LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/107181
NCCWP (Continued from page 66) Above This aerial view from the east reveals the overview of the upper and lower green roofs. The illustration shows the conveyance route of storm water from the upper roof to the rain garden via the large scupper in the lower corner of this roof. It also illustrates the extent to the green roof on the lower mass of the north wing. the summer heat and drought conditions with little irrigation. Myriad native grasses, perennials, ferns and shrubs weave together in broad drifts beneath scattered trees. Maple, oak, and birch trees cluster around places where people will naturally linger, providing welcomed shade along the pathways and seating areas. Understory trees and shrubs (birch, serviceberry and sweetspire) nestle into the edge of the preserved woodland to help blur the edge of disturbance. Plants tolerant of wet conditions are located in bioretention areas and low-lying pockets. A large underground cistern adjacent to the entry drive collects storm water runoff from on-grade and graywater from the building. This stored water irrigates the landscape and will in turn be cleansed by plant materials within the bioretention areas before it is released from the site. Surface parking and parking garage run-off is collected and similarly passed through the bioretention areas on the site. 68 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Green Roof Over half of the building's roof surface is covered with an extensive green roof. The green roofs demonstrate NOAA's commitment to sustainability, but also the occupants of the building's upper levels to look down on an elevated meadow of succulents, sedums and herbaceous perennials (sedums, chives, hens and chicks, coat flower, and fame flower) that change color with the seasons and provide a habitat for insects, birds and butterflies. The roof deck supports three to five inches of soil medium and plant materials above the roof membrane and insulation. The function of the green roofs, which is perhaps of the most value in this location, is their ability to detain rainwater. The plant material and soil medium detain, filter and clean rainfall and reduce the stress on the county's storm sewer system during a storm event. In conjunction with the bioretention areas on the site, (Continued on page 70)