The city of Antwerp supported the 2019 innovation track, selecting the Hibernia School as one of four exemplary projects for climate-robust roofs in the city. During the process, plans were drawn up, involving the headmistress, a parent, an architectural history teacher and 19 12th grade students. Together they climbed onto the roof to share their ideas and designs, inspired by the Hibernia philosophy of ecology, sustainability, and connection to nature.
The renovation focused not only on sealing leaks, but also addressing insulation issues and creating greener, ecological, and sustainable roof gardens. Students and parents were closely involved in the design, with a desire to transform the roofs into "natural roof playgrounds. Insights from workshops resulted in innovative solutions, such as walkable grids with shade planting, integrated water collection in benches, and the combination of active elements such as vegetable gardens and greenery. The goal was to keep the roofs pleasantly walkable, student-proof, and with attention to aesthetics.
In 2018, the Hibernia School in the center of Antwerp decided to renovate its rooftop playgrounds, but with a unique twist. Together with the city of Antwerp and Tectum Group , a climate-robust approach was chosen, taking into account the changing climatic conditions. The ambition was not only to make the roof waterproof, but also to transform it into green oases that deal cleverly with rainwater, promote biodiversity and offer protection against heat stress and wind nuisance.
The city of Antwerp supported the 2019 innovation track, selecting the Hibernia School as one of four exemplary projects for climate-robust roofs in the city. During the process, plans were drawn up, involving the headmistress, a parent, an architectural history teacher and 19 12th grade students. Together they climbed onto the roof to share their ideas and designs, inspired by the Hibernia philosophy of ecology, sustainability, and connection to nature.
The renovation focused not only on sealing leaks, but also addressing insulation issues and creating greener, ecological, and sustainable roof gardens. Students and parents were closely involved in the design, with a desire to transform the roofs into "natural roof playgrounds. Insights from workshops resulted in innovative solutions, such as walkable grids with shade planting, integrated water collection in benches, and the combination of active elements such as vegetable gardens and greenery. The goal was to keep the roofs pleasantly walkable, student-proof, and with attention to aesthetics.
The Hibernia School, known for its participatory culture, actively involved parents and students in the construction, planting, and maintenance of the roof gardens. The project went beyond a simple renovation, and with the help of Tectum Group and the city of Antwerp, the vision of climate-robust roofs became a reality, with green, sustainability, and participation at its core. In the end, a dynamic blue roof and a semi-intensive roof garden were chosen. Dynamic means using a smart control system to discharge water based on weather forecasts. This ensures maximum storage capacity. This project was accomplished in collaboration with Ecoworks.
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In 2018, the Hibernia School in the center of Antwerp decided to renovate its rooftop playgrounds, but with a unique twist. Together with the city of Antwerp and Tectum Group , a climate-robust approach was chosen, taking into account the changing climatic conditions. The ambition was not only to make the roof waterproof, but also to transform it into green oases that deal cleverly with rainwater, promote biodiversity and offer protection against heat stress and wind nuisance.
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