De Meelfabriek is a landmark industrial complex in the city of Leiden, the Netherlands. Covering an area of no less than 55.000 square metres and listed as a national monument, De Meelfabriek is a major redevelopment project. The old buildings are given a new lease of life and new buildings are added and the complex became a lively hotspot in Leiden. A unique place that combines industrial heritage with modern luxury. A meeting place for residents and visitors, fellow citizens and tourists. A place that represents both the history and the future of the city.

The transformation of the Meelfabriek in Leiden has taken on a new dimension with the opening of the Meelfabriek Garden – a lush oasis designed by LOLA Landscape Architects in collaboration with renowned planting designer Piet Oudolf. Situated atop a newly constructed underground parking facility, this garden harmoniously merges historical heritage with modern urban nature, creating a unique living environment that prioritizes biodiversity and sustainability.

Based on the masterplan of Studio Akkerhuis Architects the site has been redeveloped into an attractive mixed-use area. For the design of De Meelfabriek Garden, LOLA Landscape Architects worked closely with garden designer Piet Oudolf. The plot consists of several monumental buildings, from which the first parts are dating back to the late 19th century, combined with new buildings. The overall landscape design is based on a floorplan with 2 framed places; De Meelfabriek Tuin (garden) and De Meelfabriek Plein (plaza). The brick pavement links all the buildings together with a rhythmic gutter line. Both the square and the garden are defined by a similar concrete edge.

The garden is created as a green oasis at the heart of the industrial heritage setting, designed by LOLA and Piet Oudolf on top of the site’s new underground parking structure. The garden is a lush planted and peaceful place. Carefully framed, it is designed as a large ‘nature painting’. The planting plan is in Oudolf’s signature style. Nothing is as changeable as nature and Oudolf does not want to curb it in his designs and he knows how to use it like no other. Every season reveals a new beautiful color and shape, utilizing the seasonal dynamics in its best interest. Visitors to De Meelfabriek Garden feel familiar and at the same time surprised every time.

The construction of the garden is finished and it is open for everyone to enjoy no fewer than 13,000 plants of almost 60 different species. The entire garden is equipped with a water retention system that collects rainwater during wet periods for use in dry periods. The concrete frame around the garden meanders from street level to seating height. In the garden, the paths wind towards the pebble-shaped sitting objects and from here, one can enjoy the life of the plants, insects and people in the garden in the best way. Whereas the garden is a place of slowing down, the square is to become a lively and vibrant spot. It will attract residents, tourists staying at and visitors of the hotel, wellness center, shops, and restaurants, as well as people taking a stroll around the Singelpark.

What makes this project even more special is its accessibility to the public. More than just an amenity for residents of the complex, the garden is a welcoming space for the entire city. This inclusivity was a key goal—creating a green retreat that becomes an integral part of urban life. Ultimately, the Meelfabriek Garden exemplifies how nature can foster connection, inclusivity, and appeal to a diverse audience, from local residents to visitors exploring Leiden. De Meelfabriek terrain is part of Singelpark, a 6,5-kilometer park for which LOLA delivered the masterplan for this network of interconnected city gardens. Each garden in this chain was envisioned with its own distinct character, and the Meelfabriek Garden was designed as a serene, well-defined space where visitors can truly unwind. Together, the Singelpark and Meelfabriek Garden embody a shared vision: to introduce more greenery into the urban landscape while offering new experiences to the people of Leiden.

De Meelfabriek Garden

Location: Leiden, The Netherlands

Landscape design: LOLA Landscape Architects

Planting design: Piet Oudolf

In collaboration with: Studio Akkerhuis, Pieters bouwtechniek, Modular Lighting Instruments, Civilink, Escofet

Client: Van der Wiel Bouw

Photography: Corentin Haubruge, Kamila Grigo