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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15th Dec2011

Visualizing OHSU’s Casey Eye Institute

by Jason King

TERRA.fluxus was asked by OHSU to provide a visualization for a potential project on their campus.  Casey Eye Institute offers the potential for a visual ‘sustainable roof’ that includes a number of features.  The site is visible from many locations on campus, as well as viewable from the aerial tram – where it is viewed by 1.5 million visitors annually.

       

The project description includes:

“A dynamic concept featuring concentric rings of vegetation that work with the architecture of the building.  Bands define microclimates and allow for different soil depths that support a  variety of species for aesthetics and biological habitat potential.  The circular penthouse is ringed with vertical axis wind turbines and the south edge is lined with photovoltaic panels to supplement building energy usage and provide visible elements of OHSU’s commitment to green development.”

A rendering of the planned roof is found below, with additional detail.  There will be more information to come as this project evolves.

 

Category : announcements, ecoroofs, environmental, graphics, habitat, heathcare, landscape, planning, planting, portland, projects, roof gardens, stormwater, sustainability, vegitecture
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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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12th Nov2011

Green Roofs featured on Design*Sponge

by Jason King

Surfing the web lately, I stumbled on a post from popular blog Design*Sponge offered some interesting images of a familiar green roof or two.   Some of the work I collaborated on with the non-profit iteration of Ecoroofs Everywhere between 2002-2005.  Another, seen below, is the Elgert/Sweeney Residence from 2008, the green roof designed by Jason King and installed by E2 in their new incarnation as a for-profit installation firm.  The project was designed by Brian Sweeney (BPS Architecture) and the green roof was used to fulfill Portland stormwater management manual guidelines.

Elgert/Sweeney Residence Green Roof

As Design*Sponge founder and columnist Grace Bonney reflected on a trip to Portland:

“One of ideas I wish Brooklyn would adopt is Portland’s love of living and edible roof gardens.  I’ve seen roof gardens in New York before, but I’ve never seen them used so frequently as I have here in Oregon. They’re on residential homes, commercial buildings and growing naturally on park buildings around town.”

The post included a number of other projects from Portland, and a few that I worked on with Ecoroofs Everywhere as a non-profit, including the Hawthorne Condominiums and the Orpinela Guesthouse, photos of which are found below.

Hawthorne Condominiums

Orpinela Guesthouse

Thanks to Ecoroofs Everywhere for the collaborations over the years as a non- and for-profit company, and for Design*Sponge for the info for reminder and coverage of these great projects.

Category : announcements, ecoroofs, environmental, landscape, planting, portland, press, projects, publications, REWIND, stormwater, sustainability, vegitecture
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02nd Sep2011

Forest Grove WWTF

by Jason King

The bids have been received and construction will begin to mobilize in the next few weeks for an exciting infrastructure project in Forest Grove, Oregon to provide landscape improvements for the Clean Water Services (CWS) Wastewater Treatment Facility.  The facility improvements are being led by Black & Veatch through their Oregon office, with significant changes to overall facility configuration, circulation (entries and streets), and a number of other site upgrades.   The total size of the facility covered more than 10 acres, which created significant areas to be landscaped and woven into the existing landscaping and buffers and connecting to existing irrigation in areas throughout the facility – keeping in tone with the functional aspects of the site and it’s industrial character.

This character is evident in some of the current site photos.

The site also involved planning for future expansion, with permanent landscape areas to be retained near structures moving out into more open landscaping that will provide erosion control and minimal impact for future build-out of critical treatment facility elements.    Also, certain structures were in the process of being demolished, and restoration of new landscape areas became part of the overall strategy.

In a short period of time, the drawings and specifications were fast-tracked in order to maintain a 2011 construction window.  This accelerated timeline involved  TERRA.fluxus assisting Black & Veatch and CWS with completing construction drawing planting and irrigation plans for the Forest Grove WWTF.  TERRA.fluxus – working closely with the client and team was able to meet a very aggressive schedule to send the project out to bid according to a revised schedule by CWS – keeping a critical path window open to ensure the project would happen before winter and be completed in a timely manner.   Thanks to all the great folks at Black & Veatch & CWS for the great communication, which was paramount on such a short timeline, in getting the project documents finished.

A snapshot of on the planting plans shows the various zones on this site to aid in a variety of site and soil prep, irrigation, and planting activities and the distinction between more dense areas and the outlying future expansion.  A number of stormwater facilities, including a rain garden, LIDA swale, and stormwater swale were also incorporated into the site for management and to provide examples of Clean Water Services overall sustainable stormwater management strategies.   Construction is slated to begin in early October including landscaping and irrigation – stay tuned for more updates.

Category : announcements, environmental, infrastructure, landscape, planting, projects, rain gardens, stormwater, sustainability, water
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31st Aug2011

Celebrating CAPACES Leadership Institute

by Jason King

A wonderful celebration last night in support of the CAPACES Leadership Institute, an amazing project underway in Woodburn, Oregon which is on track to be the first office building in the US designed and built to Passivhaus standards.   The event took place at the fantastic Bamboo Revolution in Portland, and featured some brief comments from Governor Kitzhaber, and emceeing by Oregon’s First Lady, Cylvia Hayes.  The pair was joined by a group of leaders in green building and farmworker rights to raise funds and celebrate this project and its progress.

The project has gathered steam in recent days, since getting the building permit and starting to erect walls – as shown in this photo from The Selective Omnivore, which is part of a great interview with Green Hammer‘s Gene Wixson, whom is acting as construction manager for the project.  Progress of the project is seen below.

TERRA.fluxus has been happy to contribute to the project through consulting with the green roof – including providing planting starts for propagation of the sedums on-site as well as providing consultation on the green roof integration.  We are currently working on finalizing irrigation design for the roof and site in order to look for donated materials and labor.

A few photos of the event as well – from Jerry Atkins (check out the whole set here)…

(Project rendering by Communitecture, Inc.)

(Governor & First Lady Chatting with PCUN’s Ramon Ramirez)

(Volunteers appreciative of being appreciated)

See more images and find out how you can contribute to the project at their website and stay tuned for more info.  Also find out how to donate to the project, or to volunteer contact Javier Lara (javierl@pcun.org)  or via phone at 503-997-4387.

 

Category : agriculture, announcements, community, ecoroofs, environmental, planting, projects, stormwater, sustainability, vegitecture
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16th Aug2011

Green Roofs from Above

by Jason King

The observant traveler at OHSU can spot the new green roof projects from the upper floor skyways and waiting rooms… providing the ability to see these projects without any sort of public access.  Took a trip up today to see how things were doing, and managed to spy both roofs… here’s some pics of the C-Wing from the 9th floor looking down to Level 4.

And also the HRC, where you can see the predominant shading as it is enveloped in surrounding structures.

And for pleasant waiting, the view from inside the MRI waiting room gives an up close and personal view of the HRC gridded configuration and blue glass stream.  Not a bad spot to hang out…

Category : ecoroofs, images, landscape, planting, portland, projects, stormwater, sustainability, vegitecture
0 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
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