High up in Dübendorf, Switzerland

The 'Giessenhof' in Dübendorf is an ultra-modern residential quarter and, with over 150 residential units, breathes new life into the old industrial estate on the Glatt. A variety of shops, social facilities and a park are designed to promote social interaction and overcome the current trend towards urban anonymity. The 'vetschpartner' landscape architects AG have transformed the formerly barren terrain into a lushly green area. The inner courtyard of the Giessenhof as well as the Giessenpark and the riverbank area along the Glatt display the results of their greening concept.

For the inner courtyard we supplied some 600 ferns and 29 highland pines (Pinus sylvestris), with a height of up to 12 metres. These evergreen large trees provide wonderful shade in summer whilst providing picturesque privacy in winter. Since the planting was carried out after the completion of the living quarters, there was only one way for our plants to go, and that was up. With the help of a crane, the pines were lifted right over the rooftops of the residential complex into the inner courtyard before being eased into their planting holes.