Cross-pollination on the roof of Innovation Powerhouse at Strijp-T

Biodiversity, sustainability, and ecology: these are terms that Hoogedeure, part of the development team of Strijp-T, frequently mentions. And not without reason. It is his motivation to turn the industrial estate into a place 'where people can enjoy'. "It should become a sustainable environment here. I think we are well on our way, with, among other things, the Lightbulb Square and the green roof of about 1400 square meters."

But that's not all. Belgian De Brouwere, who has been living in Strijp-R for several years, regularly passed by the industrial estate. "I find Innovation Powerhouse TR the most iconic building in Eindhoven. I knew there was a beekeeper on the Notre-Dame in Paris. Then I thought: why couldn't that be possible here too?" He approached Hoogedeure, who then opened the door wide. Due to the corona outbreak, there was some interference, but since September, two bee hotels have finally been realized on the roof.

Ecosystem
De Brouwere, who works at ASML in daily life, finds it fantastic that he is allowed to "mess around a bit" on this rooftop, as he describes his work as a beekeeper. "They are incredibly important for our ecosystem. There is always something happening with bees, which makes the work as a beekeeper varied and therefore enjoyable." De Brouwere calls it anticipating the situation.

At the moment, there are few bees to be seen in the closed hotels. Every now and then, one pops up. It's not surprising, says De Brouwere, who took a hobby beekeeping course three years ago. "The blooming season is over, so they go back to their hive. They go into hibernation. Now they are living off their winter supply. It's quiet weeks like these."

Curious about the real Eindhoven honey? The product is available at Eten zonder Streken, a local shop in Philipsdorp. De Brouwere doesn't need to make any profit from it, he just enjoys being able to pursue his hobby on the special rooftop.