Client: ABC Supply Co., Inc and Weston Solutions, Inc.
Location: Beloit,
WI
Size: 10,370
ft2
Installation Contractors: Corporate Contractor’s Inc (CCI) and WESTON
Landscape Design: WESTON
Status: Completed August 2001
Project Narrative: ABC Supply Company, Inc. (ABC) and Weston Solutions, Inc. (WESTON®) developed the unique GreenGrid® green roofing system. Simplicity of design and flexibility are the hallmarks of this system. The GreenGrid® System has been designed to provide a lightweight, modular green roofing alternative that arrives at the site pre-planted and ready for installation. In addition, the system offers the ability to easily access the roof for repair or maintenance work by simply moving the modules, then replacing them once the work is completed.
The project was planned as a ‘showcase green roof’ to demonstrate the design possibilities offered by the GreenGrid® system. Both intensive and extensive GreenGrid® modules were installed on the north and south roof portions of ABC’s corporate headquarters. The north garden was designed as the “show” garden and the south designed as both a show and research green roof. The research area is used to experiment with the hardiness tolerances of potential rooftop plant species; to quantify the insulating characteristics and stormwater management features that the GreenGrid® modules provide; and to test other potential system components.
Installation of this GreenGrid® system
occurred in two separate events. The north
side of the building was installed in June
2001 and was completed in five days. This rooftop
garden consisted of both intensive and extensive
GreenGrid® modules,
GreenGrid® pavers,
custom tree planters, and several levels of
tiering for added height. In total, the north
side green roof consisted of 256 GreenGrid® 8
in. and 91 GreenGrid® 4
in. modules, seven custom tree planters, and
275 GreenGrid® pavers.
The north rooftop garden was designed as a
flowing garden through four rooms. Each room
displays a variety of planting schemes with
different planting patterns using species that
have striking four-season ornamental characteristics.
The south side green roof
of the building was installed in August 2001
and was completed in four days. Similar to
the north side, this green roof consisted of
both intensive and extensive GreenGrid® modules
and GreenGrid® pavers.
In addition to the modules, an 8 ft. by 8 ft.
evaporation pond with a fountain was installed
to demonstrate the additional options that
the GreenGrid® system
offers. In total, the south side’s ‘show’ portion
of the green roof consisted of 136 GreenGrid® 8
in. and 37 GreenGrid® 4
in. modules and in the research portion, 54
GreenGrid® 8
in. and 162 GreenGrid® 4
in. modules were installed.
Installation of the GreenGrid® system
at ABC Supply’s corporate headquarters
gave ABC the opportunity to turn undeveloped
and unattractive roof space into useable and
striking gardens. The rooftop gardens are enjoyed
daily by the employees of ABC Supply for informal
meetings and lunch-time activities. The ongoing
research capacity provided by the green roof
will aid in offering all clients proven rooftop
plant selections, concrete energy savings data,
and stormwater retention data. |
