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Product category: Roofing
News Release from: Renolit UK | Subject: Eco-Roof
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial Team on 21 May 2004

Eco-Roof Gets Green Light

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An innovative roof covering a newly-built residence in Lewisham, which features products from single ply waterproofing membrane manufacturer Alkor Draka, blends in well with its surroundings.

An innovative roof covering a newly-built residence in Lewisham, which features products from single ply waterproofing membrane manufacturer Alkor Draka, blends in with its surroundings so well that you might say it's 'camouflaged'! Owner and architectural designer Michael Kemp explains: "The curved and undulating green roof brilliantly enabled the design concept of the house 'buried' within a hillside landscape At the same time, it addressed the concerns of the local planners and overlooking neighbours

As a consequence, I now have appreciative neighbours, squirrels and birds, plus a much larger building than would probably have been allowed otherwise.

And no, I do not need to mow it!" Architect Malachy McAleer of McAleer Projects was called in to assist with planning and building regulations, and all construction work was undertaken by Mike, Voland Roofing and Blackdown Horticultural Consultants.

With domed roof-lights and special detailing on the edges and guttering created by Alkor Draka-approved contractors Voland Roofing, the lightweight system had minimal structural implications for the building.

It comprises a deck constructed from two layers of narrow timber strips to form the complex curves; Alkorplan Fleece; Alkorplan 35177 waterproofing membrane; Alkorplan 35121 Protection Layer; loose laid fleece; drainage matting; growing medium; and finally sedum.

Sedum is a type of rock plant, which is easy to maintain, being wind, frost and drought resistant and not requiring watering, so upkeep costs are minimal.

John Williams/Alun Rhys Tarr from Blackdown Horticultural Consultants said: "Our main area of expertise is in the design, supply, installation and maintenance of lightweight roof planting systems.

Green roofs like this offer benefits - environmental, functional and aesthetic - which are now being appreciated much more in the UK.

Eco-roofs improve acoustic roof performance and the mass of the soil provides additional thermal insulation.

They also help the environment by providing a habitat for insects and birds." Ren Pesci of Voland Roofing commented: "The Alkor Draka products used work particularly well for this kind of project, offering durable and reliable roofing protection.

We also found that the ease of use they afforded allowed us to complete the special detailing required swiftly and without difficulty.".

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