Green roofing forms a key part of roof design as part of a model for sustainable living in 21st century London. Barking Riverside is a joint venture project between Bellway Homes and the Homes & Community Agency. It is an element of the Mayor of London’s plan to build 10,800 new homes, retail, transport links and new town facilities in the Barking region of East London.
Green roofing was specified for some 50 homes each with a green roof area of 20m2, plus a block of flats with a roof area spanning 2100m2 which comprises 1500m2 green roofing plus gravel margins.
SIG approved roofing contractors Albany Brent Ltd of Walthamstow were chosen to undertake the green roofing works as they have substantial experience in both green and brown roof systems.
SIG Design & Technology designed an inverted roof, waterproofed in Rhenofol CG. Suitable for green roofing projects, the membrane system resists weathering, chemical oxidation and UV radiation, and retains its physical properties over a wide range of temperatures. The polyester fleece backing can be bonded or loose-laid when ballasted.
As part of SIG’s recommended roof build up, the Blackdown Plug Planted Sedum Roof system provides the green roof finish. Suitable for both new-build and refurbishment, the system comprises diverse species of hardy, succulent plug plants and native wild flowers which are installed at a density of 20 per m2 to provide a maximum of 10% plant coverage at installation.
This cost effective plug-planted installation method lends itself to specific green roofs with biodiverse objectives or those seeking a unique appearance, or where structural capacity is limited.
The Blackdown Plug Planted Sedum Roof system is suitable for pitches up to 20 degrees and green coverage is typically achieved in two growing seasons. The roofing schedule was completed in July 2013.
