But how do you mow the roof?
Friday 18th March 2011, 6:44PM GMT.
Housing chiefs in Shropshire have today unveiled the unusual insulation system at their new housing complex – a living grass roof.
The Wrekin Housing Trust hopes the innovative grass system will save power and help maintain a consistent temperature at the development at Arleston Lane in Wellington, Telford.
Jean Teichmann, head of development, said: “We are really excited about the new roof as this is the first that the trust has had installed. It provides thermal mass, meaning the roof keeps the building cool in summer and warm in winter, which will be great for our tenants.”
Trust chiefs believe it is one of the first times a grass roof has been installed at new housing in Shropshire.
Grass can provide a long-lasting, environmentally-friendly roofing service that will last two to three times longer than a conventional slate roof.
Residents should benefit from lower heating bills at the 20-home block, that features 11 two-bed apartments, eight three-bed houses and one four-bed house.
The Wrekin Housing Trust also hopes the roof will also be attractive for nearby residents and provide a rich habitat for wildlife.
The new complex, near AFC Telford United’s New Bucks Head ground, replaces derelict flats.
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I’m certain this will be another waste of money.
The rain and damp will soak through the grass and rot the roof surface.
I’m sure it would be easier and simpler to just simply insulate it better in the proven conventional way.
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You may be wrong there Brian. I think they could use heavy duty tar paper under the turf which would drain off excess moisture to a conventional gutter.
For once, the council may have had a good idea.
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Don’t think the council is involved in anyway… it’s the Wrekin Housing Trust which i think is run as a charity?
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Fly a helicopter really low upside down? A sort of £10m Flymo
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brilliant idea, reduces the visual impact of development in green field areas too, from above it just blends into the landscape
well done wrekin housing
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You don’t mow sedum which are the plants used for this kind of green roof.
Sedum are succulants and can easily withstand drought and still survive.
The sedum is applied in special cellular layers or blankets all water proofed beneath and act as great insulation as well as putting oxygen back into the atmosphere.
We are way behind Europe where installing these has been specified for a long time.
In Sheffield bus shelters had sedum canopies and people can buy it for sheds and garages.
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The H/S people will have a lot to say if anybody goes up to try and cut the grass.
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Excellent camouflage during air raids and environmentally sound to boot. A winner on all counts.
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How much tax payers money has been spent on this?
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