31st Jan2012

BPA Plant Signage

by Jason King

After checking out the progress of the BPA 905 Building Project during its first season, I jumped at a chance to help Michael Brand, the Building Management Specialist at the Bonneville Power Administration when he called asking for my assistance.  He wanted to add another layer to the system at the roof terraces – one that  would provide some context and education for the users of the building.  Using the plans, he had fabricated a number of plant identification tags – and we spent the morning placing them in the appropriate locations.

  

The 4th floor terrace, which is the largest of the four we vegetated, will act as the location of the tags.  Plants are repeated in different configurations throughout all of the levels – so any questions should be answered, as most of the 40+ species of plants were tagged – with the exception of the 12 species of sedums.  And the view was still amazing – the winter aesthetic of the terraces with bark color, texture of grasses, and the great distant vista of downtown and the west hills.  Definitely worth a visit.

Category : details, ecoroofs, gardens, graphics, habitat, installations, landscape, portland, projects, roof gardens, sustainability, teaching, vegitecture
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24th Jan2012

Move the House – Stormwater Video

by Jason King

A preliminary rough cut of some footage of the Move the House Apartments in Southeast Portland.  I took the opportunity to capture a bit of video on a windy day that offered a significant downpour that activated many of the site features.   See it in action below:

Category : art, details, images, installations, landscape, portland, projects, rain gardens, stormwater, sustainability, video, water
2 Comm
07th Jan2012

BPA Green Roof – Part II: Implementation

by Jason King

Building on the previous post, the Bonneville Power Administration Green Roof went through a number of iterations in the design process, and also required the attention and on-site modification that often comes from challenging retrofits.

The existing rooftops during demolition - predominately paved with small planters which made them feel somewhat barren. Pavers were saved and re-used in the final design which saved cost and materials.

Landscape Architect’s Role     The project involved working with a diverse group of stakeholders in developing the concept, as well as coordinating with multiple trade partners as part of the design-build collaborative team. The combination of technical knowledge and experience with various green roof projects allowed the team to adapt to unique site conditions while remaining conscious of project goals and overall budget constraints.  Working on structure requires knowledge of multiple systems and how they interact.  In this case, the GSA outlined specific goals, but left it open to the design team to come up with creative solutions that fit the overall budget.  Conversely, on a typical project, we would select a system based on the unique conditions of the project.

In this case, however, the roofing system was predetermined, so it became a challenge to fit a particular system to the project parameters.  This, along with integration of additional insulation to meet energy efficiency goals meant that we needed to troubleshoot conflicts between competing project goals, allowing us to maintain safe parapet heights, incorporate window-washing infrastructure, and maintain ADA accessibility at thresholds.

A typical roof level after installation, showing the transformation of the space, with seating areas located in sunny perimeters, vegetation free zones at building edges, and the pattern of bermed vegetations with rock ‘stream’.

Another particular challenge was the structural capacity of the roof.  It was determined that we had the ability to berm up in certain areas of the roof, where the original planters were located.  Rather than create a homogenized and monotonous pattern, the berming configuration shifts on every roof, but still falls within specific loading parameters – invisible to the naked eye.  As with most projects, determining the right mix of plantings was also vital, as the conditions for each rooftop and region vary.  In this case, the terraces were on the north side of the building so the conditions were more shady, with early and late sun. Using regional experience with multiple projects and microclimates – the designers developed a palette of plantings that provided diversity, habitat, stormwater management, and heat island mitigation, while providing a dynamic and beautiful amenity for the building users.

 

Looking from the west towards the doorway to the interior of the office. The stream winds through a range of colors and textures that include a mix of evergreen and deciduous plantings adapted to rooftop conditions.

HIGHLIGHT:  A Model for Energy Efficiency    Until now, vegetated roofs have not been considered viable.  A recent decision by the Oregon Construction Industry Energy Board, as part of the Reach Code, recognized green roofs as both an energy conservation measure and as way to help reduce urban heat island effect.  The BPA project exemplifies the concept of energy efficiency.

