Situation
WestCord Hotels planned to build the greenest hotel in The Netherlands, Amsterdam: Hotel Jakarta. The location Java wharf on Java island symbolizes the maritime past. The history is included in the design of the hotel and the subtropical garden in the atrium.

The planting concept of the garden was extremely challenging. The concept involved difficult to get plant and tree species. Moreover there was a need for a detailed technical elaboration on the structure of the garden, technical supplies and selection of plants. WestCord Hotels also had the ambition to get the BREEAM Excellent certification.

Task
We created a technical design for the subtropical garden. In this design we created different heights with light weighted 100% recycled materials. We carefully selected the native Southeast Asian plants and trees. We chose the latest technology in irrigation and remote controlled measure techniques. Energy saving measures were taken like collecting rainwater for watering.
We also did the coordination and realisation of the garden. Vulnerable subtropical trees were placed in position very carefully. The garden was planted with hundreds of tropical plants.

Result
The subtropical garden is now the green icon of the energy neutral Hotel Jakarta. This impressive garden covers two floors and fills the atrium with 6 to 10 meters high palm trees. Hotel Jakarta received the BREEAM Excellent certification.

We maintain the garden on weekly basis. We strive to get the best quality soil in the next years by using different species of worms. We use biological pesticides if necessary.