Trudo Tower, Eindhoven: the first vertical forest in the Netherlands

The Trudo Tower in Eindhoven is the first vertical forest in the Netherlands and contains 125 trees and more than 5,200 plants spread across 19 floors. The design is based on Bosco Verticale by Stefano Boeri Architetti and brings urban living and nature together. The root ball anchoring from GreenMax ensures that the trees remain safe and stable at a height of 70 metres, while water reservoirs around the tower ensure optimal water absorption. The tower has grown into a green icon in Strijp‑S and is a successful greening project that brings nature and architecture together.

The Trudo Tower: the very first vertical forest in the Netherlands. This innovative building, in which the first residents moved in in 2021, accommodates no fewer than 125 mature trees, spread across 19 floors. In and around the tower, more than 5,200 shrubs and plants grow and flourish, including climbers and hanging plants. All the trees, shrubs and plants together absorb 50,000 kilograms of CO2 annually and produce 13,750 kilograms of oxygen.

The Trudo Tower is based on a design by the architect Stefano Boeri Architetti, namely Bosco Verticale in Milan. In an interview with Architectenweb, Stefano Boeri says: ‘Bosco Verticale has been described in various ways in recent years: as anti-architecture, or as an Urban Forestry manifesto. In reality, it was first and foremost an experiment, a prototype of a home for trees, also inhabited by people. It was an exploration of new ways of how we can relate to each other and to other life forms. A search for a new form of urban renewal, sustainability and greening. It was a great challenge to design this concept in an affordable version for the residents of the city of Eindhoven. And also a great honour. Now this beautiful city of light also has a green icon for urban afforestation.’

The trees planted in the 70‑metre-high building are exposed to passing wind speeds. Ensuring the stability of the trees is therefore an important aspect for the safety of residents and visitors to Strijp‑S. To provide the trees with the necessary stability, GreenMax root ball anchoring has been applied. The trees are secured with strong anchoring straps to the base of the tree boxes. To prevent the roots from being damaged, a coconut protective layer has been placed between the root ball and the anchoring straps.

By now, the trees are in full bloom. Not only is the Trudo Tower itself a green eye-catcher, but the area around the building is also full of greenery. There are beautiful tree-lined avenues, some of which are surrounded by the water reservoirs from GreenMax. The water reservoirs ensure that the trees can absorb water effectively and do not suffer from drought stress during warm summer months.

The managing director says they are extremely proud of the achievement. ‘Thanks to ambition, courage, tackling challenges together in an innovative way, and of course that wonderful collaboration with the team of the Italian architect, the other executive architects, engineers, green specialists, employees of Trudo and of course all the builders, we have been able to realise this beautiful building with 125 homes. A living green heart in the vibrant Strijp‑S in Eindhoven. The Trudo Tower is the very first vertical forest specifically designed for the social housing sector.’