One of the most incredible and fascinating things that the world of sustainable architecture has to offer is the green roof. And in today's post you'll understand why this whole wonder. But we've already made the point here that you run a serious risk of falling in love with this system and wanting to take it home too. Come with us you will not regret:
What is a green roof?
Until recently the construction of a house concerned only the future residents of the place. However, things have changed, and concern for more efficient and less environmentally friendly systems has created a need for sustainable, environmentally friendly projects that can benefit the entire community around the home.
And the green roof fits perfectly in this perspective of sustainable construction. To give you an idea, green roofs are currently one of the greatest references to sustainable architecture in the world, losing only to photovoltaic panels, an innovative system capable of capturing solar energy and transforming it into electrical energy.
Basically the green roof is a natural lining, usually made with grass, which covers the entire length of the house. In addition to being very aesthetic, the green roof has numerous environmental benefits that you will discover just below.
How does the green roof work?
The green roof consists of seven layers of different materials responsible for maintaining the correct absorption of rainwater, heat exchange and plant survival.
The first layer is the actual slab or roof itself. On it is placed a waterproof membrane so that the roof is protected against moisture. The third layer is a barrier against roots. This process step is important to prevent plant roots from damaging the roof structure.
Next comes the drainage layer. This layer ensures that all excess rainwater is drained properly avoiding flooding on the structure, the rotting of the plants and, of course, the infiltration of water into the residence.
After the drainage system comes the permeable tissue that allows the placement of the earth where, at last, a layer is placed with about seven to eight centimeters of substrate. At this stage, the roof is ready to receive the chosen vegetation.
Although this process seems simple, it is very important to have the help of a qualified professional. It is he who will be responsible for evaluating, among other things, the correct fall of the roof that must have at least 1,5% to guarantee adequate flow and the structure of the slab that must be strong and resistant enough to resist the weight of the vegetation .
Advantages of green roof
- The green roof is a great thermal insulation, that is, it maintains an always pleasant temperature inside the residence, excluding even the necessity of the use of air conditioning;
- In addition to thermal insulation, the green roof also has the function of acoustic insulation thus preventing the proliferation of noise into the interior of the house;
- The vegetation of the green roof contributes to a greater retention of rainwater. The result is a decrease in the water going to the street, reducing even the risk of flooding;
- The green roof extends its benefits to the entire city as it helps to reduce pollution and significantly improve air quality in the region;
- The green roof also contributes with the diminution of the islands of heat, effect very common in the big cities;
- The temperature control also extends beyond the residences, since the green roof can balance the temperature in the external environment too;
- With a green roof you have a new space in your home for moments of leisure and relaxation;
- The green roof is an oasis for the local ecosystem attracting birds, butterflies and other types of insects and small animals. This is extremely important to ensure the preservation of biodiversity;
- Green roofing requires little maintenance, especially when compared to a conventional roof;
- As if all these advantages were not enough, the green roof is still a great ally of the aesthetics and beauty of the house contributing immensely with the architectural design;
Disadvantages of green roof
- Requires specialized labor for the correct execution of the project;
- The initial investment is a bit high, but in the long run the green roof turns out to be more financially viable than the conventional roof;
- Not all structures are apt to fit a green roof, especially when it is not tough enough, making it unfeasible for the project;
Tips for having a beautiful and functional green roof
- Ensure easy access to the green roof so you can easily take care of and enjoy this structure;
- The ideal plants for the green roof are those that have small roots, especially grasses and creeping vegetation. You can also opt for a mini garden on the green roof, as long as the cultivated species respect the conditions of the structure;
- Prioritize excellent roof waterproofing to avoid future upheavals with moisture and seepage;
- Consult a specialist. Do not dismiss this step, because the professional will guarantee all the beauty and functionality that the green roof needs to have;
In Brazil, green roofs are still new. But in many other countries this is already a reality in the life of the population. Therefore, nothing better than inspiring projects already successful worldwide. How about taking a peek at the green rooftop images we selected below?
60 green roof photos for you to get inspired today
You will be amazed at the many green roof possibilities out there. Check out:
Picture 1 - Trees on top of the roof: a place of peace, freshness and tranquility; however, for this type of project a special type of roof is required to support the weight of the vegetation.
Picture 2 - Green roof with low and low plants complemented by the stone ways.
Picture 3 - The wood used in facade of this house married perfectly with the proposal of the green roof.
Picture 4 - Green roof, green facade, green body guard: finally, a green building.
Picture 5 - The green roof of this house is present in the two floors and the access by him is facilitated by the use of the lateral staircase; highlight the solar panel that makes construction even more sustainable.
