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Green Roof - A unique design integration

Written by
Published on
November 19, 2015

The green rooftop design is a natural habitat constructed on roof tops solely for the purpose of utilizing the space productively, adding a bit of nature for many practical reasons. Water absorption, building insulation, and a source of vegetation, applying this green design concept to a roof top space provides a natural habitat for animals and a practical way to integrate our concrete landscape with nature. A waterproof membrane is first laid out, followed by soil or a growing agent to fertilize the vegetation and finally, irrigation and drainage systems placed within the layers of constructed rooftop. A green roof or living roof is like a concrete tree, the two elements together harmoniously in one unique design. A tree like effect - true concrete jungle A roof top fly by over the green display of urban concrete trees would be a transformed world, affecting the surroundings and even the air and temperature. A new habitat created for wildlife and lowered air temperatures powered by different types of green rooftops. Green-heavy roofs offer larger vegetation lined with trees. On the lighter side of things, just basic gardens with smaller plants and shrubs suite some buildings. Imagine growing a supply of food and a renewable source of energy for the community inside the building. Let’s not forget the financial gains. The old & the new - trending research into the design Then: Green roof tops have been trending around the world for quite some time. Sod roofs were found on viking houses in Norway and Newfoundland hundreds of years ago. About 100 years ago, Germany used these roofs during the industrial period. Roof gardens were also found in London as early as 1938. Now: The scale and construction techniques has changed since then. 450,000 sq ft of plant and vegetation can be found on Ford's river rouge assembly plant. A rooftop park on top of a mall in Sweden equivalent to 4 football fields was completed in 2012. This emerging trend comes with it’s research too. Scandinavian green roof institute opened it’s doors in Sweden to spread awareness around the world and share information on it’s uses and effectiveness. Green roofs are just one of the many solutions to the ever growing concern of global warming. Advantages: There are tax benefits for those who green their roofs. There is also increased real estate value as a result. Other advantages are a cooler roof top in the summertime and a longer roof life span. Disadvantages: The main disadvantage of green roofs is the higher initial cost associated with the incorporated design. waterproofing systems and root barriers are costly. Extra maintenance is also a contributing factor. The additional mass of the soil substrate and retained water can require additional structural support in some buildings depending on the region. Overall, green roofs and green design may together change the way we consume energy. The energy we take and give back balances the space and quality of life that surrounds us. Further study of the environment and the integration of practical green developments may have us seeing the benefits and trends slowly set in. The change will effect beyond the way energy flows from person to person, building to building. An old flow to a new cycle.

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