Greenscapes In Use - Nanyang Technology University, Singapore

There are times when we can learn about commercial landscapes by looking well beyond the confines of the Valley of the Sun. Today’s blog looks at what one location is doing half a world away.

Talk about going "Green!" A University in Singapore demonstrates a beautifully designed landscape and the benefits that are provided. Today the School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technology University in Singapore has a really-really green roof that connect smoothly with its landscape.

The curving green roofs distinguish the building from among the other structures on campus but the line between landscape and building is blurred. The roofs serve as informal gathering spaces challenging linear ideas and stirring perception. The roofs create open space, insulate the building, cool the surrounding air and harvest rainwater for landscaping irrigation. 

Planted grasses mix with native greenery to colonize the building and bond it to the setting.  The glass façade reduces solar gain, while allows natural views of the surrounding foliage. Lights are incorporated on to the roof to allow students to meet in the evening. At night, the building glows like a lantern, allowing activities of the school to be observed from the outside. The changing character of the façade lends dynamism, life and interest to the building as day transforms into night.

The roof turf consists of a combination of two grasses, Zoysia matrella and Ophiopogon. The curving roofs are accessible by stairs along the edges, although only one of the six portions of green roof is best for seating due to lower slopes. Under the grass roof are four layers of interrelated matter which include crushed volcanic rocks, pumice and washed sand (for the grass to root), as well as a moisture retention mat. The turf grass remains green and healthy year round via an automatic sprinkler system using harvested rainwater.

This five story facility sweeps a wooded corner of the campus with an organic, vegetated form that blends landscape and structure, nature and high-tech and symbolizes the creativity it houses.

So with all of our flat roofs here in the Phoenix Metro area could we have a planted roof that with save energy and a beauty to our cityscape? 

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help with your commercial landscape challenges!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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