The view from this eleventh-storey loft overlooking Amsterdam’s IJ waterway is breathtaking. However, as the roof tends to be extremely windy, planting options are few. Such weather conditions could only be met with a simple, robust plan.








On one side of the roof terrace are neighbours, a circumstance that called for a clear separation. A thick screen was formed with a row of potted shadbush shrubs (Amelanchier laevis).

This shrub is highly wind-resistant and has a thick mesh of trunks, making the screen equally effective in winter. In spring, it grows grey-rose buds, which briefly cover the whole shrub with white flowers. In the fall, when the leaves turn bright red and yellow, the shrubs are again ablaze in colour. The screen of shrubs also accentuates the length of the terrace.

Through the patio, the owners can see the plants on the roof terrace. Four potted conifers were therefore placed at that strategic spot. In the sheltered patio, fig trees trained along an interior wall give off a pleasant Mediterranean scent.

The roof terrace also has a table with benches; a platform to lie on; and a number of pots for perennials placed on the leeside of the shrubs. In addition, there is plenty of space for the owners to arrange as they see fit—for their children to play, for example.






Client
Jeroen van Schooten
Anja van Schooten

In collaboration with
Jeroen van Schooten
and Francien van Kempen

Photography
Emilio Troncoso Larrain