Green roofs have been around for thousands of years and precursors to the modern green roof, such as sod roofs, have been used in many cultures for centuries.
The modern day green roof uses modern technology such as root barriers, drainage systems and lightweight growing media which allows healthy growing environments at much lighter weights. Lightweight green roofs allow systems to be installed on roofs which normally would not be able to sustain heavy loads, as is the case with Stokes Hall. While some roofs can withstand weights up to 60+ lbs per square foot, Stokes has only been rated for 21 lbs fully saturated.
The system selected for Stokes Hall is an Aromatic Garden “Roofmeadow” system. Because the “soil” or growing media is only 3-4” thick, drought tolerant plants were selected, namely sedums. Sedums will withstand long periods of drought and won’t need supplemental irrigation.
Improving the aesthetic environment in both work and home settings.
*Courtesy of Nate Johnson and Roofscapes Inc.
Opened in October 2005, the Douglas B. Gardner ’83 Integrated Athletic Center is a 100,000-square-foot complex designed by the internationally acclaimed architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.
The Committee on Environmental Responsibility (CER) was influential in getting the new Gardner Integrated Athletic Center (GIAC) built under LEEDs guidelines. The GIAC received gold certification, the second highest standard. Learn more about the LEED rating system from the US Green Building Council.
Haverford College has made the commitment to build all future projects green.