Commercial Architecture April 2019 - 31

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PROJECT

| exteriors

Work with a landscape architect to determine which plants are best based on the desired use, the climate, and how much time and resources can
be dedicated to upkeep.

would otherwise raise the temperature in the building

upkeep. Then, select the correct type of planted-roofing

and tax the HVAC system, which is part of why its inclu-

system to meet the requirements of those plants and the

sion in a design can contribute points toward LEED

needs of the mixed-use design.

credentials.

* If a building has solar panels on the roof, green roofing can help the panels perform more efficiently.

What value is to be received from the planted roof?
If you simply want the rooftop to look attractive,

* Vegetative rooftops also protect the roofing mem-

that is one thing. But if you want to derive more utility

brane from UV radiation, heat aging, extreme tempera-

from the roof design (for instance, carbon dioxide/

ture fluctuation, and physical damage.

greenhouse-gas management or stormwater manage-

* Planted roofs simply look good, making them attractive in situations where the rooftop is visible to occu-

ment), that can affect vegetation choice and construc-

pants or is an occupied space featuring useful overburden, such as pavers, flanked by plant life.

tion decisions.
Using a green roof for stormwater management is
partially influenced not only by the ability of plants to
soak up water through their roots, but also by structural

ASK CORRECT QUESTIONS

factors below the soil layer of a planted rooftop.

There are a number of factors to consider when

Is storage space needed that allows water to collect

determining the proper design and construction of a

below the soil level, minimizing the amount flowing off

planted roof. The following questions offer informa-

the roof during heavy rains? The construction of the

tion to aid in the selection of a vegetative-roofing solu-

drainage layer and choice of moisture-retention mats

tion for a variety of needs.

will depend on the answer to this question.

What is the intended use of a vegetative rooftop?

Based on the performance expected from the roof, is

Is the rooftop going to be a generally unoccupied
space, chiefly designed to absorb rain and solar rays, or
will it have visitors? Will a patio, garden, or other usable
space be incorporated?

a traditional vegetative-roof construction or a traybased system needed?
Traditional vegetative roofs have various layers
installed as part of their design, and the composition of

The functional design of the rooftop makes a differ-

those layers depends on the performance one is seeking,

ence in the materials used to construct the space and in

the weight-carrying capability of the roof, and other fac-

the types of plants installed.

tors. Traditional vegetative-roofing constructions typi-

Work with a landscape architect to determine which

cally include:

plants are best, based on the desired use, climate, and

* Growing medium with custom soil depth on top with

how much time and resources can be dedicated to

plants embedded
CIRCLE 211

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Commercial Architecture April 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture April 2019