Ecotourism Center at lake Saint Anne – Mohoș peat bog – with a biodiverse green roof

The biodiverse extensive green roof of the Saint Anne Lake Ecotourism Center was designed with restraint and technical clarity

From the very beginning, the green roof was conceived as a natural extension of the surrounding landscape, not as an element competing with the forest or the quiet character of the site. In practice, the building is “dressed” in a vegetated layer that allows it to visually blend into the landscape when viewed from a distance.

From a construction perspective, the chosen solution is robust and well structured, with clearly defined layers sized for a mountain climate: properly protected waterproofing, a water retention layer, efficient drainage, and a stable substrate made from locally sourced volcanic rock, capable of supporting perennial vegetation from the moment of installation. This is not a “decorative” green roof, but one that functions as a small, stable ecosystem. The plant species selected for overseeding the sedum rolls are hardy species adapted to wind, large temperature fluctuations, and prolonged periods of high humidity.

An important aspect is that this roof does not only look good, but actively contributes to the building’s performance. It reduces overheating in summer, protects the waterproofing from thermal stress and UV radiation, and helps create a more balanced microclimate around the center. In winter, the vegetation and substrate provide an additional layer of thermal protection.

Throughout the seasons, the roof changes its “coat”: fresh green in spring, dense and stable in summer, warmer tones in autumn, and a coherent structure in winter, even under snow cover. With proper maintenance, this type of green roof is not a burden, but a durable solution that demonstrates how architecture and nature can work together without forced compromises.

The complex was nominated for the National Architecture Biennale Awards, 2025 edition

Congratulations to the Vallum SRL team from Miercurea Ciuc, who designed the building and entrusted us with the green components: architect Szabolcs Korodi, architect Katalin Biró.

ODU Green Roof – Your expert in sustainable ecological solutions

Do you want to turn your project into an example of innovation and environmental responsibility? Whether you are an architect, contractor, or developer, the future of sustainable buildings starts with inspired choices.