University Library, Warsaw

Park with trees, lawn and a pitched green roof with stairs
project profile data
Area: > 10,000 m²
Construction year: 1999
Architects: Z. Badowski, M. Budzynski and A. Kowalewski, Warsaw
Landscape architect: Irena Bajerska
Contractor: Roof Corporation, Austria
General contractor: Porr International, Austria
System build-up: With Floradrain® FD 40-E and Floraset® FS 75
Project report

In 1999 an intensive green roof was implemented on a area of more than 10,000 m² on the roof of the University Library in Warsaw. The different levels of the roof area are connected by steps and bridges. The roof area, even described as “botanical garden” with a view on the Vistula River, is open for the public. It is so popular, that even wedding photos are shot there. The drainage element Floradrain® FD 40-E has been used for the intensive green flat roof. While in the pitched area Floraset® FS 75 has been used. The plant beds have been created in large-scale geometric shapes like circles and squares. The height of the substrate layer varies from 200 mm to 400 mm depending on the proposed vegetation (lawn, perennials or shrubs). A drip irrigation system has been installed so that the plants survive long times of drought.

  • Garden on top of a roof
    The roof garden with an area of more than 10.000 m² is one of the largest in Europe.
  • People sitting on benches on a large roof garden with lawn, shrubs and bushes.
    The library's roof garden is open to the public.
  • Metal panels with climbers and surrounded by ivy
    Metal panels used overhead create shade with air circulation.
  • Pitched green roof
    Different levels of the roof garden are connected by steps and bridges.
  • Building with green copper facade and vinces growing up the facade
    Vines climbing up the walls connect the ground to the roof garden.
  • Roof garden
    Several glass roofs allow visitors glimpses of the interior.