Green Roofs Are Hot New Design Feature in London

September 9, 2004

In London, the latest rage in building design is green roofing:

Roofs covered in soil and foliage that can provide habitat for

insects, lizards, and birds. The trend first took off as part of a

government effort to protect the black redstart, a black-and-orange

songbird that nests in urban areas and has come to be something of an

icon for Brit urban enviros. In some parts of the U.K., local

governments are starting to require that some buildings feature

rooftop gardens. The roofs -- first developed in Switzerland -- help

prevent flash floods by absorbing rainfall, help insulate and cool

buildings, and attract small critters. A recent study of eight green

roofs by entomologist Richard Jones found that 136 invertebrates,

including several rare beetles and spiders, had found their way

there. The concept has gained such cachet that green building

principles are expected to spread from roofs to total site design,

including lawns and even parking garages. Heck, maybe they'll even

spread across the Atlantic Ocean.

straight to the source: The Independent, Peter Marren, 08 Sep 2004

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