Dizzying relaxation on a rooftop in Amsterdam

Sunbathing and relaxing? A swimming pool with a 360° panoramic view? A lounge bar for a refreshing cocktail in the middle of greenery?

It sounds like an exotic destination, when all of this is possible on a ZinCo "Stormwater Management Green Roof"  in Amsterdam.

Soho House Amsterdam was designed according to Nick Jones' concept: realizing an international exclusive meeting and residence for creatives from different sectors, such as artists, performers, authors, musicians, fashion designers,  people from the media... The first Soho House opened in London in 1995. Today there are 27 Soho Houses worldwide, each located in extraordinary locations.

An uncommon project

A stone's throw from Amsterdam's popular shopping district "De Negen Straatjes" and close to Dam Square was the "Bungehuis," a listed building from 1934. Through a stunning and extensive renovation, the building was transformed into the Soho House. The six-story 'Bungehuis' was renovated by the Dutch  Architectural firm Kentie and Partners transformed a former commercial building into a multifunctional complex with 79 rooms, meeting rooms, wellness area with sauna, several  lounge bars, restaurants and even a library.

Everything was done with respect for the original art deco style and the typical early 20th century  building style. The Soho House is a wonderful example of repurposing and revaluing an old building in an urban setting. The ground floor is open to the general public and provides access to "Cecconi's Restaurant" and the "Cowshed Wellness.

Absolute eye-catcher of the building, however, is the impressive roof, a creation of landscape architect Marnix Tavenier. There he combined green roofs with wooden terrace floors, a lounge bar and an outdoor pool with dizzying views of Amsterdam's old city center.

What is not visible, however, is the underlying structure. In order to meet the city of Amsterdam's ambition to buffer at least 60 liters per m² during peak downpours, a ZinCo rainwater retention green roof was chosen: "Stormwater Management Greenroof."

ZinCo's expertise and technical assistance held numerous additional benefits for the development of the project.

Rainwater retention green roof

Rainwater retention roofs are flat roofs with no slope where rainwater is temporarily stored on the roof to relieve the sewer system during heavy peak rainfall events and thus prevent flooding. The stored rainwater can be delayed or reused for planting an overhead green roof during periods of prolonged drought. With climate change, experts expect both more periods of heavy rainfall and longer periods of heat and drought.

Intelligent construction

A protective mat SSM45 was applied to a root-resistant roof seal over the entire surface. On top of this came the water retention elements RSX65. These 65 mm high elements can be interconnected and can buffer up to 60l/m². They can be used under green roofs as well as under walking and driving pavements. The total water buffering capacity of the Soho House is no less than 30,000 liters. The rainwater can be subsequently drained into the sewage system or reused for irrigation of the plants by means of an adjustable flow limiter and without overloading. The flow limiter is equipped with an overflow as an additional safety feature. For more information visit www.zinco.be