design grow supply install maintain

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "design grow supply install maintain"

Brook Gaines
5 years ago
Views:

1 design grow supply install maintain

02 Blackdown was established in 1999 specifically to design, grow and install green roofing systems that provide solutions to many of the challenges that face the UK s modern built environment.

2 02 Blackdown was established in 1999 specifically to design, grow and install green roofing systems that provide solutions to many of the challenges that face the UK s modern built environment. Today we work with clients, specifiers, waterproofing partners and contractors to deliver extensive, intensive and biodiverse green roofing systems. Design: Technical & specification support ensuring the green roof meets the project s requirements Grow: Cultivation of a wide range of high quality plants at our nurseries Supply: Providing high quality green roof components backed by expert training Install: Cost-effective, high quality green roof installations from our experienced contracts team Maintain: Affordable maintenance programmes ensure the development of long-term plant communities: guaranteed. Through this brochure we aim to introduce you to the seemingly complex world of green roofing, and to demonstrate ways in which we can help widen the understanding of it. Our mission is to help turn green roofing into a regular part of the construction landscape. To achieve this objective we have carried out extensive research into important areas, such as plant density, species cohabitation, flowering characteristics, wildlife attraction, water consumption, growing media composition and depths. This knowledge, together with our expertise in contracting, enable us to provide green roof solutions that provide long lasting, self-sustaining plant communities. We are so confident in our green roof solutions that we back them with a guarantee to match the term of the waterproofing. Additionally, our extensive specialist knowledge enables us to not only help clients achieve their specific green roof requirements but to meet (or exceed) UK Biodiversity Action Plans requirements, to score higher BREEAM ratings and to overcome planning and logistics constraints. Today s problems cannot be solved if we still think the way we thought when we created them Albert Einstein To help deliver a greater understanding of green roofing, Blackdown: provides educational CPD seminars for clients, specifiers and contractors. consults on projects, by telephone, and face to face, advising on the most appropriate green roof design for the project s objectives/ constraints. produces System Information templates that simplify selection and comparison to aid the design process. produces System and bespoke NBS format specifications to aid the specification process. produces System and bespoke Bill of Quantity descriptions to aid the tendering process. supplies green roof systems and components through the by blackdown concept to waterproofing manufacturer partners helping ensure consistent quality green roofs on all forms of waterproofing. trains specialist roofing and landscape contractors estimators, designers, contracts managers, supervisors and installers to help ensure quality green roof installations. carries out Supply and Fix contracts directly for roofing contractors and main contractors, through our own directly employed highly skilled in-house contracts team. undertakes ongoing maintenance in support of the Blackdown Quality Guarantee and on 3rd party installations. carries out remedial works to support clients. supports the small works and domestic green roof market with the pre-grown modular LiveRoof by Blackdown system.

07 03 Disability Essex: Centre for Disability Studies design support for clients, planners, ecologists, specifiers, consultants, manufacturers and contractors PLANT STRATEGIES Biodiversity BREEAM

we believe that our experience in cultivating plants in the UK s climate, our roofing knowledge and contracting experience set us apart.

3 07 03 Disability Essex: Centre for Disability Studies design support for clients, planners, ecologists, specifiers, consultants, manufacturers and contractors PLANT STRATEGIES Biodiversity BREEAM Instant greening Low structural loads Aesthetic appeal Patterned designs Budget constraints Amenity & recreation Holistic solutions for new and refurbishment projects Green roofing is our passion and we believe that our experience in cultivating plants in the UK s climate, our roofing knowledge and contracting experience set us apart. Our broad range of horticultural, ecological and roofing knowledge results in the development of specifications that cover the flora and fauna needs of the project, focused on the roof planting issues and providing solutions appropriately designed to sustain natural life. We are always happy to discuss and advise on green roofs at concept stage, providing design and specification support and supplying budget estimates. Simply put, our mission is to green the UK s roofs - new and old - with high quality roof planting systems aiming at restoring the natural balance. The Process We place great importance on forming close working relations with the entire project team, establishing the requirements when formulating and implementing the design brief. This process is fundamental to delivering the desired outcome whilst maximising the added value that the green roof brings to the project. Whether seeking to fulfil a biodiversity action plan requirement, increase BREEAM ratings, provide an aesthetic roof covering or overcome a project constraint (structural or budgetary), Blackdown devises solutions that provide the optimum green roof and support it with technical information, data sheets, CAD details and project specific performance specifications. The Next Step To discuss a concept or a specific project call us on , send an to technical@ blackdown.co.uk or visit our website for further design assistance, including downloads for CAD details and NBS format specifications: Our consultation process establishes the green roof requirements, identifying any structural limitations, key performance requirements, prevailing environmental conditions and installation restrictions such as time scales, building geometry, access etc..

