Rare rooftop garden created for the birds and the bees—and the general public!

IKEA Greenwich has achieved an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM UK New Construction certification by incorporating a 3,500 m² rooftop garden, a range of sustainable
technologies such as solar power, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and renewable construction materials.

The green roof and roof garden consist of segregated biodiverse and sedum-covered
areas, a wildflower meadow, raised urban farming beds for school, community and
co-worker use, planters, paving and synthetic turf for community activities.

All areas surround a purpose-built rooftop pavilion, which is accessible all year round during store opening hours. The roof is London’s largest accessible rooftop for people and nature. It is unusual for the general public to be able to access a roof garden in London at any time, free of charge, especially one that offers so many secure and protected areas for local birds, bees and insects.

The contractors used their apprentice and two weekly work placements who join them for horticultural training twice weekly. They used drones to regularly record progress, which was challenging to get permissions, being so close to the City Airport flight path.

“This is a fantastic example of urban greening and utilising roof space and a testament to Bridgman & Bridgman,” said the judges.

Manufacturer: Bauder UK