Green Roof Installation Details

Project Title: Environmental Packaging International - EPI

Location: Jamestown, RI

Size: 1,000 sq ft

Planting Method: Extensive System/Cuttings(learn more)

Installation Date : Spring 2010

Links:

Environmental Packaging International

S. Barzin Architects

Press Release

Undulating rooftop landscape takes root in Jamestown

May 12, 2010 Jamestown, Rhode Island. Apex Green Roofs, Inc. recently installed a 1000 square foot green roof at Environmental Packaging International in Jamestown, Rhode Island. This green roof combines innovative design with high-performing, low maintenance plants to create a beautiful, functional landscape atop the building. The project team was led by S. Barzin Architects and the green roof was designed by Apex Green Roofs, Inc. The roof has two levels, both of which are accessible to building occupants. On the lower level is an irregular blue stone patio and a large table where building occupants can hold meetings or eat lunch. The remainder of the area is planted with a mix of Sedum species and herbaceous perennials. A gently undulating landscape was created using layers of insulation installed underneath the growing media. This design provides three-dimensional interest without the additional weight load of deeper growing media. A spiral staircase leads to the upper level of the roof. A blue stone pathway meanders through the garden, leading to a bench where building occupants can have a quiet moment during a hectic work day, overlooking historic Jamestown, Rhode Island and the ocean beyond. EPI plans to install a wind turbine on this level, further exhibiting its commitment to sustainability.  

The roof is planted with a mix of Sedum and herbaceous perennials, all of which were specially chosen to thrive in the harsh environment of a rooftop. The following Sedum species were planted as plugs: Sedum album, Sedum floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’, Sedum rupestre, Sedum rupestre 'Angelina', Sedum sexangulare, Sedum sichotense, Sedum spurium 'Fuldaglut', and Sedum ternatum 'Larinem Park'. Herbaceous perennials were planted as plugs: Agastache rupestris, Aster 'Snow Flurry', Dianthus allwoodii 'Frosty Fire', Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Bath's Pink', Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue', Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire', Phlox carolina var. angusta, Sporobolus heterolepis, Tradescantia ohiensis 'Mrs. Loewer'. After initial establishment period, the green roof will not require any irrigation. Instead, all the water the plants need will come from natural rainfall. The plants are expected to fill in within the coming year--some sedum species will even continue to grow throughout the cold New England winter!

Kemper waterproofing was fluid-applied and flood tested before the installation of the vegetated system. The first layer of the vegetated is capillary fabric, which retains a small volume of water that plants can access between rain events. On top of the capillary fabric is a combined drainage layer and separation fabric, made of recycled plastics. The separation fabric prevents growing media from clogging the drainage layer and the drainage layer wicks away excess water from the growing media. Above the drainage layer is 4-6 inches of engineered growing media (consistent with FLL standards). The engineered growing media is lightweight, provides good drainage, has a very low organic content, and will not become compacted. These qualities maximize the health of the plants and minimize nutrient runoff into the surrounding environment.

 

In addition to serving as an amenity for the building occupants, the green roof will reduce the volume of stormwater runoff from the building and provide a cooling effect in the summer. Apex Green Roofs, Inc. will perform regular maintenance visits during the first two years to ensure the success of the green roof system.