04 green roof design In basic terms a green roof has to replicate ground conditions in such a way that plant life can be sustained at roof level.

These layers typically include a protection fleece, a drainage/retention board, a filter fleece, the growing medium and the planting.

technologies. They provide an ecological cover that delivers a range of financial and environmental benefits.

sedum, grasses, herbaceous perennials, native wildflowers and alpines.

4 04 green roof design In basic terms a green roof has to replicate ground conditions in such a way that plant life can be sustained at roof level. To do this a number of layers are used to create the green roof and protect the waterproofing. These layers typically include a protection fleece, a drainage/retention board, a filter fleece, the growing medium and the planting. Extensive Green Roofs Extensive green roofs require minimal maintenance and are suitable for new or refurbishment applications on flat or pitched roofs and over a variety of waterproofing technologies. They provide an ecological cover that delivers a range of financial and environmental benefits. Lakeland Ltd, Alexandra Building, Windermere Installed with a level Vulkatec substrate depth the vegetation is selected from a range of drought tolerant plants including hardy succulents such as sedum, grasses, herbaceous perennials, native wildflowers and alpines. St Nicholas School, Exeter Biodiverse Roofs Similar in composition to Extensive Roofs, and suitable for similar applications, Biodiverse Roofs utilise differing growing mediums tailored to suit the planting. Habitats can be created by installing the substrate at variable depths with additional features such as lying timber or shelter stones. Delivering valuable environmental benefits consistent with the surrounding landscape and attracting local or targeted wildlife, biodiverse roofs can attain additional BREEAM credits (see BREEAM Information Sheet on the Blackdown website). Intensive Green Roofs Akin to a traditional garden on the roof. Intensive roofs often replicate the features and benefits of a domestic garden or city park, providing space for recreation and amenity. Applications can range from providing outdoor roof space at restaurants and office blocks to creating ground-level landscaping above subterranean car parks. Edge Hill University, Ormskirk

05 The planting of the green roof system can be achieved in a number of ways, each affording a particular benefit or fulfilling a specific requirement.

They are also suitable for application on roof pitches above 20 degrees pitch unlike other planting methods.

House for the Future, St Fagans National History Museum, Wales Blackdown MeadowMat is a pre-grown Wildflower turf providing a minimum 90% mature plant cover consisting of a range of native herbaceous

Plug Planting for species diversity & aspect: Plug plant applications begin with a recommended installation rate of 20 plugs per m² to provide a minimum of 10% plant cover on completion.

5 05 The planting of the green roof system can be achieved in a number of ways, each affording a particular benefit or fulfilling a specific requirement. Pre-grown blanket for instant greening: Pre-grown blankets provide almost complete plant cover on the day of completion. They are also suitable for application on roof pitches above 20 degrees pitch unlike other planting methods. Blackdown NatureMat provides a minimum 90% mature plant cover comprising 6-8 sedum sedum species. House for the Future, St Fagans National History Museum, Wales Blackdown MeadowMat is a pre-grown Wildflower turf providing a minimum 90% mature plant cover consisting of a range of native herbaceous wildflowers, grasses and hardy succulent species tolerant to the harsh conditions found in a roofscape environment. Plug Planting for species diversity & aspect: Plug plant applications begin with a recommended installation rate of 20 plugs per m² to provide a minimum of 10% plant cover on completion. More cover can be achieved through the application at a higher rate per m². Achievement of 100% plant cover will take 12 to 18 months depending on location and care. The diverse range of hardy succulent and wildflower plug plants available provide an attractive plant cover that can be customdesigned to achieve specific themes (such as diversity of colour/pattern, heights and flowering times) and often utilising specific species to suit the location. Pizza Hut, Asda Swindon Hydroplanted/Seed system for value engineering: These systems provide zero plant cover at completion as the finished surface is covered with a brown mulch under which the cuttings and/or seeds will grow. The plant cover will typically take 18 to 24 months to germinate and grow to 100% plant cover. A mix of seeds and/or cuttings, mulch and fertiliser are applied through hydroplanting (spraying) or hand sowing on to the prepared Blackdown growing medium. Particularly suited to large roof areas where a fast installation method and low initial supply cost are sought. The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead

06 grow The foundation of Blackdown was based entirely on horticultural knowledge and specifically in the development of a pre-grown sedum blanket green roof system for use at roof level.

