FLORIAN NELEMANS

Atelier for conscious hedonistic research & design

GREENROOF 3.0

A sustainable rooftop terrace.

• category _ architecture

  function _ rooftop terrace

  period _ spring 2021

  status _ definite design phase

  client _ private

  location _ Rotterdam

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• Most roofs are vacant and create an opportunity for extension and other technical upgrades. Unfortunately, the rooftop area is usually a rather small space compared to the rest of the property. Therefor this project combines nature, leisure and sustainable energy supply in an ingenious manner. This generic rooftop design utilises several functional layers; these allow an integration of various functions on a small surface. Hereby it is able to integrate a variety of functions on a small surface. The concept includes a 'greenroof', a platform and solar panels.

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• The existing roof is covered in a green bottom layer accommodating shady plants like ferns and ground covers. The deck floating on top has a wider spacing between the planks to allow daylight penetration. Due to this double layer system the size of the 'greenroof' is maximized to allow all the possible advantages. A 'greenroof' has natural improvements like: cooling the environment, insulating the roof, storing rainwater and improving biodiversity. It even serves to financially extend the lifespan of the roof. As well as the fact that several subsidies from the Dutch government could be acquired, when enough green surface and water storage capacity is created.

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• The deck spans over loadbearing walls distributing the gravitational forces evenly. Thereby it retains the load off the existing roof and therefor no extra construction additions are needed. A roof structure on an existing building needs to be light weight; hence, the deck and pergola are made of an intricate wood structure. Split columns, beams and tension cables are used to gain strength with less material. The rather slender appearing construction architecturally expresses a woven wooden continuous structure.

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• Several cut-outs in the platforms floor are made to make space for larger planter boxes. These contain bigger sunny plants with an integrated water reservoir. The groups of higher vegetations create a meandering and playful leisure space. On the deck a variety of activities are able to occur. There is the option of a sunbathing area, jacuzzi, lounge area, dining table, kitchen, and vegetable garden. On top of platform a pergola will holding the solar panels. Not only will these provide a sustainable energy supply, they also casts shade when necessary. The carefully chosen location, in orientation to the suns daily and yearly orbital rhythm, provides cooler places during the hottest moments of the year.

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