View from east access of typical roof, highlighting the dynamic nature of the berms along with the varying textures and colors of semi-intensive plantings. Sedum cuttings quickly colonized the low areas and side slopes to provide erosion control, color, and texture, augmented by herbs and edibles like coast strawberry available at the edge for grazing by building tenants

 

INNOVATION:  Integrated Project Delivery    Another unique feature of this project is the delivery of services.   There is a trend in the green roof industry towards integrated projects, and the team has responded to this by the creation of a design-build collaborative, including the roofing contractor, landscape contractor and landscape architect as a core team.  Additional sub-consultants such as structural, architectural, mechanical and related trades are added to projects on an as-needed basis.  The result is a simplified process, combining all of the necessary elements together in a team with proven experience working together on similar projects.  Each consultant and contractor maintains a clear distinction in scope that adheres to professional responsibilities, but the process is streamlined with more clarity of communication and documentation.  For this unique project the General Contractor (GC) was able to contract with one entity to provide complete design and construction services.  The team also brought in structural to evaluate roofing capacity, and mechanical engineering to assist with rainwater harvesting systems.

The variety of colors and textures occupy complex vignettes that display the periodic colors and textures. The bloom of the sedum species, natives perennials with vibrant summer blooms like Oregon Sunshine, and the pink tufts of drought tolerant Armeria maritima play off the more subtle purple shades of Hidcote Lavender.

 

PROJECT SUMMARY

Project Name:

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) 905 Building Green Roof Terraces

Landscape Architect:

TERRA.fluxus |  Landscape + Urbanism  (Portland, OR)

Client:

General Services Administration (GSA)  building owner

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)  building tenant

General Contractor:

Allen Bradbury Construction  (Auburn, WA)

Roofing Contractor:

Snyder Roofing of Oregon (Tigard, OR)

Landscape Contractor:

Teufel Landscape (Portland, OR)

Mechanical / Plumbing Design (Cisterns):

PAE Consulting Engineers (Portland, OR)

Category : details, ecoroofs, graphics, images, installations, landscape, planting, portland, projects, stormwater, sustainability, vegitecture, water
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08th Dec2011

BES Calendar features two projects from TERRA.fluxus

by Jason King

Just in time for 2012, the new calendars are available from the City of Portland, Bureau of Environmental Services and their Sustainable Stormwater Management program.  This annual publication shows off some of the interesting new projects built around Portland, and it was a nice surprise to see two months that included some of the recent work of TERRA.fluxus.  April features a couple of recent works – in particular the Vertical Wetland project completed at Move the House, project for Urban Development Partners, with art feature by Ivan McLean and funded by Metro, that funnels roof water through Corten sculpture visible from SE Division Street.

As mentioned in the calendar:

“Disconnecting a downspout is a simple way to remove roof runoff from the combined sewer system and protect water quality, and it offers opportunities for creative ways to disconnect.”

Also in June, a nice shot of the newly planted living wall at the same project, Move the House- showcasing the idea of vegetated walls, which contribute to sustainable site design – in this case screening the very prominent trash enclosure in the center of the outdoor plaza area – adding a burst of greenery to an item that is often considered an eyesore.   As mentioned in the calendar:

“Green Walls use vertical surfaces to green and beautify our cities.  Green walls can help reduce a building’s energy use and outdoor air temperatures, capture stormwater, or be used for urban agriculture “

Category : announcements, environmental, images, infrastructure, installations, living walls, planting, portland, press, projects, publications, rain gardens, stormwater, sustainability, vegitecture, water, wetlands
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05th Aug2011

A Trio of Noted Projects

by Jason King

Sifting around the wonder that is the internet, it is always a surprise to see something that references a project you’ve been involved in.  I managed the trifecta with references of recent project work in media and as part of educational materials.  Enjoy these little snapshots of projects.

HEALING ROOFTOPS

First, my friend and colleague Elizabeth Hart, who is a Sustainable Technologies Specialist at Tremco Roofing penned an article in Healthcare Development Magazine on ‘Green Roofs on Health Care Facilities‘, mentioning projects at Portland’s OHSU Hospital, as well as the Van Ness Medical Office Building in San Francisco, all projects designed by TERRA.fluxus.   The benefits of green roofs in hospitals is hard to quantify, but there are signs that this particular building type may be well-suited for multiple reasons for vegetated roofs.  As Hart mentions in her article:

“While the benefits can be attractive, a major setback for the green roof industry is that there is really no way to create a broadly applicable baseline for the benefits of adding a green roof.  Energy savings in the building, the capacity for storm water control, the exact number of years you can extend the life of the roof membrane – these factors shift with each unique building situation and green roof system.  They are living organisms and their functions vary widely with each microclimate, building type and method of install.  The lack of an easily quantifiable return on the investment can prove challenging in the early planning stages.  Despite this, green roofs seem to speak for themselves by how widely they have been adopted, and how rapidly they are changing the “nature” of hospital rooftops.”

