Maias Vænge

PROJECT

SERVICES

Trees Worth Preserving, Local Plan, DGNB Certification for New Construction, Climate Adaptation, Planting Strategy, Planting Design, Planting Planning, Planting Bids, Plant Lists, Planting Supervision; Construction, Installation, and Operation, Maintenance Plan, Sign Design

SPECIES

Common kestrel, Great Tit, Orange tip

SIZE

6,488 square meters

WHERE

Ballerup, Denmark

WHEN

2023

CUSTOMER

Ballerup Real Estate, KAB

As a sub-consultant to ACT, Building Biodiversity has been responsible for landscaping and biodiversity in the Maias Vænge residential project in Ballerup—from strategy to planning to implementation. Maias Vænge is part of the Ellebo development project in Ballerup. The vision for the overall project is to create a greener and more open residential area with close ties to the city center. Maias Vænge comprises 6,488 square meters of low-rise buildings certified to DGNB Gold standards.

Inspired by the name Maia, the Roman goddess of the earth and plants, the design incorporates the area’s native flora and fauna, with habitat structures and microhabitats designed to optimize conditions for local biodiversity, focusing on the kestrel, the great tit, and the aurora butterfly. Green roofs and living hedges are being incorporated to promote species diversity, and the area is being adapted to the climate through features such as rain gardens, which manage stormwater while enhancing ecosystem services. With its focus on creating vibrant outdoor spaces and supporting the area’s natural character, Maias Vænge contributes to a future-proof, green neighborhood where nature and residential life come together.

Focus Species

Overview of Various Target Species

Orange tip

When the aurora butterfly takes flight, it means spring has arrived. It loves to feed on the nectar of early spring dandelions, where it can be recognized by its white upper side; the males have distinct orange tips on their forewings. On the underside, both males and females are mottled green. When the wild garlic and meadow cress are in bloom, they fly around in large numbers. Their flying season ends around Midsummer’s Eve.

Great Tit

The great tit is the largest tit in Denmark and one of our most common birds. It is found year-round and usually lives within a small area. The great tit is very trusting, which is why it is often seen at the feeder, where it may even chase other birds away.

Common kestrel

The kestrel is a common resident and migratory bird in Denmark and can therefore be seen year-round. The kestrel lives, breeds, and hunts in open country with scattered vegetation, such as fields and meadows, as well as along roads. This bird of prey lays its eggs in cavities such as nest boxes and old crow’s nests, or in buildings and hedgerows.

“In Roman mythology, Maia is regarded as the goddess of vegetation and the goddess of all that grows and flourishes—especially plant life. The name therefore supports the core vision of increased biodiversity established by the local plan and KAB.”