Low-Maintenance · Material Study

A Low-Maintenance Garden Idea, Straight From the Netherlands

Material Study · Hemp in Kitchen

UpdatedSep 28, 2019 10:24 AM EDT

August 04, 2026 · Yuki Hara · Studio Hira · Kyoto · 11 min read · File RGN-9755 · ORGANIC
A Low-Maintenance Garden Idea, Straight From the Netherlands
wood shed covered in grass

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Sign Up for Domino’s Newsletter

By signing up, you confirm you are 16+, will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to ourTerms of Useand acknowledge the data practices in ourPrivacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Okay, you guys, is your roof living up to its full potential? Because the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands is proving there’s SO much more we can do with this overlooked space. The town’s central district recentlyannounced a “no roof unused” policy, an initiative aimed at having every building covered in greenery or fitted with solar panels. Utrecht tested it out by installing plants at its 300-plus bus stops last year, and is planning on building a vertical forest tower covered in 10,000 plants by 2022.While blossoming flowers and fresh grass are a whole lot nicer to look at than asphalt (the aesthetic!), this movement isn’t just about looks. Here’s the scoop on the eco-friendly update:

See more stories like this:Fleetwood Mac and Sageing Make Up This Plant Lover’s Greenery RoutineHome Buyers Agree: This Is the Most Important Eco-Friendly FeatureThe First Step to Going Low Waste Is Surprisingly Simple

A Low-Maintenance Garden Idea, Straight From the Netherlands
Lydia Geisel Avatar

Lydia Geisel has been on the editorial team at Domino since 2017. Today, she writes and edits home and renovation stories, including house tours, before and afters, and DIYs, and leads our design news coverage. She lives in New York City.

Learn more about Domino.comEditorial Standards

← Back to the journal