Innovative Design: Green Roofs as a Sustainable Architecture Solution

Posted by Prince's Landscape Pte Ltd on June 28th, 2023

At the beginning of the 1990s and 2000s, the inclusion of greenery in architecture was an aesthetic factor. But, in the 21st century, biophilic designs are in the limelight for sustainable development for a wide array of reasons. They help to include nature in the daily lives of the people. That’s why landscapers, designers, and architects focus on creating a sustainable environment. And now, green roofs have become the most sought-after design feature for most buildings and skyrises.

Want to know more about green roofs as a sustainability solution? Then this article is for you.

Why Are Green Roofs So Popular in Singaporean Architecture?

1. Improved air quality

It is no secret that vegetation reduces GHG effects and absorbs carbon emissions. Additionally, a spacious green roof can remove pollution particles, ground ozone, and other harmful gases from the air. Therefore, it can improve the health and well-being of the occupants. Furthermore, it also improves the biodiversity of the built environment.

2. Reduced heat island effects

There are two types of green roofs - extensive and intensive. The extensive rooftop greenery includes turfing in Singapore with two to four inches of growth. The intensive ones are structurally complicated. They have gardens and landscapes with plants and trees. Such roofing reduces the ambient temperature of the air surrounding the building. For example, it can reduce the surrounding temperature by 1.5 degrees Celsius and surface temperature by 18 degrees Celsius.

3. Decreased stormwater run-off

Water conservation is one of the most fundamental factors of sustainability and with green and sustainable roofing, it can be effortless. Extensive and intensive rooftop greenery can conserve a significant amount of stormwater. It can reduce the risks of flooding. Besides, preserving stormwater reduces water pollution and sewage overflow during the summer.

4. Lowering energy costs

Skyscraper greenery provides natural insulation for high-rise buildings, much like vertical gardens or plant walls. In Singapore, skyrise greenery projects can reduce urban heat island impacts by over 4 degrees. Therefore, saving up to 14.5% on its energy consumption for a commercial building. According to many researchers, only six inches of extensive green roofing can reduce energy demands significantly.

5. Increasing the lifespan of the roof

Skyrise greenery requires adequate waterproofing of the roofs. In Singapore, commercial or residential buildings need to follow strict standards for the same, thus protecting the building from any long-term damages. An average life expectancy of a green roof is between thirty to fifty years. So, installing a garden can reduce the need for frequent construction and building improvement projects.

Conclusion

Sustainability is the driving force in architecture, design, and built environment. Greenery in Singapore’s infrastructure and construction isn’t new. It started with climbing plants on the concrete columns of the flyovers. Currently, the country is in a shift toward biophilic designs with vertical gardens, plant walls, and turfing in Singapore.Biophilic designs enable individuals to reconnect with nature. For contemporary construction, architects, designers, and landscaperswork harmoniously to create an oasis among the concrete jungle of urban Singapore.

Now, you can install green roofs just as easily by contacting your nearest landscaping and gardening services.