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Dakenstroom represents a pioneering step in the sustainability strategy of housing association Casade. Through this innovative concept, existing homes are upgraded using a unique roof system that combines solar panels, green roof technology and high-quality ecological measures within a single integrated solution. A key element of the design is the incorporation of bat and bird features directly into the roof structure. This approach allows valuable nesting and roosting opportunities to be created without compromising either the appearance of the property or its thermal performance.
Unitura designed and supplied these bespoke wildlife features specifically for the Dakenstroom concept. The greatest challenge was creating a system that would continue to function effectively in the long term. For that reason, future refurbishment and maintenance requirements were already considered during the design phase. Today, we integrate this innovative roof solution into hundreds of homes each year, providing permanent nesting and roosting opportunities as part of a future-proof, nature-inclusive roof construction.
An integrated approach was adopted for the implementation of the bird features within the roof structure. Along the eaves of each property, dedicated nesting opportunities were incorporated for different bird species. Specific provisions were included for the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) using the HMP3, and for the swift (Apus apus) using the GZP3. These features were designed to integrate seamlessly into the roof construction, providing protection from weather conditions and predators while maintaining an optimal nesting microclimate for the birds.
In addition to the bird features, large bat roost provisions were incorporated into the gable-end facades. These were inspired by our proven VML1 design. A particularly important technical aspect of the project was its future-proof approach. The eaves details were designed in such a way that the bat access points remain fully functional and accessible, even if an additional insulated facade layer is installed around the properties in the future. This demonstrates how nature-inclusive building and a long-term vision for building retrofit can be successfully combined within a single design solution.
The success of the bird features integrated into the roof demonstrates that biodiversity can become a standard component of industrialised construction processes. By considering ecological requirements from the earliest design stages, a true win-win solution can be achieved. The housing association is able to meet the requirements of the Species Management Plan (SMP) from the outset, while local biodiversity benefits from a significant and lasting improvement in habitat quality.
The roost features incorporated into the gable-end facades are also large enough to accommodate maternity colonies of bats. This is essential for maintaining healthy local bat populations within urban environments. The project demonstrates that wildlife features do not need to be treated as separate additions to a building. Instead, they can form an integrated and functional part of the building envelope, delivering long-term ecological value while remaining fully compatible with modern construction methods.
Because the Dakenstroom concept is being implemented on a large scale, quality assurance is essential. For this reason, every element is manufactured according to strict specifications. This ensures that the entrance openings precisely meet the biological requirements of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and the swift (Apus apus), providing suitable and reliable nesting opportunities across every project.
Because the Dakenstroom concept is being implemented on a large scale, quality assurance is essential. For this reason, every element is manufactured according to strict specifications. This ensures that the entrance openings precisely meet the biological requirements of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and the swift (Apus apus), providing suitable and reliable nesting opportunities across every project.
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