We fusioned two ideas – a desire for more nature in our cities and our passion for lowering the material footprint.
We wanted our solution to be a multifunctional design piece, that could strengthen the biodiversity in urban areas, store rainwater and act as a flash flooding buffer, help mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect, add more greening and make it a space for citizens to enjoy.
What is Urban Tree?
Urban Tree is an innovative greening solution that combines nature and biodiversity with social interaction.
Where can it be placed?
Urban Tree is a flexible, self-watering solution that can be placed directly on existing surfaces and does not require excavation like traditional city trees.
How is it made?
The structure is made from recycled industrial waste materials that would otherwise have ended up in landfills.
Our Achievements and Milestones
- Tivoli Garden and Flower Festival: Urban Tree was showcased at this prestigious event. Read more.
- Funding from New European Bauhaus Catalyse: In January 2024, we secured funding from this initiative. Read more.
- Article in Dagens Byggeri: Read more (Danish).
- Roskilde Festival 2023: We collaborated with Det Cirkulære Laboratorium
to showcase Urban Tree at this iconic festival. - Article in Byggeri+Arkitektur: Read more (Danish).
- Spirekasse Grant: Awarded by Boligfonden Kuben. Read more.
- New European Bauhaus Winner: Urban Tree won the “Reconnecting with Nature” category in Climate-KIC’s contest.
- Showcase at BLOX: Read more.
- COCONF22 Winner: We won this competition, leading to collaborations with Fors, Rockwool, and support from Danske Bank. Read more.
- Mentorship Program Winner: We excelled in the “Cirkulært Innovationsforløb Encubator 1” mentorship program with the City of Copenhagen and Cirka CPH.
- Podcast and Video Release: In collaboration with Green Entrepreneurs, we launched a podcast and video. See video.
FAQ
Here you can find answers on some of the frequently asked questions we get on the Urban Tree:
Absolutely! You have the flexibility to select the plants, including evergreens, native species, various flowers, and specific colors. The plant selection can also be tailored to the specific environment, whether it’s in a shaded area or near the harbor where it may be exposed to salty conditions.
Yes and no. While the shape of each module is fixed, you have flexibility in how the modules are stacked to achieve your desired height for the Urban Tree. You can also customize the base by choosing between a full bench, a full plant bed, or a combination of both. Additionally, you can select the material for the top—either corten steel or recycled plastic. Finally, you have the option to add solar-powered lighting to your Urban Tree.
The combined water reservoirs in each module and the base of an Urban Tree can store a total of 1,000 liters.
The construction uses geopolymer concrete, a low-emission alternative to traditional concrete. This material incorporates industrial byproducts such as sewage sludge ashes and biomass, which not only cuts CO2 emissions by up to 50% but also repurposes waste that would otherwise be discarded in landfills. Despite its eco-friendly composition, geopolymer concrete maintains high strength and durability. The color of the concrete can vary depending on the type and amount of ash used.
Each Urban Tree features a ‘crown’ with 7 square meters of green roof (sedum plants). In total, an Urban Tree offers 21 square meters of greening, enhancing both aesthetics and environmental benefits.
Urban Tree weighs approximately 4 tons without water. While it has not been officially certified for security purposes, its substantial weight makes it a robust and effective deterrent against unauthorized access or obstructions.
Urban Tree is designed to collect and store rainwater for its plants. It can hold up to 1,000 liters of water, reducing the need for frequent watering. During heatwaves, occasional watering may be necessary, but overall, Urban Tree requires less maintenance compared to traditional city trees and plant beds
The price for an Urban Tree is 95,500 DKK (12,800 EUR), excluding VAT. This includes 7 modules with a corten steel top, a base with 8 modules (4 with benches and 4 with plant beds), 16 m² of plants, 7 m² of sedum on the roof, and a solar-powered lighting system with three spotlights.
Download Urban Tree Prices
The Team
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is to create greener and healthier cities made for people through innovative and concrete solutions.
Our mission is to provide a more resilient, aesthetic, and green solution for the urban built environment.
We are part of a green movement, come join us.
Bopa Plads, Løgstørgade 2, 1., 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark