Topic 2 Extensive Green Roofs
According to the German Landscape Research, Development and Construction Society (2018) «Green Roof Guidelines – Guidelines for the planning, construction and maintenance of green roofs»
- The aim of extensive greening can be initiate vegetation development in a shorter time than spontaneous self-vegetation and to establish permanent populations with the help of natural vegetation dynamics.
- Extensive greening represents natural forms of vegetation that are largely self-sustaining and evolving.
- Extensive green roofs are light roofs with modest plants, usually succulents of different varieties, mosses, herbs and grasses.
- Substrates thickness up to 10 cm.
- Extensive roofs require the least maintenance, are easier to install and weigh less on the structure (60 - 150 kg / m2).
- https://commons.bcit.ca/greenroof/files/2019/01/FLL_greenroofguidelines_2018.pdf
- See also Module 4.
The Nanyang Technological University’s School of Art, Design, and Media in Singapore is home to a series of green roofs, designed by CPG Consultants.
From the park-like landscape surrounding the school, these roofs rise gently but with pronunciation, arching up to hold the mirrored buildings below.
The roofs are nice to look at and sit on, and architecturally they add so much more. The roofs insulate the building, harvest rainwater and cool the surrounding air.
The roofs define the building yet help to marry it with its surroundings through planted grasses intermixed with native greenery
Main advantages of extensive green roofs:
- Extensive green roofs differs in that after its care and plant growth, plants no longer need to be replanted and regenerated, because the green roofing remains and regenerates itself.
- Therefore, for such a roof, it is important to choose plants that meet the specific climatic conditions and are able to adapt and regenerate well.
- Many varieties of moss, succulents, herbs and grasses suitable for different conditions are known, which form a dense and durable ground cover and are able to regenerate themselves qualitatively. Moss/sedum plants are very suitable, as these plants have the capacity to store large quantities of water and are thus able to survive prolonged dry spells. Moss and sedum roofs also do not require an Irrigation system.
Extensive green roofs are widely used in the Nordic countries, emphasizing the positive impact of green roofs on the urban environment and ecology. Restaurant «ROK» in Reykjavik, Iceland. Photo by Elita Kresse