Aerial view of eco-friendly building with green roofs and unique slanted glass.

Green Roofs and Gabled Towers: MVRDV’s Visionary Transformation in Eindhoven’s Nieuw Bergen

2026-07-04

A harmonious blend in historic Eindhoven

Dutch studio MVRDV has masterfully transformed Eindhoven’s architectural skyline with Nieuw Bergen, a residential complex seamlessly integrated into its historic surroundings. Here, 237 homes emerge as an organic extension of the low-rise neighborhood, each building designed to coexist rather than overshadow.

The ingenious design starts at street level and ascends gracefully to the 17-story Indigo tower. The angular, green roofs invite both light and sustainability, featuring grass-covered slopes and integrated photovoltaic panels. This eco-friendly approach not only enriches the aesthetic but also contributes to energy efficiency.

Children playing in urban playground with modern architecture in the background. — A vibrant urban playground with modern architecture in the background, featuring children playing and adults walking under a sunny blue sky.

A palette of architecture

Each of the seven buildings in Nieuw Bergen is identified by a unique color name—Indigo, Violet, Bleu, Rouge, Orange, Jaune, and Vert. These structures collectively mirror a mountain range along the skyline, embodying what MVRDV co-founder Jacob van Rijs describes as both ‘polite’ and ‘radical’.

Community in the clouds

Triangular roof building next to historic brick structure on street view. — Modern residential building with a unique triangular roof design, situated next to a historic brick building and street view.

Three of the towers feature elevated terraces with glass parapets and grid-patterned frames, inviting residents to experience communal spaces. Among them is a greenhouse designed for community gardening, reinforcing the concept that density can coexist with engagement, connection, and environmental consciousness.

Explore how timber structures redefine modern architecture for insights on sustainable design with community focus.

Blending the old with the new

At street level, two refurbished 20th-century buildings provide a historical anchor to this modern development. A newly constructed facade links these elements, respectfully recreating the symmetry of a once-standing block, marrying tradition with innovation.

Environmentally designed geometric building with greenery among urban landscape. — Aerial view of a modern, environmentally designed building with a unique geometric structure covered in greenery, surrounded by urban buildings and trees.

This creative design not only revitalizes the area but points to a future where urban spaces can be both densely populated and socially inclusive. MVRDV’s Nieuw Bergen stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural evolution.

For another approach to sustainable and innovative design, see how Aarhus’ skyline is dynamically transformed using salvaged materials.

Photography by Ossip van Duivenbode.