While not all green roof concepts are suitable for all types of roof, the limits of feasability are now being redefined by ZinCo thanks to new technical development combining the "Summer Plains" system with Aquatec®.
An intensive green roof using the Aquatec® system accounts for only 165 kg/m² and a build-up height of only 15 cm, even on a pitched roof, which is just about half the values for a conventional "roof garden". In addition, no other irrigation method is as efficient as the Aquatec®capillary irrigation system. It is precisely for this reason that its application has been expanded to include the entire range of extensive green roofs where there is not enough natural precipitation, for example in regions such as the southern countries. This inspired system opens up totally new possibilities for the green roof market in terms of structure and irrigation.
The first layer of the system build-up involves the installation of a PV system filter as a protective layer on the root-resistant waterproofing membrane. This is followed by the 1 x 2 m Aquatec® AT 45 water distribution, storage and drainage elements in conjunction with the DV 40 wicking mat. The basic principle provides for the distribution and storage of water in the cells of the Aquatec® elements. The water is then drawn upwards through the wicks in the wicking mat and made available to the substrate directly in the root area. Water storage in the Aquatec® elements is managed by means of precipitation or, in the event of a lack of precipitation, by means of the drip lines clipped into the elements. The water supply is connected to a control unit and adjusted as required.
During the planning phase, it is vital to take into account the existing roof pitch and any uneveness in order to ensure a uniform level of water storage. The system is very flexible here, meaning that it can manage a range extending from 0° to a pitch of over 5°. The boards are shaped in such a way that minor irregularities in the roof are easily covered over. In addition, it is important to ensure that the water pressure is sufficient. This depends on the distance of the individual irrigation sections to the control unit, the drip line lengths and any differences in pitch of the roof. ZinCo engineers will be happy to assist you in planning for your building.
Water and cost savings
In comparison to a conventional system providing additional irrigation from above, for example a lawn sprinkler, water consumption with the "Summer Plains" system build-up is significantly reduced as the water is available directly in the root area and does not evaporate to any extent on the surface. And, compared with the usual drip irrigation system, considerably fewer lines are required as the water is distributed across the surface of the Aquatec® elements. Moreover, the drainage elements do not have to be filled as is the case with other systems which saves on weight and labour and, therefore, on cost.
Finally, this efficient irrigation concept allows for the use of a shallow substrate depth compared with conventional intensive green roofs, which also results in less effort and lower costs. However, the substrate depth should not be less than 10 cm as otherwise the level of evaporation from the plant layer would be too great. This must also be taken into consideration in the case of irrigated extensive green roofs.
Anything is possible
In terms of vegetation, anything is possible with the "Summer Plains" system build-up, from extensive to intensive green roofs, depending on the selected substrate depth and the suitability of the plants for the given location.
With a substrate depth of 10 cm, the client can conjure up a simple intensive green roof with blossoming perennials, fragrant herbs or dwarf shrubs, or even a herb lawn turf specially developed for this build-up - and your green roof is done! Thanks to this clever irrigation technique, only 8 cm of substrate are required here and a further 2 cm substrate are added with the turf lawn. Additional substrate allows for the use of higher-growing shrubs together with all the features of an intensive green roof. Combinations with terraced areas and pathways are always possible, regardless of the type of green roof. However, they are either separated from the irrigation system or bridged over, depending on the size of the area covered.
Ingeniously light and efficient
Whether it's a flat roof, pitched roof area or even an inverted roof, the "Summer Plains" system build-up allows for an intensive green roof anywhere where roofs have only limited structural reserves and build-up heights. And, the system is intended for all green roofs that require a cost-saving additional irrigation system. Particularly in arid regions where not only intensive but also extensive green roofs have to be sufficiently irrigated, this highly-efficient capillary irrigation system will provide real savings.
An intensive green roof using the Aquatec® system accounts for only 165 kg/m² and a build-up height of only 15 cm, even on a pitched roof, which is just about half the values for a conventional "roof garden". In addition, no other irrigation method is as efficient as the Aquatec®capillary irrigation system. It is precisely for this reason that its application has been expanded to include the entire range of extensive green roofs where there is not enough natural precipitation, for example in regions such as the southern countries. This inspired system opens up totally new possibilities for the green roof market in terms of structure and irrigation.
The first layer of the system build-up involves the installation of a PV system filter as a protective layer on the root-resistant waterproofing membrane. This is followed by the 1 x 2 m Aquatec® AT 45 water distribution, storage and drainage elements in conjunction with the DV 40 wicking mat. The basic principle provides for the distribution and storage of water in the cells of the Aquatec® elements. The water is then drawn upwards through the wicks in the wicking mat and made available to the substrate directly in the root area. Water storage in the Aquatec® elements is managed by means of precipitation or, in the event of a lack of precipitation, by means of the drip lines clipped into the elements. The water supply is connected to a control unit and adjusted as required.
During the planning phase, it is vital to take into account the existing roof pitch and any uneveness in order to ensure a uniform level of water storage. The system is very flexible here, meaning that it can manage a range extending from 0° to a pitch of over 5°. The boards are shaped in such a way that minor irregularities in the roof are easily covered over. In addition, it is important to ensure that the water pressure is sufficient. This depends on the distance of the individual irrigation sections to the control unit, the drip line lengths and any differences in pitch of the roof. ZinCo engineers will be happy to assist you in planning for your building.
Water and cost savings
In comparison to a conventional system providing additional irrigation from above, for example a lawn sprinkler, water consumption with the "Summer Plains" system build-up is significantly reduced as the water is available directly in the root area and does not evaporate to any extent on the surface. And, compared with the usual drip irrigation system, considerably fewer lines are required as the water is distributed across the surface of the Aquatec® elements. Moreover, the drainage elements do not have to be filled as is the case with other systems which saves on weight and labour and, therefore, on cost.
Finally, this efficient irrigation concept allows for the use of a shallow substrate depth compared with conventional intensive green roofs, which also results in less effort and lower costs. However, the substrate depth should not be less than 10 cm as otherwise the level of evaporation from the plant layer would be too great. This must also be taken into consideration in the case of irrigated extensive green roofs.
Anything is possible
In terms of vegetation, anything is possible with the "Summer Plains" system build-up, from extensive to intensive green roofs, depending on the selected substrate depth and the suitability of the plants for the given location.
With a substrate depth of 10 cm, the client can conjure up a simple intensive green roof with blossoming perennials, fragrant herbs or dwarf shrubs, or even a herb lawn turf specially developed for this build-up - and your green roof is done! Thanks to this clever irrigation technique, only 8 cm of substrate are required here and a further 2 cm substrate are added with the turf lawn. Additional substrate allows for the use of higher-growing shrubs together with all the features of an intensive green roof. Combinations with terraced areas and pathways are always possible, regardless of the type of green roof. However, they are either separated from the irrigation system or bridged over, depending on the size of the area covered.
Ingeniously light and efficient
Whether it's a flat roof, pitched roof area or even an inverted roof, the "Summer Plains" system build-up allows for an intensive green roof anywhere where roofs have only limited structural reserves and build-up heights. And, the system is intended for all green roofs that require a cost-saving additional irrigation system. Particularly in arid regions where not only intensive but also extensive green roofs have to be sufficiently irrigated, this highly-efficient capillary irrigation system will provide real savings.
