Before opening, we asked city ecologists to investigate the biodiversity in the area of our locations and advise us on how to enhance the local biodiversity.   

The report they made includes an overview of possible measures to be taken for plant and animal species, related to the environment, to stimulate the sustainable co-use of flora and fauna at the site of The Usual. We were amazed by the outcome, showing us there still is a wide variety of species, native plants and herbs to be found in the city, and that with their recommendations, we can help the betterment of the biodiversity in the city. Biodiversity is extremely important for the future and livability of our cities and our planet. We decided to follow up on all their recommendations. 

We decided to follow up on all their suggested measures. 

The entire roof is covered with more than 20 types of insect-attracting herb species like Wood anemone, Chives, and St John's Wort. We’ve placed 10 square meters of insect hotels. In those, several species of solitary bees can nest.  Due to the wide variety of herbs and plants on the roof, there will be foraging opportunities throughout the year and these species can settle easily and establish themselves on the roof. 

The roof can also serve as a foraging habitat for birds. On the facades, we’ve mounted several nests for the Black Redstart, Robin, Wren, and Starling as well as bat boxes.  

We recently asked the ecologist to review our implementations, to see if our measures actually are effective and resulting in a positive change, which he confirmed in a project report. 

Our lower green roof can be seen from the staircase leading to the rooms and we are planning to install a webcam, so the urban wildlife can be seen up close