Low Maintenance Green Roof for Benedictʼs Wharf Eco Homes

Project:

• Client: Taylor Wimpey
• Scope of Project: Roof area of 2,000m2 with green roof element
• Architect: JM Architects - London W1
• Roofing Contractor: M.A.R.S. Construction Ltd, with BBS Roofing green roof installation engineers
• Year completed: 2007

Products Used:

• OPTIGREEN Economy Roof
• RMS 300 Protection Layer
• FKD25 Drainage Layer
• TYPE M Extensive Growing Medium
• Vegetation Mat on degradable carrier
• FLAGON SA/VB Vapour barrier
• Flagtherm Insulation
• Flagon EP/PRF Waterproofing & Root Barrier.

Project Description

In keeping with Taylor Wimpey being the first publicly listed housebuilder to achieve ISO14001:2004 certification, sustainability and biodiversity were key to the design for this development of apartments, penthouses and duplexes at Benedict’s Wharf on the River Roding at Barking.

Challenges

Recognising the impact that housebuilders can have on biodiversity and the protection of species and wildlife habitats in urban areas, Taylor Wimpey required a low maintenance, lightweight green roof for this eco home development.

Solution

Roofing contractor, M.A.R.S, Construction Ltd worked closely with JM Architects and leading independent green roof system installation engineers BBS Green Roofing Ltd to provide a lightweight green roof solution requiring minimal maintenance. The OPTIGREEN Economy Roof system consisted of sedum mats with a shallow layer construction, and planting of 60-80mm maximum height. Weighing as little as a ballasted roof the imposed roof load for the vegetation was just 0.2kN/m2.

Advantages at a Glance

The green roof has an immediate visual impact with dense planting of sedum varieties adding to the environmental value of the riverside setting.

Customer Satisfaction

Recognition of environmental responsibilities was a key factor for Taylor Wimpey at Benedict’s Wharf. Ashley Pavitt of M.A.R.S. commented “The OPTIGREEN roof system met the requirements for Taylor Wimpey who laid a heavy emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability principles”.