MULTI-SPECIES HOUSING

The Plantproof concept of Urban Woods is an ambitious hybrid housing concept for modern society. With the idea of being implemented in multiple locations within the Netherlands, including Deventer, Groningen, Zwolle and Amsterdam, the 10-story low carbon residential building in Delft will be the first one to be constructed, built entirely with cross-laminated timber.

To create a nature inclusive building, studio audal was commissioned to draft a biodiverse outdoor plan, where both human and fauna can live in harmony. Based on the ambassador species prescribed by Nest Natuurinclusief, the landscape master plan consists of a sequence of borders with year-round, attractive plants that accommodate residents as much as local fauna.

The planting plan extends from the horizontal surface on the ground floor, all the way up along the building, with special animal shelters implemented on each balcony that also serve as pots for various fruit trees. Specific edible and aromatic species provide food both for humans and for the chosen ambassador species. A ‘menu’, drafted in collaboration with Nest Natuurinclusief, allows each inhabitants to pick which ‘ingredients’ (plant, berry or fruit) they wish to serve on their balcony to the local birds, insects and bats.