Design and Development of a Roof Garden
- Design Parameters -

The sharing of knowledge leads to better projects, more carefully conceived and therefore able to stand the test of time.

The purpose of this portion of the report is to address the major technical and use factors affecting the success of the project's roof garden or green roof. These are practical and usage factors that need to be addressed by various project designers and consultants.

This report reviews several areas of design that are of importance to the “Healing Pad” roof garden’s success and should be shared with those designers and consultants affected by the requirements set forth. These are the technical requirements of a longlived, healthy roof garden. Failure to attend to these requirements can result in costly mistakes and increased lifetime project costs.

Every effort has been made to outline the general requirements necessary for this particular roof garden feature. The variety of design elements used in a roof landscape is limited only by the design team’s imagination. Almost anything that can be installed in the ground can be used in the roof landscape, providing certain design criteria are met in the development of the infrastructure and systems of the roof landscape.

OTHER CONSULTANTS
McCaren Designs has had significant experience in the creation of specialized landscapes including plantings over structural areas. However, we recommend the employment of other consultants to insure the project’s success. We recommend, a structural engineer be retained to determine the existing, or required, load capacity of the roof. Also a mechanical engineer should be required to discuss integration with existing and proposed rooftop mechanical equipment, electrical and drainage needs. Depending on the desired function of this green roof the owners may also want to consider retaining a horticultural therapist consultant.