ARQ

Vegetated Roofs: Potter League of Animals

Many of the design challenges on the Potter League for Animals project involved the constrained site. The Potter League was located on a large property, but the extensive wetlands, large setbacks from streams and small tributaries and proximity to a small regional airport made most of the site off-limits to new construction. It also required a very sensitive approach to site development and storm water management.

The project included a variety of measures to retain and reuse storm water on site, including a constructed pond and wetlands planting buffer as well as a rain water storage and reclamation system. One of the most notable features, however, was the vegetated roof. The roof media and plantings helped to retain, filter and absorb a portion of the rain water which fell on the roof surfaces before it could enter the remainder of the storm water management system. Viewable from the education center and adjacent deck, the plantings also created a highly-valued, iconic amenity for the building occupants and fostered a rich insect and plant ecosystem in an unexpected place.

We have utilized similar vegetated roof systems on several other projects. Not only do these “green roofs” help to absorb rain water and enhance local ecosystems, they also protect and insulate the underlying roof membrane extending the life of the roof and reducing energy use in the building. Some project where we have helped implement green roof systems include:

• Keen Avenue Residence

• Dona Springs Animal Shelter (consultant to principal architect Burks Toma Architects)

• Bronx Animal Care Center (consultant to principal architects Marvel Architects)