Background
The Friends of the Dunes is a non-profit organization, and they work to protect and preserve the natural habitats of the dunes. Their Coastal Nature Center is a place where they promote green solutions by educating visitors. Construction started on the nature center in 2007, and there are still a few outstanding projects that need to be completed. One of the projects is a green roof on the west awning. As part of the Engineering 215 course, we were given the opportunity to design the green roof, and build an educational model of it.
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 | The design is limited to $400 in material costs. Higher costs must be approved by Carol Vander Meer. |
Weight | 5 | The roof must weigh less than the roof can handle. The lighter the final design, the better. |
Safety | 5 | The roof must be safe during an earthquake and be designed to be safely accessible for maintainable and weeding. |
The Solution
There were two parts to our project: the design of the green roof for the western awning and the model of a green roof.
Western Awning Green Roof
Using the criteria and their respective weights, we picked a design that although is slightly more expensive, looks professional and allows plants to survive in the summer. Once built, it has a low weight, and can be built without threatening the structural integrity of the building. Plastic Bend-A-Board is used for the retaining wall, with the components of the green roof layered behind. Hydrostop waterproofing paint is applied once more to roof to ensure the roof will not leak. The base layer of the roof is a protection fabric to stop roots from growing into the roof, and is followed by a synthetic drainage layer. The synthetic layer is a light material, and with its many pockets to hold water, will keep the roof green during the dry months, while removing excess water during the rainy months. On top is a filter sheet used as the separation layer. Four inches of native soil used as the growing medium is placed on top of the filter sheet. An erosion control blanket placed on top of the planting medium stops the soil from getting blown off or washed away during winter storms. It is made of a biodegradable material, and is only expected to last until the plants are big enough to hold onto the soil themselves. A micro sprinkler system is installed on top to provide water during the summer. These layers of the roof stop water from pooling on the roof, and create a habitat on top in which native plants can thrive.
Model of the Green Roof
The scale model of the green roof consists of a half-circle table that is six feet in diameter, three feet in radius, and supported by three wooden posts that are secured to concrete block buried in the ground. It is installed on the Living Green Interpretive Trail in the front of the center. Next to it is an informational sign that explains what green roofs are and the benefits they have.
Costs
Describe the costs section
Western Awning Green Roof
Here are the estimated costs for when the Western Awning green roof design plans are implemented:
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
Add in chart
Discussion
The model of the green roof is installed on the side of the Living Green Interpretive Trail, and the following steps were done to construct the model:
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 either by using a hose or by using a watering can. Water no more than twice a week, and for only until water starts draining out the back side of the roof.
Maintenance The maintenance of the green roof will require occasional pulling of weeds, cleaning of the truth window, and inspecting of the paint job. If one type of plant takes over the roof, carefully remove the unwanted plants and replace with other dune natives.
next steps
We are looking forward to building the roof!