17: Designing and installing a Green Roof

Design & Build Happiness

This week we talk green and living roofs with Chris Bridgman of Bridgman & Bridgman landscapes.
We learn that the terms living roof and green roof can be used interchangeably as they are both a roof which has living plant on it. Sometimes they are called brown roofs when they are really dry and the plants appear to have died back, but Chris reassures us that, when installed correctly, they always spring back, thats the nature of the wonderful alpine sedum used.
Abi was quite surprised to hear that a green roof can go up to a 45 degree pitch, so aren’t just something to consider if you are planning a flat roof extension. He also gave us the weight loads to consider - something which is always worth considering at the planning and designing stages of your project so you can made the simple structural design adjustments to accommodate the green roof of your choice.
We learn about the plant types and their individual maintenance requirements. There are no green roofs which require zero maintenance, but they are very simple to manage compared to a garden, just 2 - 4 times a year, depending on the type you have.
Chris goes through the cost benefits of a green roof including thermal, prevention of wear and tear, acoustic, aesthetic and potentially even adds value to your home*
*This was not scientifically tested - Abi and Chris agreed we’d prefer a green roof and see it as a sign of a quality build.
But the most important take away was for you to tell your architect and builder as early in the process as possible, that you would like to consider a green roof.
For more information see GRO, the UK trade body where there are Green Roof specialists who are working in your area
For more information on Chris and his company, please visit his website Gardens in the Sky
and follow him on Instagram and Twitter
For more information on this podcast and other episodes please visit https://www.abigailhall.design/podcast
If you have enjoyed this episode please rate, review and subscribe as it helps other home owners design their happiness.