HCU Roof: Green Roofs in the Spotlight of Research

Our first stop took us to the roof of HafenCity University Hamburg. There, we gained fascinating insights into how modern green roofs work and the possibilities they offer.

On the research rooftop, which is used for scientific purposes, we received a clear explanation of the roles played by different plants, substrates, and water storage, as well as the insights that could be gained from this for future rooftop projects in Hamburg.

Dock 71: Community and a Garden Above the City

Next, we visited the rooftop garden of the Dock 71 housing cooperative. Here, the focus was primarily on shared use.

The residents had created an extraordinary garden. Private plots were interspersed with shared areas—there were even fruit trees there. In addition to the magnificent view, we learned a lot about the unique aspects of the design and how the roof had become a communal gathering place for the building’s residents.

DZ HYP: Solar Energy Meets Retention

On the roof of the DZ HYP building, we learned about another approach. Here, photovoltaic systems were combined with retention areas.

The economic aspects of the project were particularly interesting. We were shown how the solar power generated was used, the reasoning behind the system, and how successfully the concept had proven itself in practice. At the same time, the retention areas demonstrated how rainwater could be retained on the roof.

A View with the Best Scenery

After these three very different stops, we wrapped up our tour on the rooftop terrace of Villa Viva. With an impressive view of downtown Hamburg, we had time for conversation, sharing thoughts, and drawing some conclusions together.

The tour had impressively demonstrated just how many different ways rooftops could be used: as research spaces, community gardens, for energy generation and rainwater management, or as special places for people to gather.

Our guests were thrilled by the insights and the diverse projects—and we, too, had a great time on the tour.

It was a fantastic tour that we’d love to do again and again. If you’d also like to discover extraordinary rooftops and experience Hamburg from new perspectives, feel free to contact us at info@obenstadt.de.

Many thanks to CSMM for the invitation and to everyone involved who shared their roofs, knowledge, and experiences with us.