Cross-pollinationon the roof of Innovation Powerhouse on Strijp-T

Biodiversity, sustainability and ecology: these are terms that Hoogedeure, part of the development team of Strijp-T, regularly utters. And not without reason. It is his motivation to make the industrial area a place 'where people can enjoy themselves'. "It has to become a sustainable environment here. I think we're well on our way, with, among other things, the Gloeilampplantsoen and the green roof of about 1,400 square meters."

It doesn't stop there. Belgian De Brouwere, who has been living on Strijp‑R for several years, regularly passed the business park. "I think Innovation Powerhouse TR is the most iconic building in Eindhoven. I knew there was a beekeeper on Notre‑Dame in Paris. Then I thought: that should be possible here too?" He approached Hoogedeure, who then threw the door wide open. The corona outbreak caused some static on the line, but since September two bee hotels have finally been installed on the roof.

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

At the moment of speaking there are few bees to be seen in the closed hotels. Every now and then one peeks around the corner. That's not strange, says De Brouwere, who took a hobby beekeeper course three years ago. "The flowering season is over, then they go into their little hive. Into hibernation. Now they are living off their winter stores. These are quiet weeks, like this."

Curious about the real Eindhoven honey? The product is offered at Eten zonder Streken, a local shop in Philipsdorp. De Brouwere doesn't need to earn anything from it; he's long enjoyed being able to pursue his hobby on the special roof.