Today we continue to grow NatureMat, the pre-grown sedum blanket developed in the late 1990 s, at our sites in Somerset. It remains second to none in terms of plant density and quality.

broad leaf sedum species facilitate greater plant density and hardiness a necessity to withstand harsh roof top conditions.

6 06 grow The foundation of Blackdown was based entirely on horticultural knowledge and specifically in the development of a pre-grown sedum blanket green roof system for use at roof level. Since our foundation we have carried out extensive research and development into a wide variety of plant species to establish how well they will work at roof level. Today we continue to grow NatureMat, the pre-grown sedum blanket developed in the late 1990 s, at our sites in Somerset. It remains second to none in terms of plant density and quality. Grown naturally for at least one growing season prior to sale NatureMat does not suffer from the weak root systems associated with blankets force grown in tunnels, and its wide variety of small and broad leaf sedum species facilitate greater plant density and hardiness a necessity to withstand harsh roof top conditions. The same expertise and care is used to grow around 50 species of sedum plugs and a wide range of wildflower plugs; expertise that has also enabled us to establish regional growing partners for Blackdown products such as MeadowMat and the LiveRoof by Blackdown modular green roof system. We also undertake contract growing of project specific pre-grown vegetative blankets, plug plants and/or shrubs. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive Albert Einstein

07 supply Since our establishment as a specialist green roof manufacturer and contractor the market has changed dramatically, with most waterproofing suppliers offering green roof systems and roofing

To support these developments in the market we have introduced by blackdown, a method of providing high quality blackdown green roof systems in collaboration with waterproofing manufacturers and

We recognise that the waterproofing is the primary concern of the client, specifier, specialist and main contractor, and like Intel we only provide a component in the overall roofing system, albeit

7 07 supply Since our establishment as a specialist green roof manufacturer and contractor the market has changed dramatically, with most waterproofing suppliers offering green roof systems and roofing & landscape contractors seeking opportunities to install green roof systems. To support these developments in the market we have introduced by blackdown, a method of providing high quality blackdown green roof systems in collaboration with waterproofing manufacturers and specialist contractors. Based on the Intel Inside marketing concept used in the IT industry this system delivers a Blackdown green roof system regardless of the preferred waterproofing technology. We recognise that the waterproofing is the primary concern of the client, specifier, specialist and main contractor, and like Intel we only provide a component in the overall roofing system, albeit an important component. This understanding, and many waterproofing manufacturers identification of their need to have a consistent high quality green roofing solution has enabled us to introduce by blackdown green roof solutions. Through the by blackdown green roof systems we are able to provide planting to meet the project s requirements, a range of high quality independently certified Vulkatec growing mediums and drainage/retention boards tailored to suit the waterproofing technology. Putting these core elements together with a range of green roof components and accessories enables the waterproofing manufacturer to pass on the Blackdown guarantee. In support of roofing and landscape contractors wishing to enter the green roof market we have introduced a management and installation training programme that supports their entry into the market and provides a path to an NVQ Level II qualification for operatives. For further information on by blackdown green roof partners and Blackdown Authorised Contractors contact Blackdown on

08 install Transport for London, West Ham Bus Garage Blackdown Contracts Our in house contracts department represents a single source green roof solution provider that aims to deliver a high quality

With a proven track record of installing quality green roofs since 1999, Blackdown Contracts has accumulated unrivalled experience, building upon horticultural, roofing and contracting expertise.

8 08 install Transport for London, West Ham Bus Garage Blackdown Contracts Our in house contracts department represents a single source green roof solution provider that aims to deliver a high quality green roof on time and to budget, whether one of our own green roofing systems or one from a waterproofing manufacturer or green roof system supplier. With a proven track record of installing quality green roofs since 1999, Blackdown Contracts has accumulated unrivalled experience, building upon horticultural, roofing and contracting expertise. Working for a specialist roofing contractor or directly for the main contractor we work with the entire construction team to finalise the specification, value engineer where appropriate, agree the programme and advise on the significant logistics issues associated with green roof installation. As expected from a professional contracting business we are CHAS accredited and our NEBOSH qualified staff help us to achieve high safety standards; both in house and on site. In recognition of this we were the first green roofing contractors to become members of the NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors), achieving a Silver medal at the first time of entering the Safety in Roofing awards and subsequently a Gold medal. Every Blackdown Contracts quotation breaks down the tender in a Bill of Quantities format, highlights the assumptions made, clearly states the logistics requirements to deliver the green roof and includes extras such as trims, maintenance etc.. The Bill of Quantities format covers the 3 planting options (blanket, plug & seed) where appropriate to the project, enabling the reader to compare the value engineering options vs the plant cover considerations. The logistics requirements will state clearly the unloading and craneage requirements to deliver the components to roof level, and identify the savings that delivering the Vulkatec substrate by silo tanker will provide. The extra s page, in Bill of Quantities format, identifies clearly the cost for items that cannot be measured with the information provided. It will also identify the cost for silo tanker delivery, the unique Blackdown Temporary Irrigation Unit, a practical completion maintenance visit and the ongoing annual maintenance required for the guarantee. Once a tender has been submitted our experienced contract team is on hand to discuss the tender and support the roofing or main contractor in understanding the options and to help to achieve the budgeted price without compromising on quality. When on site our directly employed and experienced Site Supervisers and Assistant Site Supervisers make up two man teams that run our site teams, no matter where the project is based in mainland UK. The skills of these teams enables us to fine-tune installation methodologies to suit the specific construction site conditions, recognising the most suitable access and installation method for substrates and plants alike; maximising value within the supply chain. Throughout the process the integrity of the waterproofing is our number one priority, which is why we start every project with a comprehensive handover inspection in conjunction with the roofing contractor recording the inspection on a handover sheet and by photographic record.

