by Brianna Crandall — November 28, 2014—Green roof supplier and designer LiveRoof recently announced that its Hybrid Green Roof System was selected to landscape the roof of The College at Brockport’s Allen Plaza. The College at Brockport is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The living, planted roof system was installed as part of a plan to improve site enjoyment and sustainability.
The Allen Plaza has undergone extensive restoration and enhancements since construction began earlier this summer, notes LiveRoof. Renovations include addition of a drainage system for the deck surface; repair of damaged structural, mechanical and electrical components below the plaza; and the addition of a covered walkway between the Drake and Allen entrances.
The site design by Flynn Battaglia Architects includes additions of seating and landscaped areas to improve the site’s accessibility and enjoyment by students, faculty and staff. Allen Plaza’s new green roof will replace approximately 70% of the impervious concrete surface with plants.
“Green space is a high priority in our facilities development. The green roof is part of a renovation that reduces our environmental impact while expanding useful space,” said Robert Henry, assistant vice president for facilities and planning at The College at Brockport. “The green roof system acts like a sponge, soaking up rainfall and reducing the runoff from the site, having a positive impact on local water quality. In addition, the plants beautify and help to cool the rooftop, making it an enjoyable gathering place for students and administrators.”
The modular green roof system was delivered fully grown by Corso’s Perennials, the regional grower for the LiveRoof system, and was installed by a collaborative effort between Leo J. Roth Corporation and R.M. Landscape.
“The designer included several different soil depths and plant mixes in their design,” said Gus Corso, president of Corso’s Perennials. “We custom grew the green roof for this project, so the day it is installed, the landscape [was] fully mature.” According to Corso’s, 35 different plant species are included in the green roof system, which totals 5300 square feet in size.
