I am so happy to report that the underlayment for the EcoCenter Living Roof is online! Last week we sprayed on the membrane which sealed all and any potential penetration or imperfection in the roof structure--ensuring no water penetration will run inside the roof or building. This is the first and most important step to creating a long-term sustainable living roof system. This week the Habitat Gardens team laid down the two sets of underlayment liners which provide additional absorption of water for plant life and act as an additional water and root barrier. We also installed the irrigation system which is comprised of 1 inch drip tubing laid into the underlayment of the roof and is attached to a series of small manifolds. 2 inches of Drainage rock was blown onto the roof which provides a drainage base for the roof. Lastly 3-4 inches of high quality Mulch was applied to the roof. Yesterday we were blessed with rain and tommorow we plant!
Its been an extraordinary journey for me on this project. There was a time that we had to value engineer our living roof out--and thanks to President Obama's efforts to support green building in our community, we now have our roof back on line! Its a wonder to experience our living roof come to life in our community--as the only vegetative roof in the southern waterfront community, I hope this sets a powerful model for future development in BVHP and sister EJ communities throughout the region. I am so pleased that we have been able to greenscape any potential hardscape that the building brings to the park. We will soon be able to host an entire new set of habitat on our roof! Stay tuned!
Laurie
