Rooftop farming for educational and recreational purposes seems a fancy trend in North America.
In 2002 Dipl.-Ing Markus Wittling was planning to elevate an entire vineyard on top of the Wine Museum in Cologne, Germany. The sloped green roof spans over the entire museum building of almost 20,000 square feet. It is likely the first vineyard on a roof and the first sloped rooftop farm in the world.
See also Kölner Wein Depot
In the middle ages Cologne was the most important wine trading town north of the Alps. The “Weinmuseum Köln e.V.” is honoring this fact with a museum and with astonishing and educational exhibits about wine.
This rooftop vineyard is a prime example of old school green roof technology and is ideal for educational purposes.
The green roof displays 40 of the most important grape species from around the world situated onto 720 vine stocks.
The soil layer (growing media) including granular drainage is 27 inches deep and consists of a blend of porous volcano material like Lava rock and Pumice – materials in which grapes develop their unique taste. Over 15 years of high performance.
The soil layer (growing media) including granular drainage is 27 inches deep and consists of a blend of porous volcano material like Lava rock and Pumice – materials in which grapes develop their unique taste. Over 15 years of high performance.
This rooftop vineyard is a prime example of old school green roof technology and is ideal for educational purposes. If you have a chance to visit Cologne, the Wine Museum is a must on your Green Roof Safari and your effort will be rewarded with amazing wine tasting!
By Jorg Breuning
