Green building is taking urban infrastructure by storm, which has made green roofs wildly increase in popularity. This leap in interest can be credited to three qualities – beauty, sustainability, and energy-efficiency. Looking for sustainable ways to reduce power bills is ever present, and a truly remarkable solution has begun to present itself: Grow plants on your roof.
While it sounds novel, green roofs are appearing in commercial, residential, and multifamily housing across the country – and beyond. Representative of the future of architectural solutions aiming to combat climate change and embrace green building and sustainable urbanization, let’s take a closer look at the benefits and design considerations involved.
Understanding Green Roofs
What are green roofs?
A green roof is a roof that is growing plants. While most assume that this will be grass, ideal plants are more likely to be succulents, wild onions and chives, milkweed, and a selection of plants native to the climate. Green roofs absorb water, convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, and provide a remarkable cooling effect for green building projects.
- Extensive – vast and shallow green roofs
- Intensive – deeper green roofs that accommodate greater plant variety and require more maintenance
- Semi-Intensive – a blend of extensive and intensive design
Benefits of Green Roofs
Green roofs come with a variety of benefits that have contributed to their rapid popularity.
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Ecological
- Air Quality – Carbon dioxide is processed into oxygen, improving urban air quality
- Heat Reduction – Green roofs reduce heat both for buildings and the surrounding area, reducing the urban heat island effect.
- Stormwater – An amount of stormwater is absorbed, reducing runoff and the risk of flooding
- Biodiversity – A place for biodiversity and native plants in urban environments is provided.
- Wildlife Habitat – Green roofs can provide a home for local wildlife, including pollinators.
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Economical
- Energy-Efficiency – Green roofs provide insulation, which reduces energy costs
- Protective – Roofing material is protected with its lifespan increased by absorbing UV rays and moisture
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Bonus
- Rooftop Gardens – Green roofs provide urban green spaces for residents, which can help to improve their mental and physical health.
Design Considerations for Green Roofs
When adding a green roof to a multifamily housing design, there are a few things to consider based on the design of your architecture.
- Structural Requirements – Assess the building’s load capacity or plan for proper support of a green roof.
- Waterproofing – Ensure there is a water proof membrane between the green roof and roofing structure below.
- Drainage – Prepare efficient water management for absorption and runoff
- Plant Selection – Choose vegitation suited to the local climate and roof conditions. Drought-tolerant plants are ideal, and flowering succulents are popular.
- Irrigation – Provide channels for efficient irrigation to ensure sustainability
- Maintenance – Create a long-term maintenance plan and schedule
- Accessibility – Design spaces for public and private use such as a safe and functional rooftop garden.
Green Roof Implementation
When planning for your green roof, look into potential incentives for sustainable construction in your state and region to balance the cost. When selecting the plant life and green roof design, explore ways to balance aesthetics with practical performance. You may also want to explore climate-specific challenges like dry or cold seasons.
Innovative Applications of Green Roofs
Are you wanting to get creative with your green roof design? There are a few innovative ways to upgrade the usual low-maintenance design for additional functionality and qualities your multifamily residents may enjoy.
- Urban Farming or Gardening – Use a green roof to grow food or give your residence a beautiful place to garden.
- Energy Integration – Combine your green roof with solar panels or perhaps solar shaded areas for residents for dual sustainability.
- Hybrid Designs – Merge green roofs with other eco-friendly features like living walls, aesthetic water management features, solar, and more.
Green Rooftops for Multifamily Architectural Design
Multifamily development involves thinking about the future. If you want your apartments to be attractive, trendy, and sustainable, there is much to consider. Green building with intentional rooftop design may be an ideal addition to your plans.
Talk to Ted Trout Architects located in Houston, Texas about incorporating green roofs into your multifamily architectural design.
