Trees are seen on top of a 26-story building in Renji Shanzhuang, a residential compound in Beijing's Haidian district. (Photo/Chinanews.com)
(ECNS) -- Two lines of trees were planted on top of a 26-story building in Renji Shanzhuang, a residential compound in Beijing's Haidian district, Beijing Daily reported Tuesday.
The building became known last year as "the greatest illegal building" in the city after a "rooftop villa" was built on top of it. The rooftop was dotted with artificial rocks, grass, trees and a swimming pool, covering more than 1,000 square meters.
The owner, Zhang Biqing, was ordered to remove the structure and his neighbors were relieved after the large illegal rooftop villa was dismantled last year. However, they now have to worry about the 50, one-meter-tall trees Zhang has planted this spring.
The trees will prevent debris flying from the top of the building, and the soil used was very light, so it will not affect the stability of the building, Zhang said.
"The rooftop belongs to the public, but cannot be used by owners who live on the highest story," said Tan Tianying, president of Beijing Rooftop Garden Association, adding that "a green rooftop should be approved first, and designed and executed by professionals."