Picture 6 - This roof took advantage of the tree that passes through it to become even greener; to complete the garden hanging leafy foliage.
Picture 7 - An architectural complex all green to prove that beauty, modernity and sustainability can walk hand in hand.
Picture 8 - If the roof can not be green that at least the eaves of the house is.
Picture 9 - The rectangular-shaped house bet on a green roof with clumps of well-spaced plants one from the other.
Picture 10 - To complete the green proposal of the roof a mini lake at the entrance of the house.
Picture 11 - In this house, the plants of the roof have adapted so well to the space that they come to fall on the facade.
Image 12 - Turn the green roof into a host of the house, so invest in a special lighting for it.
Picture 13 - The concept of green roof goes far beyond the conventional roofs.
Image 14 - Here the idea of green roof has been improved and has given rise to a green terrace.
Image 15 - The buildings of the future will be inspired by projects like this: able to unite sustainable solutions with technology.
Image 16 - Hanging foliage is a great option for those who want the green roof to stand out even more in the facade.
Picture 17 - Is the green roof the best option for those who want to bring some nature into the daily life?
Picture 18 - It looks like a soccer field, but what you're seeing is just a roof covered with grass.
Picture 19 - On this roof, the plants grow free and unconcerned.
Picture 20 - Built between the decks of the house, this green roof can be enjoyed from several different angles.
Picture 21 - Grass and leisure space: the proposal here is to transform the roof into an extension of the yard.
Picture 22 - This house seems to camouflage itself amid the mountains and the vegetation.
Picture 23 - It is worth mentioning that the sides of the roof must be covered by stones to facilitate the drainage of water.
Picture 24 - Green roof built on steps, similar to a staircase.
Picture 25 - You do not have to cover the whole house with a green roof, the idea can be used in a smaller area, as in the image example.
Image 26 - Trees around the house enhance the green beauty of sustainable construction.
Image 27 - What if in the future cities are like this? Wonderful just to imagine!
Image 28 - To let the green roof design even more complete invest in green walls as well.
Picture 29 - This modern construction recognizes and appreciates the presence of the green roof.
Picture 30 - Design the house already considering the green roof.
Picture 31 - The green roof is an integral part of the house and this is very evident with the use of the stairs that gives direct access to it.
Picture 32 - On this green roof, the deck wood gives an extra charm to the space.
Image 33 - The green roof makes the pool area even cooler and more pleasant.
Image 34 - The house that prioritizes natural lighting bet on a green roof to leave the lower floor fresh.
Image 35 - The green roof is democratic and accessible for all types of construction, from the most classic to the most contemporary.
Picture 36 - Each type of plant requires maintenance, consider this when planning your green roof.
Image 37 - The fall of the roof, however small, is important to maintain drainage and drainage of water.
Picture 38 - Structures of metal, wood or concrete: any of them can receive a green roof.
Image 39 - Complement the proposal of the green roof with a facade full of plants.
Picture 40 - Flowers, trees, foliage: mount your green roof as you wish just be sure to fit the design with the structure of your house.
Image 41 - The curved structure of the green roof, besides being very beautiful, facilitates the process of draining the rainwater.
Picture 42 - A condominium of green and sustainable houses: makes your happiness?
Picture 43 - On the green roof, a hollow structure of wood that imitates a roof of two waters; a beautiful and different effect.
Picture 44 - The roof with steps is not a purely aesthetic option, it has an important functionality that is the drainage of water.
Picture 45 - All the roofs of this house are green, but each one follows a style slightly different from one another.
Picture 46 - To enjoy the seaside, a green roof that looks more like a terrace.
Image 47 - Worth at least a "Wow!", Is not it?
Picture 48 - This house was built in such a way that it even appears to be underground, but in fact this effect is thanks to the green roof that covers all its extension.
Figure 49 - An example of seamless integration with the environment.
Picture 50 - Green roof with glass body guard: chic is not it?
Picture 51 - A little house, delicate, but that gives a show when the subject is sustainability and ecology.
Picture 52 - House of glass with green roof: an architecture beyond there modern and stylish
Picture 53 - Who said that roof two waters can not have a green roof?
Picture 54 - A green roof to feel welcomed inside and outside the house.
Picture 55 - On each floor a different green roof.
Image 56 - Green roofs are solutions for homes, buildings and commercial buildings.
Image 57 - Do not need too much, only a gram on the roof is enough to bring countless benefits to your home and neighborhood.
Image 58 - Green roof only in the name: here, the plants of yellow and purple coloring that stand out.
Image 59 - A flower bed on the green roof to fill the eyes with such beauty.
Image 60 - The grass on the ground extends to the roof; so perfect this house even seems to lie.
