Case Study - Moorgate Crofts Business Centre, Rotherham
Client
Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO), Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Design
Building – Rotherham Construction Partnership; Green roof – Michéla Griffith, Rotherham Streetpride Landscape Design Team. The centre was designed by an in-house team and constructed under a partnering agreement by Hall Construction. Horticultural advice was provided by Dr Nigel Dunnett of Sheffield University’s School of Landscape Architecture. Nigel was approached in view of his research on plant suitability for green roofs, and helped with the development of the planting mixes and species selection.
Main Contractor
Hall Construction, Hull
Roofing Contractor
Green roof system = M & J Roofing
Planting = English Landscapes
Type of Development
Commercial
Reason for Green Roof
The client brief required the Design Team to consider sustainability as a fundamental part of the design. The building design uses a mix of traditional and modern materials, with emphasis on environmentally economic technologies such geothermal heating and cooling and the use of recycled building materials. Although a green roof was not included in the original cost plan, it was identified as a desirable. The original proposal for a three storey building with flat roof evolved in the light of the inspiration provided by the 2002 Green Roof Conference at Sheffield University. We were particularly interested in the examples of semi-extensive roof types, which offered greater visual and biodiversity than the more usual sedum roofs, but still used a restricted substrate depth and offered reduced loading, cost and maintenance compared with conventional intensive roof gardens. The third floor conference rooms were pushed up onto the roof. This overlook, and a desire for access, allowed us to justify use of a semi-extensive roof around the conference facility. One of the funders, Yorkshire Forward, considered the proposed roof unique within the region, and agreed to provide additional funding. Sedum was used for the upper roof, as this is not accessible or overlooked.
Alumasc warm roof system. Lower roof – 200mm semi-extensive substrate planted with perennials, ornamental grasses, bulbs and alpines; upper - 50mm substrate and sedum mat. A leaky pipe irrigation system was installed to assist with initial establishment, and to provide a source of water in the event of a prolonged or severe drought. This has only recently been used to refresh the planting after the sustained high temperatures in July 2006.
Comments
The site is located on the edge of the Town Centre Conservation Area. Moorgate Crofts Business Centre occupies an elevated position overlooking the Don Valley and from the roof there are panoramic views. It is run on a commercial basis and caters for start up businesses in ICT, digital, creative, financial and professional services. The centre is the first new building in the 25 year Rotherham Renaissance. Both the centre and the green roof fit with Rotherham Borough Council’s organisational policy to promote sustainable development, be seen as a leader, and to create a demonstrator site. The scheme is significant for green roof promotion and development within the UK due to its pioneering use of semi-extensive roof planting. The performance of the green roof is being monitored by Sheffield University and will over time contribute to the body of knowledge on the subject.
Completion Date
Construction of centre commenced August 2004. Green roof completed May / June 2005. Centre handed over & opened October 2005.
