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Abstract

The purpose of the project was to educate Nature Center visitors on the benefits of living green roofs, to enhance the aesthetics of the Nature Center, and to inspire others to build their own green roofs. The Dune-Gineers Green Roof was built at the Friends of the Dunes Nature Center by students at Humboldt State University Engineering 215 class.

Background

The Friends of the Dunes is a non-profit organization, and their Coastal Nature Center is a place where they promote green solutions by educating visitors. They work to protect and preserve the natural habitats of the dunes. The Friends of the Dunes originally planned to have a living green roof put on their back terrace, so the terrace was built to be able to hold a heavy garden. They tried to get a living green roof built, but the quote given to them by the hired company was too expensive. When they were later presented with the opportunity for student engineers to build a green roof for much cheaper, they decided to give us the job.

Problem statement

The objective of the project is to design a green roof for the western awning at the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center, and to build a model of the green roof that educates visitors and enhances the aesthetics of the Center.

Problem Analysis and Criteria

Criteria Weight Description
Aesthetics 10 The roof must look as professional as the rest of the Nature Center.
Local Suppliers 9 As many local businesses as possible.
Cost 3 Entire design must cost less than $400.
Weight 5 The roof must weigh less than the roof can handle. The lighter the final design, the better.
Safety 5 Must be designed to be accessible for maintainable and weeding.

The Solution

Describe the design and the model

Western Awning Green Roof

Design for the Western Awning

Model of the Green Roof

Description of the Model

Costs

Describe the costs section

Western Awning Green Roof

Here are the estimated costs for the Western Awning:

Material Qty Source Extended Amount($)
Hydrostop 1 bucket On site Free
Protection Fabric 500 ft sq Conservation Technology $357
Drainage Plates 500 ft sq Conservation Technology $905
Separation Fabric 500 ft sq Conservation Technology $267
Plastic Edge 100 ft Ace Hardware $70
Erosion Control Blanket (CS3) 500 ft sq Western Excelsior $180
Sprinkler System 500 ft sq Home Depot $113
TOTAL $1700

Model of the Green Roof

The costs of the materials used for building the model green roof are:

Material Qty Amount ($) Extended Amount($)
Plywood Board 24 sq ft $26.88 $26.88
Pine Pole 2 $9.99 $19.98
Concrete Anchor 4 $2.99 $11.96
Post Anchor 4 $4.89 $19.56
Framing Anchor 2 $0.39 $0.78
Waterproofing Paint 1 $11.59 $11.59
Paint Brush 1 $3.49 $3.49
Bend-A-Board 1 roll $19.99 $19.99
Drainage Rocks 1.5 cb ft $19.99 $19.99
Soil Mix 1 cb ft $7.99 $7.99
Rubber Mat 24 sq ft $35.94 $35.94
Filter Fabric 24 sq ft $6.00 $6.00
L Brackets 32 $0.49 $15.68
Bolts 4 $1.49 $5.96
Washers 8 $0.23 $1.84
Nuts 4 $0.23 $0.92
Screws 1 box $3.69 $3.69
MGV PHL Deck 1 $6.00 $6.00
Rubber Adhesive 1 $10.99 $10.99
Strap hanger 1 $2.59 $2.59
Plexiglass 4 by 8 in $1.20 $1.20
Tax 7.25% $16.17
Total $239.19

Labor Hours

Discussion

How we built the model. Have pictures.

Instructions for Implementation and Use After installation, more plants will need to be added to the roof. These can be added by carefully planting on the roof, or by spreading seeds under the erosion control blanket. Extra heavy watering will be needed initially to get the plants established.

Periodic Watering When the plants on the roof look wilted or there has not been any substantial rainfall, the roof will need to be watered. This can be done by turning on the spigot on the north side of the building, two feet of the ground. Water should occur no more than twice a week, and for only twenty minutes.

Yearly Cleaning The maintenance of the green roof will require occasional pulling of weeds, cleaning of drain gutter, and inspecting of the sprinkler heads. Quarterly flushing will require approximately one to two hours.

Safety Precautions As the blocks on the side of the roof are not attached to anything, great care should be taken when accessing the roof. A 12 foot or higher ladder is recommended.

next steps

We are looking forward to building the roof!

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