EN
▾
EN
▾
During the winter of 2022/2023, housing association Casade carried out the refurbishment of several blocks of senior housing in Dongen. As part of the project, the homes received new wall and roof insulation to improve their energy performance. At the same time, Casade wanted to enhance the immediate surroundings of the properties. Unitura was commissioned to ensure that the refurbishment was delivered in a fully nature-inclusive way.
The project focused on an integrated approach combining green infrastructure and wildlife provisions. Specific measures were required for the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), the swift (Apus apus) and several bat species. To support these target species and enhance biodiversity within the neighbourhood, we designed and installed green facades featuring firethorn (Pyracantha), creating both habitat and food resources directly within the built environment.
On the gable-end facades of the residential blocks, our teams installed high-quality green facade systems. For this, we used Unitura’s own Climbers climbing-wire system. The system is constructed entirely from stainless steel components, ensuring exceptional durability and long-term performance. It also maintains a clean and attractive appearance throughout the establishment phase. Even before the climbing plants have fully covered the facade, the system provides a neat and professional finish.
For the planting scheme, we specifically selected firethorn (Pyracantha). This climbing plant establishes gradually and is highly tolerant of dry conditions, making it well suited to urban environments. Firethorn is also particularly valuable for the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Its dense, thorny branching structure provides excellent shelter and protection from predators. By combining these firethorn-covered green facades with biodiversity-friendly planting, we significantly enhance the availability of food, shelter and nesting opportunities within the local habitat.
A green facade alone is often not enough to achieve a truly nature-inclusive outcome. For this reason, we integrated woodcrete nest boxes above the green facades. These features provide permanent nesting and roosting opportunities for both birds and bats. Woodcrete is an ideal material for this application, offering a stable internal microclimate, excellent durability and a long service life.
The house sparrows (Passer domesticus) benefit from the food resources and shelter provided by the firethorn, while the integrated nest boxes above offer safe and permanent nesting opportunities. This layered design approach, combining food, shelter and nesting provision, creates a highly functional habitat and delivers significant ecological value for the neighbourhood in Dongen.
The completion of the project in spring 2023 demonstrates how nature-inclusive building can enhance the appearance and quality of senior housing developments. Unitura’s stainless-steel climbing-wire system requires very little maintenance, ensuring long-term performance with minimal upkeep. Residents now benefit from a greener living environment directly outside their homes, while Casade has successfully delivered on its ambitions for biodiversity enhancement and nature-inclusive development.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
