Green - Green Roofs

Green Roofs

September 12, 2008

2008 Green Roof Award of Excellence in Downtown Chicago - Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects

In downtown Chicago, Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects succeeded in turning a stark 14,000 square foot rooftop into a spectacular eco-friendly retreat that captured a 2008 Green Roof Award of Excellence. The modular, living green roof is composed from hardy, low-maintenance plant materials such as grasses, tall verbena, phlox and nodding onion, which are arranged in patterns to facilitate views from above. The design also incorporates small trees, including Japanese tree lilacs and cranberry cotoneaster, to provide seasonal changes and additional texture. A generous “patio” is constructed with recycled concrete and sustainable, toxin-free ipe wood. Sleek pergolas - also constructed with ipe – provide shelter for stylishly comfortable seating and dining areas. In addition to providing a serene outdoor space with stunning views of the Chicago skyline, the green roof insulates the building from both heat and cold, absorbs storm water runoff and offsets noise pollution.

Photos courtesy of Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects and The Residences at 900.

August 19, 2008

Green Roof Installer JIG - benefits for Pennsylvania residents

JIG, Inc., green roof Installer, is on a mission to lead the way toward a greener and healthier city. Located in Philadelphia, the company is active in city legislation that addresses zoning considerations, water management criteria and the development of financial incentive programs for green roof installers. What purpose does a green roof serve? It mitigates urban heat-island effects, controls storm water runoff, reduces sound reflection and transmission as well as provide a habitat for butterflies and other desirable wildlife. JIG offers a variety of roof packages that include the Flower Carpet, Aromatic Garden, Savannah, Meadow and Woodland Meadows. While roofs planted with sedum require less water, roofs with turf provide additional outdoor recreational space and great views of the city. BTW: We’re glad to see that the person mowing the turf is using a push mower! JIG’s sister company, Onion Flats, uses green roofs on all of their development projects.

August 14, 2008

Extensive Residential Green Roof by Rana Creek Filters and Stores Water

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities awarded Rana Creek, an ecological consulting and design firm, the 2007 Award for Excellence: Extensive Roof System for their contribution to the Feldman residence in Carmel, California. Located in the private Santa Lucia Preserve, the residence was designed and constructed by Feldman Architecture, a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. The living, residential green roof covers 4,250 square feet and was installed for approximately $21 per square foot. At the Feldman residence, three small buildings are nestled into a hillside that overflows seamlessly onto the green roofs.

Sustainable Home Building