Functional Low Maintenance Roof Gardens from Elmich

Creative roof gardens on an in inner Sydney development incorporate a range of Elmich and Green Roof Technology products.

An inner city building in Sydney has been given a new lease of life with a complete refurbishment including the establishment of an attractive 1300 m rooftop garden.

The building, known as Holt & Hart, located at 50 Holt Street Surry Hills has two large upper level areas that were ideally suitable for conversion to roof garden environments where tenants can relax and unwind in an attractive setting.

'We aimed to create attractive, colourful and low maintenance functional rooftop garden areas' said Michael Fague, Project Manager at Mainbrace Constructions. Mainbrace was awarded the construction contract to refurbish and extend the building into upmarket strata office space by the Developers, Cornerstone Property Group.

An attractive range of low maintenance sedums have been planted which will provide full cover within a short period of time.

Vital to the success of the design of the garden areas was the contribution played by Elmich's range of innovative landscape engineering products.

VersiDrain^® 25P drainage and water retention trays were installed in the shallow planted areas. "We specified VersiDrain^® 25P trays as they enable water to be stored and later reused as well as providing free drainage of excess water” said Paul Hardyman, Director Landscape Architecture at Urbis, a major Australian and internationally recognised consulting firm. Importantly, the trays are easy to install and also protect the underlying waterproof membrane."

Geotextile was laid over the VersiDrain^® 25P, followed by lightweight growing media, plants, colourful scoria and a range of coloured decorative gravels.

VersiCell^® lightweight drainage cells, covered with geotextile and decorative gravel have been installed at the perimeter areas to allow excess drainage water from the large shallow planted areas to disperse to drainage outlets.

Made from recycled plastic, VersiCell^® also protects the waterproof membrane and can withstand heavy loads such as large trees and the weight of vehicles when installed under roadways and playing fields.

Mainbrace Constructions also selected VersiJack^® high strength adjustable bearer supports for large decking areas. 'VersiJack^® accommodate for falls in the roof slab, are infinitely adjustable and support bearers at heights of 80 -1000mm' said Michael Fague.

Manufactured from recycled plastic, VersiJack^® unlike brick, metal or timber support systems do not damage the waterproofing membrane, rust rot, warp, absorb or retain water.

A secure bearer support accommodates even warped 45-85mm width bearers.

The waterproof membrane was replaced as part of the refurbishment using Evalon^® (right). Supplied by Green Roof Technologies and installed by Spanos Waterproofing, Evalon^® is a sheet waterproofing membrane that is highly resistant to UV and plant roots and is backed by a 20 year product warranty.

'All of the elements used in the construction of the roof gardens were specified because they deliver visually appealing, highly functional and low maintenance recreational space areas,' said Michael Fague. 'We are pleased with the finished result which has created an aesthetically pleasing and functional relaxation area for the strata office occupants.'

About Elmich Australia Pty Ltd: For more than a decade, Elmich has designed and created innovations in landscape engineering. Working closely with specifiers and landscape engineering specialists, Elmich develops customised solutions for residential, commercial, infrastructural and industrial projects world-wide.