Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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National Parks Board, 2010
CONTENTS
introduction
ii
ii
ii
10
12
green roofs
13
roof gardens
15
16
17
i
ii
faqs
17
18
19
INTRODUCTION
Have you ever thought about greening your buildings
rooftop? Well, the art of rooftop greenery is fast
becoming very popular in Singapore. Over the past
few years, more and more buildings, both private
and public, have decided to go green over their
roofs. You will find some interesting rooftop greenery
along the shopping belt in Orchard Road and many
others in the heartlands of Punggol, Queensway and
Woodlands.
If you are keen to find out more about rooftop
greenery, this concise guide will provide you with
useful information and guidelines for this green
journey.
BENEFITS OF
ROOFTOP GREENERY
One of the many benefits of greening your rooftop is
that a green roof will last longer than a conventional
one. It looks more attractive and it also helps reduce
the urban heat island effect that is currently affecting
many urbanised cities like Singapore.
But thats not all. Rooftop greenery is also...
Conventional Roof
Green Roof
10
11
Hybrid Gardens
Roof Gardens
Plant Group
Grasses and/or
groundcovers
Grasses and/or
groundcovers
and low shrubs
Grasses,
groundcovers,
shrubs and
trees
System build-up
height
up to 150 mm
up to 250 mm
up to 1500 mm
System build-up
weight
150 kg/m2
300 kg/m2
500 kg/m2
Maintenance
Low
Periodic
High
The above values are estimates. It is advisable to consult a Professional Engineer and landscape
experts for the calculation of loads.
12
GREEN ROOFS
Vegetation
Growing Medium
Drainage Layer / Water Reservoir
Insulation (optional)
Membrane protection & Root barrier
Roofing Membrane
Structural Support
There are many ways in which green roofs can be landscaped and set up. Here are the two popular models:
Modular Model
14
ROOF GARDENS
Roof gardens are developed to be accessible for use.
They usually incorporate areas of paving and seating.
With potentially deeper soil depths to support a wide
range of plant species, roof gardens are more suitable
for new buildings where the building structure can be
appropriately designed to cater for the higher overall
loading.
Regular garden maintenance such as mowing,
fertilising, watering and weeding is required for such
intensive landscaping.
15
Singapore Flyer
16
17
Load-bearing capacity
The weight of most green roof systems is between
50 to 150 kg/m2.
Check the current load for the existing roof
The roofs load bearing capacity is usually found in
buildings floor plans
Drainage
Blockage of drainage leads to the continuous
contact of roof surfaces with water or wet soil. It
also leads to unwanted stagnant water which can be
a fertile ground for breeding mosquitoes.
Inspect drainage on rooftops and ensure drainage
routes are not blocked
18
19
SUGGESTED READING
CUGE STANDARDS
The CUGE Standards is a set of written guidelines for voluntary
adoption in the landscape and horticulture industry. They are written
through a formal process that involves consultation with relevant
bodies and reaching consensus across all interested parties so
that the final document meets the needs of business and industry.
All standards take the form of either specifications, methods,
vocabularies, codes of practices or guides.
CS E 01: 2010
- Guidelines on Design Loads for Rooftop Greenery
The Guidelines On Design Loads for Rooftop Greenery includes
suggested landscape materials and their appropriate placement. A
useful reference for designers and installers of rooftop gardens.
ISBN 978-981-08-5231-3
CS E 02:2010
- Guidelines on Design for Safety onRooftop Greenery
The Guidelines on Design for Safety on Rooftop Greenery
highlights safety considerations during the design, installation and
maintenance phases. A useful reference for designers and installers
of rooftop gardens.
ISBN 978-981-08-5232-0
CS E03:2010
- Guidelines on Substrate Layer for Rooftop Greenery
The Guidelines on Substrate Layer for Rooftop Greenery is
intended to provide an understanding of the constituting substratecomponents, their respective Technical Properties & recommended
Performance Criteria, for effective monitoring of the substrates
overall performance and quality control.
ISBN 978-981-08-7203-8
CS E04:2010
- Guidelines on Filter, Drainage and Root Penetration
Barrier Layers for Rooftop Greenery
The Guidelines on Filter, Drainage and Root Penetration Barrier
Layers for Rooftop Greenery is intended to provide an understanding
of the filter layer, the drainage layer, the root penetration barrier
layer and their respective constituting materials. The guidelines
will also provide the recommended Technical Properties and
Performance Criteria for the effective monitoring of the layers
overall performance, design and installation considerations.
ISBN 978-981-08-7206-9
PUBLICATIONS
Selection of Plants for Green Roofs in Singapore
(2nd Edition)
Editors: Tan Puay Yok & Angelia Sia
This handbook presents a selection of over seventy plants that are
suitable for green roofs in Singapore.
ISBN 978-981-07-0052-2