09 Silo Tanker Delivery The unique Vulkatec silo tanker delivery system provides many benefits to the installation of a green roofing system, including; n Delivery of 30m³ of

Safety risk as no overhead lifting is required and other trades are not affected by this movement of goods. Additionally no slinger banksman in required saving on manpower.

n The ability to access difficult sites or roof locations the tanker can pump the substrate up to 150m in any direction, including up to 65m vertically.

9 09 Silo Tanker Delivery The unique Vulkatec silo tanker delivery system provides many benefits to the installation of a green roofing system, including; n Delivery of 30m³ of Vulkatec substrate at roof level in under 3 hours, something that would typically take a crane an entire day, saving installation time and cost on site n A reduction in Health & Safety risk as no overhead lifting is required and other trades are not affected by this movement of goods. Additionally no slinger banksman in required saving on manpower. n Reduced waste streams as no pallets or packaging are required to get the Vulkatec substrate to site or onto the roof. n The ability to access difficult sites or roof locations the tanker can pump the substrate up to 150m in any direction, including up to 65m vertically. n The ability to deliver mixed loads of growing medium or growing medium and gravel ballast thanks to its 3 compartments. To find out more about the benefits of silo tanker deliver go to the Blackdown websites resources page or contact Blackdown Contracts on

10 Irrigation All green roofs require irrigation during installation to ensure the best establishment of the plant systems.

Where a hydroseed or seed system is used only the drainage board and substrate should be saturated at installation as the spray applied mulch will contain the water to irrigate the cuttings and/or

Typically the periods that require irrigation are the Spring and Summer months (April to October) however in unseasonable warm spells irrigation may be required in other months.

10 10 Irrigation All green roofs require irrigation during installation to ensure the best establishment of the plant systems. When the systems consist of a pre-grown blanket or plug plant each layer (drainage board, substrate, plant layer) should be saturated during the installation process. Where a hydroseed or seed system is used only the drainage board and substrate should be saturated at installation as the spray applied mulch will contain the water to irrigate the cuttings and/or seeds. Post installation ongoing irrigation will be required for between 1 and 6 weeks depending on season. Typically the periods that require irrigation are the Spring and Summer months (April to October) however in unseasonable warm spells irrigation may be required in other months. It is that range of biodiversity that we must care for - the whole thing - rather than just one or two stars To assist the main contractor and specialist contractor in delivering this temporary irrigation Blackdown has developed a portable temporary irrigation unit that eliminates many of the headaches associated with providing temporary irrigation. The self contained unit consists of a water storage tank, pumps, a programmable electronic timer and a series of valves that control 7 outlet points. Mounted on wheels with certified lifting eyes and ground anchors, the unit can be placed at roof level, within a compound or anywhere on site where it can be secured. Once installed a Blackdown engineer will set up the programmable timer to fill and discharge at appropriate times, covering up to 7 zones at a time. All the main contractor has to provide is a ¾ water feed and a 110v power supply. Available to hire weekly or purchase the Blackdown Temporary Irrigation Unit provides a simple to install and operate method of irrigation, and can provide temporary irrigation whilst a permanent irrigation system is installed helping to keep projects running to programme. Sir David Attenborough

11 maintain Non-maintained green roof Maintained green roof Maintenance The level of maintenance required on a green roof will vary depending on the system installed.

Extensive and Biodiverse green roofs can be considered as low maintenance, but they are definitely not No maintenance.

