
A living landscape for BuitenBuren, Almere’s new vertical green neighbourhood
We are proud to begin a new project: a sustainable landscape for BuitenBuren, a residential development that transforms Almere Buiten Centrum into a nature‑inclusive vertical neighbourhood! Our design establishes a continuous green framework from courtyards to roofscapes, forming a climate-adaptive ecosystem rooted in the 3-30-300 principle.
Developed by J.P. van Eesteren and designed by De Zwarte Hond, BuitenBuren introduces 224 new homes wrapped in a landscape that climbs, cascades, shelters, and thrives, responding to Almere’s high housing demand while introducing a new residential concept that prioritizes nature, climate adaptation and social cohesion.
The landscape combines courtyard gardens, large trees, and extensive horizontal greenery, anchored by a publicly accessible Neighborhood Park. Layered planting—from grasses and shrubs to high trees—creates rich vertical gardens in courtyards, setbacks, and roof terraces, while climbers adorn facades and planters at multiple levels. This integrated greenery helps cool the environment through shade and evapotranspiration, mitigates heat stress, and is carefully selected to thrive in Almere’s windy conditions. Water drives our design, with retention roofs capturing rainfall to nourish vegetation and support a sustainable landscape.
“This project integrates nature at every level, establishing a high‑quality green living environment that fosters interaction, relaxation, and stewardship. Our design actively performs as a vertical landscape, bringing tangible ecological and social benefits to residents and visitors.”
— Inga Zielonka, Senior project leader, OKRA
The scheme integrates the urban biotope concept, nurturing wildlife and creating habitats for five target species, with integrated nesting opportunities at various heights and façade locations, and a gradient of vegetation—from open, stony roofs to dense planting—to support birds, bats, and pollinators. Low-tech, maintenance-friendly strategies ensure that this resilient, nature-inclusive neighbourhood will flourish for years to come.
Expected to be realized by mid-2030, this living landscape will set a new milestone for sustainable urban living!
