Green roofs are becoming more and more commonly used in architecture. They provide very good insulation to buildings (in a part of buildings which tend to need it the most!) and help to lower the building's carbon footprint. Not only are they good for the environment, but can also provide garden space for a site which might not have enough ground level space to accommodate one!
The image above is a great example of how green roofs can open up otherwise unused spaces for greater purposes. Something else worth noting about this image is that the building is made from heavyweight construction methods and materials. A green roof is ideal for such buildings because they can support the weight of a green roof. Lightweight structures may need reinforcing in order to support a green roof. This is because the weight of all the grass and soil, as well as any potential rain which may be absorbed, must be accounted for onto of any additional weights, such as that from snow for example. The image below shows the make up up of grass roofing.
Whereas the first example has likely made use of a green roof as an after thought/ addition to the existing building, the example below appears to have been designed with it in mind. This building is far more lightweight and shows the kind of effect that a green roof can have, as well as the fact that a lighter weight construction method can indeed support a green roof.
This is the kind of idea which I have got in mind for my designs.
This is the kind of idea which I have got in mind for my designs.
http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/green-roof-save-money-1.jpg
http://www.greenroofstoday.co.uk/green-roof.jpg
http://jcil.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Green-Roofs.jpg
http://www.bauder.co.uk/green-roofs
http://www.greenroofstoday.co.uk/green-roof.jpg
http://jcil.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Green-Roofs.jpg
http://www.bauder.co.uk/green-roofs