 

INNOVATIVE IRRIGATION

Second, the 2011 Brochure for KISSS America – supplier of subsurface capillary irrigation, which TERRA.fluxus used on the OHSU CDRC Green Roof project, the first use on a green roof in the Portland area.  The beauty of sub-surface capillary irrigation is that it eliminates the issues with regular drip in porous, lightweight rooftop soils.   Click here for a link to the full PDF, showcasing some other great projects using this innovative technology.  A snapshot of the brochure showing the installation photos:

BROWNFIELD SUCCESS

Finally, a fact sheet published by the Environmental Protection Agency as part of their Brownfield program includes a ‘success story’ on the Emerson Street Garden, as formerly polluted site that was transformed by the community into a model for transforming underused properties into community assets.  TERRA.fluxus was involved in preliminary site planning for the garden, translating workshop comments and feedback into a roadmap for the site to follow as it took shape.  The site has evolved rapidly since these photos from last year, so will post more soon.  The fact sheet offers lots of background on the garden evolution, as well as resources related to brownfield redevelopment.

Download the entire PDF of the success story here.

Category : announcements, brownfields, ecoroofs, environmental, heathcare, installations, portland, press, projects, publications, stormwater, sustainability, urban voids, vegitecture
2 Comm
01st Aug2011

MTH Living Wall

by Jason King

The living wall installation is complete at the Move the House Apartments (see in progress shots here) – with all of the 20 species of plants placed in waves through the galvanized metal troughs around two sides of the short structure.  The structure conceals the interior of the trash enclosure, which is accessible through the sliding wooden doors seen below.

The plantings are planned in waves, moving from the upper left towards the lower right, with a range of colors and textures that will last throughout the four seasons.  The arrangement takes into account the different moisture gradients that will occur from dry to moist to wet from top to bottom.   Although just planted with 4″ pots, some of the bands are starting to become legible.  The accessibility of the plantings to the users is also important, as some are meant to be activated with aromas as people brush past them, particularly near doorways to the trash and recycling.


A few more photos shows the variety of species and the details of the simple structure of the living wall, which measures around 160 square feet of area total.  Plantings will wrap around the front corner, softening the edge that protrudes into the pedestrian space.


In addition to the evergreen vegetation, many of the species have flowers that will come on at different times of year, including the Hypericum calycinum, in vibrant yellow below.

Even newly planted, the vegetation is starting to attract bees and other pollinators, as seen on the subtle flowers of the Origanum ‘Kent Beauty’ in bloom.  Butterflies have also been spotted in the past day or so.  Not bad for a project that is literally days old.

As with all of our projects, we will be monitoring the evolution of the plantings over time, and adjusting some of the configuration.  Also important will be maintenance, as the predominant form of these plants is to drape rather than climb, so the overall composition may shift as certain plants fill in and others shift.  But that’s part of the fun… stay tuned for more.

Category : art, details, habitat, installations, landscape, living walls, materials, planting, portland, projects, vegitecture
2 Comm
20th Jul2011

Move the House Takes Shape

by Jason King

Lots of activity on the Move the House project, as artwork and landscaping along with final site elements come together.  The sidewalk has been poured, and street trees installed, green canopy planters on the first floor, along with the artwork and relocated tree along Division.  Contractor Lorentz Bruun along with landscape contractor Landservices of Oregon has done a great job of dealing with the unique complexities of the site and landscape elements and realizing the beautiful structure design by Francis Dardis of Stack Architecture.

The relocated tree was moved in a couple of weeks ago, a 25′ Japanese Maple that previously sat on the site near the house that was moved.  Developer and owner Urban Development Partners (UD+P) had the foresight to have the tree moved and stored off-site by Big Trees Today, then brought back to provide instant green along the street.  To accommodate the move, the root ball measured 100″ diameter, as seen in the photograph below.

The tree sits adjacent to the new cor-ten metal sculpture by Ivan McLean, which acts as a vertical wetland to capture water from building roofs and express the movement prior to conveyance back to the larger flow-through planter.  The sculpture itself measures 10′x10′ and provides a thin wedge that is both substantial and airy.  Below is the sculpture arriving on-site.

And it being located in it’s spot adjacent to the building along Division, where it will act as an iconic marker for passing traffic. Plantings will be located on top, inside, and along the front edge and water will travel vertically throughout these zones prior to overflowing.

The eventual route for stormwater comes to the extensive flow-through planter, located along the rear property line, which provides stormwater management for the site per City of Portland standards, which is particularly crucial as the site is located in a Combined Sewer Overflow area, so this site will hold water on-site for longer, alleviating pressure on the system in peak flows, and ensuring better water quality for our regions streams and rivers.  This infrastructure on-site is augmented by permeable paving in all other site locations – shown in the irregular patterning of gray and brown square unit pavers.

