Urban Gardening
Green roofs, roof gardens, terraces and outdoor vegetal walls. We transform roofs, facades and suspended spaces into living, architectural ecosystems.
Greenery as an architectural element
Urban gardening is not gardening in the city: it is a design discipline that integrates greenery into the building envelope. Conceived for architects, developers and clients who want high-performance, sustainable, visually distinctive buildings. We work with modular systems that are lightweight, draining and quick to install, certified to withstand static loads, temperature extremes and the most severe exposures of the Alpine and pre-Alpine climate of Ticino.
Every urban gardening project starts with technical analysis: structural loads, exposure, ventilation, drainage, accessibility for maintenance. We provide technical datasheets, plant schedules, photo-realistic renderings and specifications to support the architectural project. We oversee installation with certified teams and follow the work over time with a dedicated maintenance plan.
Green roofs and roof gardens
Green roofs are the most effective solution to restore biodiversity to built ground. We deliver extensive green roofs (sedum and grasses, low maintenance, contained weight) and intensive green roofs (true roof gardens, with shrubs and small trees, walkable and designed as habitable outdoor space). Both improve the building's thermal insulation, reduce stormwater runoff and create habitats for pollinators and birdlife.
Intensive roof gardens are perfect for penthouses, slab terraces, underground car-park roofs and hotel roof gardens. The multi-layer system we adopt (anti-root membrane, drainage, water storage, lightweight substrate) makes ambitious botanical compositions possible even where a traditional garden could not exist.
Outdoor vegetal walls and green facades
Green facades are the most effective way to redefine the identity of an existing building. We work with modular systems using pockets or pre-cultivated panels, with integrated drip irrigation and an aluminium frame applied to existing load-bearing structures. Plants (hardy evergreens, flowering perennials, ornamental grasses) are selected based on exposure, altitude and the desired visual effect.
For new projects we collaborate with the architecture firm from the preliminary stages, integrating the vegetal wall into the building's construction system. For renovations and retrofits we offer lightweight, self-supporting solutions with minimal impact on the existing structure.
- Extensive and intensive green roofs (roof gardens)
- Terraces and slab roofs
- Modular outdoor vegetal walls
- Green facades and vegetal screens
- Roof gardens and habitable rooftops
- Technical datasheets, renderings and specifications for architects
- Scheduled post-installation maintenance
Frequently asked questions, Urban Gardening
Can an existing roof host a green roof?
Almost always yes, but it requires a structural check. Extensive sedum systems weigh 80 to 120 kg/m² when saturated and are compatible with most modern roofs. Intensive systems require greater loads and must be evaluated with a structural engineer. We provide the preliminary analysis free of charge.
How much does a green roof cost per square metre?
The quote depends on the type of intervention (extensive sedum green roof or walkable intensive green roof), the depth of the substrate, the irrigation system and the chosen botanical palette. The detailed quote is free and includes site visit, preliminary structural analysis and plant schedule.
Which certifications and standards do you follow?
We adhere to Swiss SIA construction standards and the FLL guidelines (Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau), the international standard for green roofs. All systems we propose are certified for fire resistance, root protection and durability.
How much does an outdoor green wall weigh?
A modular green wall with perennial plants weighs about 60-90 kg/m² when saturated (water + substrate + vegetation). Lighter pocket systems go down to 35-50 kg/m². We provide complete technical specifications to support structural design.
Do you only work with architects?
No. We work with architecture firms on architectural projects, but also directly with private clients, hotels, offices and building administrations who want to transform a terrace, a roof or a facade. The level of design consultancy is calibrated according to the project.
Do you have an urban gardening project?
Free site visit, preliminary technical analysis and quote.
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