Deutsche Bahn Offices Feature Instant Sedum Roof

For this brand new 7 story project, situated near Frankfurt am Main Central Station, Sempergreen delivered 3.800 m2 Sedum-Mix blankets. The project: “Grand Central Frankfurt” includes offices of Deutsche Bahn and is located in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Multifunctional surface

Every part of the roof contributes. Rainwater is buffered and nature is given room to grow.

Climate adaptive design

The roof stores water during heavy rainfall and helps cool the surroundings during summer heat.

Biodiversity in the built environment

A diverse planting plan attracts pollinators, birds and native insects. This turns the roof into a thriving ecosystem.

At Grand Central Frankfurt, the new DB Netz AG headquarters houses 2,200 employees in two seven-storey office buildings. On the roof, 3,800 m² of the traditional Sempergreen green roof system with Sedum-mix blankets provide instant greenery, boosting sustainability and creating a healthier environment from day one.

A new landmark for Frankfurt’s rail hub

Grand Central Frankfurt rises right next to the city’s central station: two striking office buildings offering 45,000 m² of space and modern facilities for 2,200 DB Netz AG employees. Alongside flexible interiors and underground parking, the design embraces sustainability. On the rooftops, 3,800 m² of Sempergreen’s traditional green roof system add both function and identity. Installed by Gründach Westerwald, the green roof ensures that the building is not just modern and efficient but also greener, healthier and more climate resilient.

Instant green roofs, without the wait

Unlike roofs planted with loose cuttings, a common approach in Germany, Sempergreen’s traditional green roof system uses pre-cultivated Sedum-mix blankets. Delivered with at least 90% coverage, they ensure an immediate green result. The plants are already rooted, eliminating the risk of substrate blowing away and reducing weed growth. For DB Netz AG, this meant no waiting years for vegetation to establish. From the first day, the roof was complete, functional and attractive.

Performance that lasts

Sedum plants are known for their resilience. They store water in their leaves, thrive in both heat and frost, and flower in vibrant colours that shift through the seasons. The Grand Central roofs now buffer rainwater during heavy showers, stabilise indoor temperatures in summer and filter fine particles from the air. For employees, this translates into a healthier, more comfortable workplace; for the city, it means less runoff, cleaner air and more biodiversity in a dense urban setting.

Reliability on a grand scale

A roof this size demands more than just design ambition, it requires a supplier with the stock and logistics to deliver quickly. Sempergreen’s extensive nursery capacity ensures that thousands of square metres can be supplied directly from stock. For the Grand Central project, this reliability was key to keeping the construction schedule on track. Within a matter of days, 3,800 m² of roof was fully covered, ready to deliver benefits straight away.

Architecture with vision

The design of Grand Central Frankfurt was led by Sweco GmbH and Jo. Franzke Generalplaner GmbH, who envisioned more than just office space. Their approach placed strong emphasis on flexibility, light and colour. Six different colours were used in the interiors, from glass partitions to furniture, creating variety and identity within the vast floor plans. The glass façades and slim structural solutions ensure transparency and openness, while modular systems allow for future adaptability. The result is a headquarters that balances efficiency with a distinct architectural character.

A sustainable workplace in the heart of Frankfurt

Grand Central shows that green roofs are no longer a luxury but a necessity for modern cities. By turning bare surfaces into living landscapes, they improve climate resilience, add ecological value and extend the lifespan of buildings. For Frankfurt, this project underlines how sustainability can be embedded in large-scale developments. And for DB Netz AG, it delivers a headquarters that is not only efficient and modern but also future-ready, with a roof that proves how powerful the colour green can be.

Explore

Sedum Roofs

Explore

Green Roofs

Start your green project today

Ready to make a difference? At Sempergreen, we believe in building a greener future, one step at a time. Our innovative solutions are designed to help you decrease your footprint and contribute to a more sustainable world. Join us in replanting the planet!