As a living surface, specialist horticultural aftercare is required to maintain quality and allow the environmental, economic and social benefits to be sustained especially if the green roof has been

11 11 maintain Non-maintained green roof Maintained green roof Maintenance The level of maintenance required on a green roof will vary depending on the system installed. Intensive green roof systems require extensive maintenance akin to a ground level garden. Extensive and Biodiverse green roofs can be considered as low maintenance, but they are definitely not No maintenance. It is important that all types of green roof are maintained on a regular basis, as with other types of roof coverings and ground level planting. As a living surface, specialist horticultural aftercare is required to maintain quality and allow the environmental, economic and social benefits to be sustained especially if the green roof has been chosen for aesthetic effect, biodiversity or BREEAM benefit. Problems that may occur due to lack of maintenance and management include: n Invasive Plant Species: as inevitable on any green roof as they are in a garden. They lead to aesthetic degradation, potential increased fire risk and compromise of load bearing restrictions. Borne on the wind, unwanted species arrive on the roof and can grow to a size/quantity where they out-compete the specified species. Left alone they die back in the dry months leaving brown dead biomass, bare patches and seeds that support their growth the following season. n Pests, Disease and Debris: these can damage the specified plant layer and increase the likelihood of contamination by invasive species. For example dead Autumn leaves allow pests such as aphids to breed at roof level. Removal of dead flower heads and old growth also improves and neatens up the appearance of the roofscape. n Browning or Reddening of the Plant Layer: green roofs naturally undergo seasonal colour change but nutrient stresses can cause year round aesthetic degradation. Maintaining the correct level of nutrients in the growing medium is essential to maintain the correct plant species ratio. n Reduction in Biodiversity (especially Biodiverse roofs): a lack of maintenance can allow more vigorous plant species to overrun those that are rare and spread less rapidly for a specific goal in small quantities. In order to allow the proliferation of certain species that may provide important food, and/or nectar, and/or habitat resources for invertebrates and birds, it is crucial to monitor development of the vegetation layer. This applies in particular to BREEAM stipulations laid out at design stage. n System failure: a lack of maintenance can ultimately lead to total green roof system failure unless the correction of the above is addressed regularly during the lifetime of a green roof. Total failure of the system could also affect BREEAM rating or more seriously rainwater attenuation performance. n Invalidation of guarantee: failure to maintain an annual maintenance programme will invalidate the Blackdown guarantee, which guarantees a self sustaining plant community for a duration to match that of the waterproofing, or longer if the maintenance programme is maintained.

Contractors HEALTH & SAFETY ASSESSMENT SCHEME Blackdown is a unique company consisting of horticultural, roofing and contracting experts working together to

Working with clients, specifiers, ecologists, contractors and waterproofing partners we design green roof systems to meet the individual requirements of every

For further information, design and specification support, educational CPD seminars, green roof training, supply only or supply and fix quotations, remedial

Telephone numbers General 01460 234582 Technical 01460 230106 Estimating 01460 230106 Contracts 01460 230105 Supply 01460 230103 Training 01460 230105

co.uk Supply supplies@blackdown.co.uk Training training@blackdown.co.uk Maintenance maintenance@blackdown.co.uk Fax 0845 0760267 Internet www.blackdown.co.uk Facebook www.

12 Contractors HEALTH & SAFETY ASSESSMENT SCHEME Blackdown is a unique company consisting of horticultural, roofing and contracting experts working together to bring high quality horticulture based green roof systems to the built environment. Working with clients, specifiers, ecologists, contractors and waterproofing partners we design green roof systems to meet the individual requirements of every project. For further information, design and specification support, educational CPD seminars, green roof training, supply only or supply and fix quotations, remedial consultation or maintenance programmes please contact us using the details below. Telephone numbers General Technical Estimating Contracts Supply Training Maintenance contacts General enquiries@blackdown.co.uk Technical technical@blackdown.co.uk Estimating estimating@blackdown.co.uk Contracts contracts@blackdown.co.uk Supply supplies@blackdown.co.uk Training training@blackdown.co.uk Maintenance maintenance@blackdown.co.uk Fax Internet Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Accredited Contractor Blackdown Horticultural Consultants Ltd, Street Ash Nursery, Lisieux Way, Combe St Nicholas, Chard, Somerset, TA20 3HZ t f e. enquiries@blackdown.co.uk Company Registration No VAT Registration No design grow supply install maintain

Primary functions Primary planting General System Type Maintenance Required Roof construction Plant Layer Suitable application

Primary functions Primary planting General System Type Maintenance Required Roof construction Plant Layer Suitable application General The Greenroofs by Blackdown NatureMat extensive green roof system creates a self sustaining plant community that does not require irrigation, except on installation. Comprising a UK grown sedum