Whatshot

The Roof is theall important structure which protects every Building and home, however simpleor elaborate. Due to Global Warming and the Climatic Upheaval beingexperienced, with extreme weather events including Floods, Tornadoes, and"Deluge" conditions, the Guidelines for the "Green RoofHabitat", published by the Durban Environmental Department in 2011, conveythe advantages and various applications within a sub-tropical Climatic zone.

The manyAdvantages include the reduction of the internal temperature of the Building,which may reduce electricity consumption and-carbon emissions.In the City the "Island Effect" has been recorded and shows thatwhere there are blank roofs the external temperature is higher thanwhere the "Green Roof Habitat" has been introduced. Studies haveshown a saving of

up to 95% in consumption,furthermore, there may be a reduction of heat loss from a building ofapproximately 26% in winter. The second advantage relates to Reduction inexcess Stormwater Run-off, essential in any dense UrbanEnvironment to reduce flooding over hard surfaces, and soilerosion through fragile adjacent Eco Systems. For example, the D'MOSS ForestZone embracing the Umdhloti Rear Dune Slopes. Additional Stormwater Capturewill alleviate pressure on the current Stormwater Systems and on-goingManagement.

A Key Advantage to an Area andcommunity as a whole is the increase in Bio-diversity within theRoof Top Design and Planting. The area may be utilized for vegetables, herbsand medicinal species where appropriate, but a selection of Indigenous specieswill not only attract the local birds and butterflies but addintrinsic value to the property for Residents' usage, educationand ambience.

The Planning and Design for the RoofGarden Habitat requires careful professional application undertwo categories, namely for the Roof of an Existing Building or, for incorporationinto a New Building. For the transformation of an Existing Roof, the Engineer'sanalysis of the weight bearing capacity and elements within the originalstructure is essential. Then the Architect's drawing should includethe aspects of Stormwater Capture and drainage, the Irrigation fitments,together with Access and Safety requirements.

For the LayoutDesign the old adage "Site Specific" should apply to each and everyproject. Ensure consideration of the position in relation to the Coastline,adjacent buildings, aspect expected from sun and wind, together withthe elevation of the building. It is not advisable to plant heavy aloespecies on the top of a building where they may be blown off in extreme conditions,with damage to vehicles parked in the street below! For the new Residential propertyattention by the Builder is necessary to ensure adequate depth for the plastic drainagefabric, the lining layer and a preferred depth of not less than 200 mm for"A' Grade Potting mixture specific to "Roof Gardens" andTroughs. The Roof surface must be completed by the Builder, with awater-proof lining and water points available for a drip-line irrigationsystem, by a 'specialist", to ensure uniformity of application. Last butnot least select from the exciting array of succulents, includinghardy Crassulas, colourful Kalenchoe, and bright Delopsperma. For the edgetrailing Barlerias adapt well with ferns.

In the shallow environment the "Root to Shoot"ratio will apply as the plants achieve height.

The "Green Roof Habitat"presents opportunity and challenge to improve our proviskâ€¢ of oxygen,reduce disease and conserve Genetic Bio-diversity.

Acknowledgement of Reference to:"Guideline for Designing Green Roof Habitats - 2011".

Words 551 = 11 = Nature'sEnvironment, under the Luna sign for July. Copyright to Mrs.G.S. Theunissen.

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