A green roof, also known as a living roof or a vegetated roof, is a type of roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation.
It consists of a waterproof membrane that serves as a barrier between the roof deck and the vegetation, a drainage layer that helps to manage excess water and prevent waterlogging, a growing medium which is the layer of soil or other material in which the plants are grown, and vegetation which can include a variety of plants, such as grasses, herbs, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
The depth of the growing medium and the choice of vegetation depend on the location and design of the roof, as well as the climate in which it is located. Green roofs offer a number of benefits, including improving the energy efficiency of a building, reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality, and providing habitat for wildlife. They also provide aesthetic benefits, such as creating an attractive outdoor space and enhancing the visual appeal of the building.
elemental complex
the view from the courtyard
The hexagonal configuration of the residential complex gives rise to pedestrianised public squares with commercial premises on the ground floor.
Pedraza house
floor plan layouts
The floor plan layouts of the house show a rational and straightforward spatial planning, which articulates zones and uses based on the natural light orientation, the views and the shape of the plot.
hospital in the forest
the cross section
The site of the transplant centre is a sloping plot of land that is urban in character but surrounded by lush vegetation.
connecting riads
the big facade openings
The housing blocks have large holes or perforations that allow light to enter the courtyards. These semi-public spaces have abundant vegetation and allow residents to enjoy a garden with views.
nature in architecture: choosing the right tree
The integration of nature and architecture has proven to be extremely vital in preserving the ecological system and improving the quality of life of its occupants. A symbiotic relationship between the two entails landscape designers and architects to design with nature’s evolving patterns.
elemental complex
the concept model
The concept of the residential complex follows a hexagonal pattern that branches out to occupy the plot, freeing up a generous proportion of public space.
K house
the massing diagram
The spatial distribution of the house differentiates the spaces for daytime use on the ground floor and those for nighttime use on the upper floor.
the controversy of flat roofs
The building’s roof is not just a dispensable component in construction. It is a distinctive element with a rich history of typology.
net-zero waste in construction
Landfills are filling up incessantly, and the construction sector is accountable for 40% of the waste. The waste generated in the life-cycle of a building accounts not only from the construction itself but more so on the phases of design, operation and demolition.
connecting riads
the top terrace
The building is lower towards the urban park located behind the boulevard, so the roof is formed by a series of staggered terraces, with abundant vegetation, which enjoys the pleasant views.
spliced towers
the cross sections
The longitudinal sections of the building complex show the basements, the landscaping and the distance between the office towers and the residential blocks.
wavescape pavilion
the view from the marina
The themed pavilion for the World Expo floats on the sea and is connected to the quay via a gangway. The floating façade of horizontal slats creates a moiré effect as it moves with the waves.
wavescape pavilion
the concept diagram
The building has a garden terrace which is accessed via a spiral ramp. Beneath the secondary pavilions is a floating garden around which the façade floats.
wavescape pavilion
the birdview
The pavilion occupies a central position in the bay in front of the thematic exhibition site. From the pavilion’s terrace, you can see the marina, the quay and the breakwater.
self-fab house
This publication features a selection of experimental projects about self-fabrication, with articles written by Vicent Guallart, Lucas Capelli and Willy Müller among others.
wavescape pavilion
the view from the seaside
From the seashore, the circular modules of the pavilion are enveloped in a translucent skin formed by the horizontal slats floating in the sea.
connecting riads
the floor plan layouts
The general floor plan layouts show the two large courtyards articulating the urban arrangement of the plot. A generous park inserted between the buildings introduces a fluid language connecting the access points.
connecting riads
the view from the top
From the top of the roof terrace, you can see the winding silhouette of the building and the view of the city in the background. The image conveys the symbolism of the building’s shape, its relationship with the landscape and the functionality and comfort of the apartments.
elemental complex
the birdview
The buildings occupy the plot in a hexagonal pattern. The hotel towers and offices are located in the north, while the urban density descends towards the south.
connecting riads
the balconies detail
The balconies, protected by perforated wooden panels, have a subtle and sophisticated design. These protective screens filter the sunlight and project the whimsical geometric richness of the lattice into the interior.
Allison house
the floor plan layouts
This renovation design transforms a small Victorian house into a contemporary six-bedroomed residence with two comfortable terraces and a spacious living and dining room at ground floor level.
aqso and cca awarded for Liuzhou museum
The proposal for the new Industrial museum in Liuzhou presented by CCA and AQSO has been awarded the 3rd prize in the restricted competition organised by the local government. The museum is intended to use a 62000 sqm old factory near the Liu river in the second largest city in the Guangxi province (China).
hospital in the forest
the detailed section
The entrance lobby on the ground floor is a generous double-height space open to the public plaza, while the operation rooms on the top floor are connected to the heliport and the roof garden.
wavescape pavilion
the floor plan layouts
The building consists of two main circular pavilions connected to four secondary pavilions. In plan, the building has an organisation reminiscent of a water molecule.
hospital in the forest
the floor plan layouts
The organisation of the hospital is based on an articulated floor plan according to the functions of each department. Supplies, parking and emergency rooms are on the ground floors, patient rooms are on the middle floors and the operating theatres are on the top floor, close to the heliport.