Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Spring 2011 - (Page 3)

CHICAGO TOPS AGAIN IN GRHC’S ANNUAL SURVEY OF CORPORATE MEMBERS I ncreased government investment in green roofs is credited with driving industry growth by 28.5 percent in 2010. Results of the 2011 Annual Industry Survey of Corporate Members conducted by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) indicate a substantial increase on the 16 percent growth measured in 2009. Recognition of the benefits that green roofs can deliver in view of stormwater, air quality, green space and city cooling has been a vital contributor. The City of Chicago tops the list for the 7th consecutive time, boasting over 500,000square-feet of green roof installation with Washington, D.C. in second spot. “Cities such as Chicago, Washington, New York, Portland, Seattle and Philadelphia continue to lead the way with incentives and regulations that recognize the many benefits from green roofs, including much needed green jobs in their communities,” said Steven Peck, founder and president of GRHC on the results. Visit www.greenroofs.org to read more about the survey. — Vicky Fellowes C ascadia Green Building Council and the Aleutian Housing Authority are inviting global interdisciplinary teams to design — and build — an environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient, affordable, singlefamily home in one of the world's most challenging environments — the Aleutian Islands. By homes, they mean "living buildings," which are the built environment's most rigorous performance standard, generating net zero water, net zero energy, and using materials that meet living building challenge criteria (not harmful to the environment or people and are typically sourced within a certain radius). The goal is that the winning design becomes a prototype that can be replicated throughout the island community, which could dramatically change the affordable housing landscape there, and elsewhere. Imagine if this can be accomplished in a land known for ice, wind and rain and sky-high construction costs, the possibilities for other remote areas of the world. Winners win $35,000 and get to work with the Aleutian Housing Authority to build the house. Design teams have until December 1st to register, with contest closing on January 16, 2012. For more information on the contest specifications and guidelines please visit, http://competitions.living-future.org/. COOL ROOF Tropically accessorized with cabanas, the roof deck infinity pool at Sheraton’s Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, dazzles with its view across San Juan Bay. The 57,000-square-foot space, located directly above a ballroom and conference centre, presented depth limitations, leakage and water damage concerns for Baltimore design team Mahan Rykiel Associates. But why can’t visitors feel the grass beneath their feet? The decision to use natural look artificial turf was difficult say designers. “Maintenance and irrigation was obviously a concern,” notes Bob Gorman, principal landscape architect, RLA, FASLA, “but so was the tendency for grass to be very slippery when wet.” A high-traffic area, thanks to frequent events and daily sun worship, artificial turf, it was reasoned, would better endure the intensive use. Living elements include raised beds and containers featuring plants able to withstand the drying winds. Bucida Buceras trees provide shade whilst Veitchia Montgomery and Plumeria Rubra create a fragrant palm grove. — Vicky Fellowes LIVING ARCHITECTURE MONITOR SPRING 2011 3 Images courtesy of: ©RTKL.com/David Whitcomb 2010 INDUSTRY GROWTH HITS 28.5% HOUSING: CASCADIA’S $35K CHALLENGE TO DESIGNERS http://www.RTKL.com http://www.greenroofs.org http://competitions.living-future.org/

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Spring 2011

Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Spring 2011
Contents
Adaptation Through Innovation
Award-Winning Leader
Living Building Challenge Update
On the Roof With...
The Black Arts
Green Walls
Stormwater Policy
Root Repellent Standards
Growing Media
Green Building Codes
New Corporate Members
The GRP Turns Two
Professional Calendar
My First Year as a GRP

Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Spring 2011