Antwerp to welcome a new green roof oasis
Volle Grond and M HKA launch ‘Zuiderdaken’, a new rooftop vegetable garden on the M HKA terrace
Antwerp gains a new leafy meeting place. Volle Grond, renowned for its rooftop farm at PAKT, is expanding with “Zuiderdaken”, an innovative rooftop vegetable garden on the M HKA terrace in the Zuid district.
The M HKA terrace will be transformed into a verdant, edible oasis in the city. Visitors will be introduced to impressive urban farming techniques, including vertical grow walls, a pond, and a greenhouse. This initiative marks the first phase of a close collaboration between Volle Grond and M HKA. In the next phase, the terrace overlooking the Scheldt will also be revitalised.
"At M HKA, we believe that a museum isn’t an island, but a living network of relationships and exchange. We don’t see our visitors as passive recipients, but as co‑owners of the museum’s story. In partnership with Volle Grond, we’re putting this vision into practice. This collaboration underscores our commitment to playing a meaningful societal role as a museum.”
– Bart De Baere, Director M HKA
Sustainable and Innovative Farming Techniques
Zuiderdaken harnesses a wide range of sustainable and innovative growing methods. In addition to the greenhouse, two impressive vertical grow walls will rise on the M HKA rooftop. The pond will host chinampas – floating planting islands.
On the roof of a nearby warehouse in Edward Pecherstraat, also in the Zuid, a community space will be created. Here, Volle Grond will cultivate in circular raised beds as at PAKT, as well as on straw bales and substrate directly on the roof.
"With Zuiderdaken, we continue building a greener city where urban farming and art meet on rooftops. What began as a pioneering dream is now growing into a sustainable vision for Antwerp. Together, we’re positioning the city as a frontrunner for a liveable, nourishing and inspiring urban environment."
– Adje Van Oekelen, Coordinator at Volle Grond
About Volle Grond
Volle Grond uses urban farming as a driver for a sustainable food system and a liveable city. It manages the rooftop farm at PAKT, supported by an active membership. The organisation assists companies, schools and organisations with their gardening ambitions and supports construction teams working on innovative urban agriculture projects. Alongside five small organic farmers, Volle Grond supplies fresh, seasonal vegetables to Antwerp chefs.