The other piece coming together is the living wall that will wrap the exterior of the trash enclosure.  This innovative feature, one of many funded by Metro as part of their Green Innovation Grant program – including the vertical wetland, green canopies, wildlife art, and signage.  The initial structure was built, which will house recycling and garbage but will be transformed into a significant site amenity.

Due to the central location, the concept calls for a series of troughs that wrap around two sides of the structure – designed by TERRA.fluxus and fabricated by Ivan Mclean – which will provide for a tapestry of vegetation that will provide color, texture, and scent to this area.  The initial armature has been welded in place, and you can see the structure along with a close-up of the troughs – which will hold soil and plants, and be irrigated with linear drip tubing.

Category : art, details, environmental, installations, landscape, living walls, materials, planting, portland, projects, rain gardens, stormwater, sustainability, vegitecture, water, wetlands
2 Comm
13th Jul2011

KPV Planters Installed

by Jason King

The design for the Kohler Pavilion Green Screen rehab at Oregon Health + Science University was recently completed, with new soil, trellis armatures, and plantings in and beginning to make their way towards the screen panels – with an aim of providing a lush green cover to the project exterior.  A total of 63 planters were rehabilitated spanning 3 levels and wrapping around two sides of the building.

A variety of plantings are distributed along rigid metal trellis stakes – to allow for a jump from the planter to the screen, which varies but is almost 24″ away from the actual planted area.  The stakes provided an easily installed, yet long-term solution, required little fabrication, and allowed for multiple lengths – with an easy hook into the existing screen.

As you can see from the concept drawing, the project came together very close to the goal – and was able to take a relative narrow planter and expand the plantings out 10′ to provide more coverage visible from the exterior.

At this point the Clematis armandii is the most vigorous, climbing to the screen and adding as much as 12′ of growth in a short period of time.  Fine tuning of the irrigation and diligent training of the remaining vines, including Carolina Jessamine, China Blue Vine, and Fiveleaf Akebia – will allow for these plantings to quickly fill in providing variety of texture and color, while remaining a lush evergreen screen throughout the year.  We will monitor and see what the exterior looks like periodically through the summer and fall – but feel comfortable that the vegetation will be full after a year.

Category : details, installations, landscape, living walls, materials, planting, portland, projects, vegitecture
0 Comm
07th Jul2011

OHSU Green Roofs

by Jason King

A pair of bookends to the main hospital building at Oregon Health+Science University (OHSU) – the HRC and C-Wing projects (see previous posts here and here) have now been installed and growing for a couple of months.  Working with Snyder Roofing of Oregon and Teufel Landscape, the first of these design-build projects to go in was the C-Wing, a narrow rectangle visible from above.  The pattern of pathway and linear bands of vegetation plays off the rhythm of the existing windows, and is evident in the initial established vegetation at grade, and from above. 

Soon after, the Hatfield Research Center (HRC) was installed, featuring a grid pattern of different vegetation types, adapted to the mostly shade condition between buildings.  The close up shot shows the blocks of planting, along with the abstract ‘stream’ of blue glass that meanders through the grid from drain outfall to drain.

This visual elements is vibrant when viewed from above, such as the adjacent patient rooms and corridors, such as this view from the 9th floor pedestrian walkway.

Category : ecoroofs, heathcare, images, installations, landscape, planting, portland, projects, roof gardens, stormwater, sustainability, vegitecture
2 Comm
29th Jun2011

BPA Green Roof – Ribbon Cutting

by Jason King

A gray morning today for the ribbon cutting atop the Bonneville Power Administration 905 Building Green Roof, with some special guests, including BPA Executive Vice President of Internal Business Services Kim Leathley and Regional Administrator of GSA Northwest/Arctic Region George Northcroft, who did the official ribbon-cutting with selected guests.

The project is nearly complete with a few odds and ends to finish, including final adjustments to the irrigation, and some supplemental cuttings to fill in some areas.  For the most part, everything looks great, and the sedum cuttings are starting to take root and spread.

We also got a sneak peek at the rainwater tanks in the basement, which is providing irrigation to all of the rooftops during the dry portion of our summer.  The project will have 36,000 gallon capacity, which will provide 100% of irrigation demand for the green roofs.

Category : announcements, ecoroofs, environmental, installations, landscape, planting, portland, projects, roof gardens, stormwater, sustainability, vegitecture, water
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