof is also designed as a social zone. Surrounded by lush plants, the building’s employees can enjoy a coffee or a chat with friends and colleagues. The roof is equipped with a sink, composting of green waste, and other necessary operational facilities. The chefs from the in-house restaurant Søtt + Salt are directly involved in growing and harvesting food straight from the rooftop.

Outside the fence, we have created a natural roof with rich biological diversity. The flowering plants on the natural roof are native species, and logs and roots have been added to enrich the insect and micro-life. Among the pollinator-friendly plants, you’ll also find food sources for birds, such as lingonberries, blueberries, and elderberries.

In addition to the ecological and social value the roof provides, its rainwater runoff retention features also help increase the BREEAM rating.

The green roof areas retain approximately 20,000 to 24,000 liters of Rainwater runoff – an important contributor to reducing flood peaks.

We have also studied the biodiversity afterward and conducted a study in 2024 – available here: Insects Thrive on Green Roofs in Bergen.