IKEA Greenwich rooftop garden scoops UK Roofing Award with green roof and artificial grass in unison (EVR-1)
Evergreens UK
Artificial grass, sedum and turf combines in a fantastic, functional fire-safe roof gardenArtificial green roofs can be the perfect partners for naturally planted counterparts such as sedum roofs, raised planters and even urban farming plots – just like on IKEA’s Greenwich rooftop garden.In this masterful collaboration, the high traffic, low maintenance and evergreen EverRoof® artificial green roof system provided the perfect communal area between paving, raised urban farming beds and the sedum-covered areas. Blending the transition between nature and function, the artificially turfed section of the garden extended the sleek lines and allows accessibility to visitors all year round.IKEA Greenwich EverRoof® artificial green roof systemThe 166 square metre expanse of EverRoof®’s EVR-1 system features 36mm Wonder Yarn synthetic grass.The artificial lawn is finished on all sides by a Scottish pebble margin, resin-bonded for safety, and matched to other pebbles across the design.Biodiversity, wildlife habitats and community outdoor spaceSince its opening, IKEA Greenwich in London has received an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM certification – the highest award for sustainable construction – and attributable to its green roofs and roof garden alongside its use of renewable energy from solar panels, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and renewable construction materials.In the roof gardens, the combination of the artificial and the natural is multi-faceted, adding elements of all-year-round planted interest, colour and form to the functional space. The seated area provides a haven for visitors to take time out to relax, bringing them closer to nature and allowing them to maximise the enjoyment and health benefits of the open air and outdoor space. “The store takes sustainability to the next level, not just in its design and architecture, but also as it was built with the local community in mind,” stated Helen Aylett, IKEA Greenwich store manager.Choosing a classified artificial green roof system for safety and fitness for purposeWhilst the IKEA Greenwich installation has a focus on community, sustainability and biodiversity themes, it also holds functionality and safety to account.As a business, Evergreens UK, of which EverRoof® is the roofing system brand, has invested heavily in the development and testing to offer a safe and credible system for the flat roofing sector.The EverRoof® system provides regulatory assurances to the Building Inspectorate, fire and safety officers and housing managers.The products and system have been tested and classified to BS and EU fire standards specifically for flat roofing. Wind-speed tested to 100mph, every EverRoof® product installed on flat roofs by professional installers has been developed and rigorously tested with fitness for purpose (an external fitted layer affixed on a flat roof), safety (BROOF(t4)) and all relevant fire and wind tests in mind.For further information and assistance on EverRoof® systems, please visit www.everroof.co