Wildlife-friendly design
Landscape architecture
A green buffer for Zierikzee
How do you create a good transition zone between a residential area and a business park? In Zierikzee, we are realizing a grand green gesture in a small space. By planting many different trees, we ensure that company facades are less prominently visible. In addition to this visual screening, we take green management and water storage into account. This creates a pleasant green zone between the business park and the residential area that adds spatial quality to the city.
The Municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland promised local residents that a new commercial property to be developed at Gouwepoort would be screened from view using trees. The designers at Waardenburg Ecology created a preliminary design for the green zone.
By modifying the chosen initial principles in consultation with the municipality, we made room for more trees. In consultation with the site manager, we determined how much space is required for proper management. We selected tree species that suit this location and enhance biodiversity. This resulted in a mix of fast-growing trees and trees that are more future-proof. We creatively combined all these requirements with the necessary space for water retention during heavy rainfall.
By modifying the chosen initial principles in consultation with the municipality, we made room for more trees. In consultation with the site manager, we determined how much space is required for proper management. We selected tree species that suit this location and enhance biodiversity. This resulted in a mix of fast-growing trees and trees that are more future-proof. We creatively combined all these requirements with the necessary space for water retention during heavy rainfall.
Many functions of public space
The need for water storage inevitably leads to significantly long embankments. However, the planting of trees, shrubs, and flower-rich grassland continues onto these sloping surfaces. For most of the time, there is no excessive rainfall; during that period, a dry, undulating green strip with many trees, shrubs, and rough grass lies here. The (management) paths blend into the grass. When heavy rain falls, the lowest part temporarily fills with water. We have chosen the trees lower down the embankment to fit into a wetter environment. Additionally, the zone helps reduce heat because the trees provide shade and cool the surroundings through their evaporation. This area therefore not only adds green qualities but is also climate-resilient.
Drawings with two growth stages
To involve residents in the expected development, we have not drawn a single final image, but have visually represented two moments:
Profiles with sightlines and 3D visualizations show the extent to which the new commercial building will be visible from the homes and gardens. Naturally, the trees soften the view more as their crowns grow larger.
Click on the visualizations below to enlarge them.
- a short-term view, where the trees are still relatively small.
- a long-term view, showing the situation with fully grown tree crowns.
Profiles with sightlines and 3D visualizations show the extent to which the new commercial building will be visible from the homes and gardens. Naturally, the trees soften the view more as their crowns grow larger.
Click on the visualizations below to enlarge them.
