Green Roof, London, What if: projects



	PROJECTS OUT-POST, Liverpool VACANT LOT,London SIT IN, Liverpool HATFIELD, Slough The Travelling Shed, Surrey Mobile stage Bermondsey Square, London Cow the udder way, Liverpool Facing East, London Roof garden, London Haus, Germany Produce, London TEACHING/RESEARCH Places of uncertainty, Liverpool Placed in Beckton, London Places of uncertainty, Sheffield Modesty Screened, London INFORMATION Contact Profile		The environmental benefits of green/living roofs within an urban setting are widely recognised. The Greater London Authority’s Climate Change Adaptability Teams modelling of the urban heat island effect in London establishes areas where action will be required in the future to adapt to climate change. It is anticipated that green roofs will be a pragmatic and often the only means of adapting the urban fabric especially in central London, to climate change. A green roof will provide high water retention thus reducing and delaying run off during times of heavy and prolonged precipitation. In summer green roofs can retain 70-80% of rainfall and in winter between 25-40%. Urban environments have large areas of hard reflective surfaces that absorb solar radiation and reflect this heat back into the atmosphere producing temperature differences with surrounding rural areas. The vegetation on a green roof can absorb heat thus reducing this effect. As well as providing a habitat for insects and other wildlife a green roof contributes to the reduction of a number of polluting air particles and compounds not only through the plants themselves, but also by deposition in the growing medium. A green roof system is recognised as providing good thermal performance through its mass and by cooling and humidifying the surrounding air. It also protects the building fabric from mechanical damage and ultra-violet radiation, thus extending a roofs life. Kensal Rise: green roof and terrace Start on site: July 08 Lightweight ‘intensive’ green roof system with a top layer of 50-100mm substrate to be seeded with wildflowers, planted with sedums and with areas left to colonise naturally. The roof garden includes an integrated terrace area. The terrace will include a fixed large planter and water butt and will accommodate potted plants and a small seating area. 2. Kew: green roof and kitchen extension Start on site: spring 08 Lightweight ‘extensive’ green roof to new kitchen extension.