Revitalised inner city roof garden from forms a restful oasis

Elmich products were integral to a successful roof garden makeover in inner Sydney that has created a beautiful recreational retreat for residents.

An inner city art deco apartment block built in the early 1930s has been given a new lease of life with a recent rooftop garden makeover.

The apartment block, known as ‘The Westbury’ does not have balconies, meaning that the open air rooftop is a highly prized space in which residents can unwind.

“We aimed for a relaxed suburban backyard feel that was well-serviced for entertainment, but had virtually zero maintenance requirements,” said Mark Harper, principal of landscape architectural firm Atlantis Design which was engaged to create and oversee construction of the project.

Vital to the success of the design was the contribution played by Elmich Australia Pty Ltd’s range of innovative landscape engineering products.

VersiDrain^® 25P drainage and water retention trays were installed in the shallow planted areas.

“VersiDrain^® 25P trays enable water storage for reuse, free drainage of excess water and they are lightweight and easy to install,” said Elmich Australia’s Managing Director, David Oliver. “Importantly, they also protect the underlying waterproof membrane,” he said.

In The Westbury project, Geotextile was laid over the VersiDrain^® 25P, followed by lightweight growing media and plants. Succulent sedum plantings add lush greenery to the cityscape.

Deep planter boxes planted with scented frangipanis add shade and aesthetic appeal. VersiCell^® lightweight drainage cells have been installed at their base to allow excess water to disperse.

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. 

VersiDrain^® 8Geo, a dimpled drainage sheet with an adhered geotextile, was installed onto the planter box walls to protect the membrane and to promote drainage.

Pavers at The Westbury are supported on VersiPave^® which accommodates variations in paver thickness or a slope in the fall of the roof slab. “VersiPave^®, manufactured from recycled plastic, eliminates the use of bedding sand or screeds. This is a major benefit resulting in significant weight reduction on The Westbury’s building structure,” said Harper. “The 4mm void created between each paver allows rapid water drainage onto the membrane and then to drainage outlets, ensuring that the levelled paved surface does not retain water.”

The waterproof membrane on the top of The Westbury was replaced as part of the refurbishment using Evalon^®.  Supplied by Green Roof Technologies, Evalon^® is a sheet waterproofing membrane that is highly resistant to UV and plant roots, and is backed by a 20 year warranty.

“All of the elements used in the design and construction of The Westbury’s roof garden were selected because they deliver a visually appealing and highly functional recreational space whilst helping to minimise the ongoing maintenance requirements,” said Harper. “My client and I are delighted with the finished result which has created a tranquil and revitalised relaxation area for The Westbury’s residents.”