Blooming success

One of the most visible ways of addressing environmentally sustainable concerns in commercial design is through a green roof.

When IAG and Jasmax approached Greenroofs Limited with the intention of incorporating a green roof on the new NZI Centre, director Will Thorne knew this was going to be a pre-eminent project.

The brief called for the conversion of 350m² of roof space into a green roof to help mitigate stormwater runoff and add a natural element to entertaining areas. The project took more than 50 tonnes of growing medium, or substrate, says Thorne.

"Due to the timing of the green roof project and the quantity of materials involved, the substrate had to be lifted onto the building while the construction crane was still in place some 5 months before we could start on the roof. The 50 tonnes of material was then moved by hand and the plants plug-planted into it.

"The installation of the green roof was one element that helped the building achieve its 5-Star Green Star rating, which included achieving innovation points specifically for the green roof," says Thorne.

For further information, contact Greenroofs Ltd, PO Box 147228, Ponsonby, Auckland 1411, phone (09) 376 6551, mobile 021 453 719, or visit the website: www.greenroofs.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas