Abstract
Green roofs are relatively new to Lithuania. Traditionally, such earth structures were used for partially submerged food cellars and bomb shelters. However, one sees more and more architects opting for green roofs as an alternative to large flat roofs. The advantages are many fold. A green roof is not only a pleasing aesthetic alternative, but it helps retain thermal energy and provides for better surface drainage for expansive roofed structures. This paper examines the origins, basic principles and benefits of green roofs, noting examples and a chart indicating various green roof systems. The international standard is largely set by the Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landshaftsbau e. V., or more simply FLL, first developed in Germany in the 1970s. I have designed five green roof projects in Lithuania. Two are located in Trakai, two in Vilnius, and one in the Ignalina region. Precedents are cited, along with photos, technical drawings, structural details, materials specifications and the ecological benefits these roofs provide in urban and rural environments. In conclusion, green roofs are a relative low cost alternative to flat roofs, which provide greatly enhanced benefits. As a result, European cities have set targets for the percentage of green roofs constructed each year, and the European Union has offered financial aid and assistance in meeting these targets. Hopefully, this will encourage more Lithuanian developers, architects, and engineers to consider green roofs as a viable solution.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.sace.1.1.2612
Highlights
It has been a long uphill battle to interest clients in green roofs, solar power and other forms of passive energy roofs, since I came to Lithuania in 1997
The client had to go underground with his museum to satisfy Trakai historic planning ordinances and what better way to top such a museum than with a green roof that melded into the surrounding landscape with guest houses built atop in the traditional style, effectively disguising the 4000 sq. meter museum below
The last 7 years have seen the proliferation in sustainable design in Lithuania, due to greater awareness in alternative forms of construction and increased availability of products in the country
Summary
It has been a long uphill battle to interest clients in green roofs, solar power and other forms of passive energy roofs, since I came to Lithuania in 1997. My first major commission came in 2005, when asked to re-design an antique automobile museum in Trakai. The client had to go underground with his museum to satisfy Trakai historic planning ordinances and what better way to top such a museum than with a green roof that melded into the surrounding landscape with guest houses built atop in the traditional style, effectively disguising the 4000 sq. The last 7 years have seen the proliferation in sustainable design in Lithuania, due to greater awareness in alternative forms of construction and increased availability of products in the country. In this paper I will demonstrate the advantages of a green roof over traditional roof types, and how such roofs can be integrated with other passive energy systems like solar panels to reduce energy needs
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