Artificial grass, sedum and turf combines in a fantastic, functional fire-sage roof garden: IKEA Greenwich
ARTIFICIAL GREEN ROOFS AND NATURAL PLANTING IN UNISON
Artificial green roofs can be the perfect partners for naturally planted counterparts such as sedum roofs, raised planters and even urban farming plots – just like on IKEA’s Greenwich rooftop garden. Recently rewarded with the 2020 UK Roofing Award for Green Roofing, contractor Bridgman and Bridgman. In this masterful collaboration, the high traffic, low maintenance and evergreen EverRoof® artificial green roof system provided the perfect communal area between paving, raised urban farming beds and the sedum-covered areas. Blending the transition between nature and function, the artificially turfed section of the garden extended the sleek lines and allows accessibility to visitors all year round.
IKEA GREENWICH EVERROOF ARTIFICIAL GREEN ROOF SYSTEM
The 166 square metre expanse of EverRoof’s EVR1 system features 36mm Wonder Yarn synthetic grass atop 30mm foam drainage pad and a further drainage matting layer. Fixed to its perimeter paving and the accompanying timber planters, the artificial lawn is finished on all sides by a Scottish pebble margin, resin-bonded for safety, and matched to other pebbles across the design.
BIODIVERSITY, WILDLIFE HABITATS AND COMMUNITY OUTDOOR SPACE
Since its opening, IKEA Greenwich in London has received an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM certification – the highest award for sustainable construction – and attributable to its green roofs and roof garden alongside its use of renewable energy from solar panels, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and renewable construction materials.
In the roof gardens, the combination of the artificial and the natural is multi-faceted, adding elements of all-year-round planted interest, colour and form to the functional space. The seated area provides a haven for visitors to take time out to relax, bringing them closer to nature and allowing them to maximise the enjoyment and health benefits of the open air and outdoor space. “The store takes sustainability to the next level, not just in its design and architecture, but also as it was built with the local community in mind,” stated Helen Aylett, IKEA Greenwich store manager.
CHOOSING AN ACCREDITED ARTIFICIAL GREEN ROOF SYSTEM FOR SAFETY AND FITNESS FOR PURPOSE
Whilst the IKEA Greenwich installation has a focus on community, sustainability and biodiversity themes, it also holds functionality and safety to account. As a business, the Evergreens UK Group of which EverRoof® is part has invested heavily in the development of the only fire and wind accredited artificial green roof system on the market today. The EverRoof® artificial green roof system provides regulatory assurances to the Building Inspectorate, fire and safety officers and housing managers and the products and system have been tested and accredited to BS and EU fire standards specifically for flat roofing. Wind speed tested to 100mph, every EverRoof® product installed on flat roofs by professional, accredited installers has been developed and rigorously tested with fitness for purpose (an external fitted layer affixed on a flat roof), safety (BROOF(t4)) and all relevant fire and wind accreditations in mind.
