Battersea Dogs Home - Pro-Living® Bio-Solar Biodiverse PV Roof

Project Overview

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have completed one of the most significant redevelopments in their 154-year history, a £5 million transformation led by Sir Robert McAlpine, that has modernised facilities and created a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital. A major feature of the upgrade was the installation of a full environmental roofing package, delivered as part of the Proteus Pro-Living® Bio-Solar System, which combined advanced waterproofing, green roof technology and a full solar photovoltaic array.

What is a Bio-Solar System?

A bio-solar roof merges photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with a green roof, where vegetation is planted atop a specialised waterproofing and drainage layer. The solar panels are mounted on frameworks above the plants, allowing sunlight to reach both the panels and the greenery below. This hybrid approach leverages the synergies between solar technology and living roofs: the plants provide natural cooling through evapotranspiration (the process where water evaporates from leaves), which can boost solar panel efficiency by 10-15% compared to traditional installations. Meanwhile, the green layer enhances biodiversity, stormwater management, and thermal insulation. Proteus' Pro-Living® bio-solar systems, like the one featured here, use sustainable materials to create a resilient, low-maintenance ecosystem that supports urban sustainability goals.

The project required a roofing solution that could meet stringent performance, environmental and operational demands. Over 1,200 square metres of Proteus Cold-Melt® waterproofing membrane, a key component of the Pro-Living® system, was applied by a Proteus Approved Contractor as part of a five-layer build-up designed specifically around the charity’s needs and budget. The system comprised the Cold-Melt® liquid waterproofing membrane, Pro-Therm XPS insulation, Proteus Low-K separation layer and attenuation components, topped with three distinct finishes - paving, decking and an extensive biodiverse green roof.

The bio-solar element stands out as a highlight, integrating solar PV panels with sedum and wildflower planting. This not only generates clean, renewable energy to power the sanctuary's operations but also creates a habitat for pollinators and wildlife, enhancing the site's ecological footprint.

Bio-solar roofs offer multifaceted advantages, making them ideal for projects like Battersea's redevelopment:

- Renewable Energy Production: The solar panels harness sunlight to generate electricity, reducing reliance on grid power and lowering carbon emissions. In the UK context, this aligns with net-zero targets, potentially offsetting energy costs for the charity.

- Improved Efficiency and Longevity: Vegetation cools the panels, preventing overheating and extending their lifespan while increasing output. Studies show efficiency gains of up to 15%, crucial in London's variable climate.

- Biodiversity and Environmental Enhancement: The green layer supports native plants, insects, and birds, countering urban habitat loss. It mitigates the urban heat island effect, cooling surrounding areas by several degrees Celsius.

- Stormwater Management: The attenuation mat and plant substrate absorb rainfall, reducing runoff by up to 70% and easing pressure on London's drainage systems during heavy downpours.

- Thermal Insulation and Energy Savings: The combined layers provide superior insulation, cutting heating demands in winter and cooling needs in summer, which could save thousands in annual energy bills for a facility like Battersea.

- Sustainability and Durability: Incorporating recycled rubber-crumb and organic materials, the system promotes circular economy principles. When paired with Cold Melt®, it achieves a life expectancy beyond the building's design life, ensuring long-term performance without frequent maintenance.

Proteus' cold-applied systems eliminate fire hazards associated with hot works, vital in confined spaces near sensitive animal residents. Cold Melt® low-odour formulation meets stringent health and safety standards, safeguarding operatives and the dogs and cats alike—especially important in a bio-solar setup where vegetation and panels require safe, non-disruptive installation.

With recycled content, an elastomeric seamless structure and BBA certification confirming performance beyond the building’s design life, Cold-Melt® and the wider Pro-Living® PV and green roof finishes will support Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for decades to come, protecting its vital facilities while advancing its commitment to a greener future.