Roof garden Ronald McDonald House

Customer needs

To renovate the 230 m2 roof garden, the Ronald McDonald House formulated a number of principles. Namely, it had to provide space to play (from 0 to 18 years), meet and relax. In the design therefore contain several layers: the surface for playing and romping, below ground for security and hiding and in the air for marvelling. It also incorporates only round shapes for a friendly and dynamic look. Thus, this play area contrasts nicely with the austere hospital building.

Our approach

Prior to realisation, we invested extensively in the drawing work and in structural knowledge exchange with inspection bodies. In this way, we worked out the design so that playground equipment was well integrated into the furniture in a safe way.
To achieve the layering and round shapes, we used HPL and bending plywood. We finished the other interior surfaces, including the walls, floors and ceilings, with soft Forbo materials. This makes them completely kid-proof. Thanks to close coordination with the inspection authorities, the climbing, sliding and swing area are certified as safe play equipment according to EN-1176 standards.

Result

Margrietta Zwaan, manager Ronald McDonald Huiskamer Leiden: "Our list of wishes and requirements for the new roof garden was very extensive. We wanted a challenging space with a different atmosphere from the hospital. One where children can feel emotionally safe, release their energy, have new experiences and relax together as a family. The process was tough because it is complicated for an external foundation to build in a constantly operating hospital. But because there was continuous good consultation between all parties involved, it succeeded. I was speechless when I first saw the result and actually walked around the design sketch. A dream has come true! We have a beautiful new roof garden! I have tremendous admiration for the staff at INTOS. Down to the smallest detail, you can tell that they worked on it with creativity, skill and dedication. Fortunately, INTOS also took on the overall project coordination. Partly because of this, the work of all parties involved was well coordinated."

"The special thing about this project was the extreme dedication from all parties. With 70 volunteers working passionately in the Ronald McDonald Huis Leiden. That passion and perception worked through into the enthusiasm surrounding this project. It's cool that after redesigning the neonatology department and the Birth House in the LUMC, we also contributed to the realisation of this playful Roof Garden!", says Arjan Andriessen, project director at INTOS.