Having recently designed a home with a green roof in Burns Beach in Western Australia, architect Adrian Fratelle is questioning why they have been slow to gain popularity in the state.Fratelle Group has published a statement noting that green roofs improve air quality by capturing airborne pollutants and filtering noxious gases, reduce electromagnetic radiation penetration by up to 99.4 percent and absorb noise pollution. They also provide nesting nooks for birds."Soil and vegetation are supported by a sophisticated system of layers placed over the roof, which waterproof, drain, filter and repel roots; this concept was developed in Germany in the 1960s and soon spread toother European countries thanks to government financial support and legislation that recognised the public benefits of green roofs."In Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland there is now a multi-million dollar market for green roof products and services.However here in Australia, says Fratelle, "there has been a fear of additional costs incurred. No question, green roofs are more expensive than a standard roof construction, so a client will want to see some return from investing in a roof garden that goes beyond just aesthetics, he said."As electricity prices continues to soar, many people are beginning to realise the initial investment that goes into a green roof will result in huge long term energy savings."Fratelle recently designed a home with a green roof that will commence construction in Burns Beach early next year.

The designer said he was thrilled to have a client keen topush the envelope in terms of green aspects to the home.Fratelle explains "there are some additional challenges when it comes to green roofs, namely our long hot summer and strong winds. However, arid countries like Spain are showing the concept absolutely can work in this environment."We're taking a lot of our cues from Spain," Fratelle explains."A lot of it was finding correct planting for green roofs that would survive. There are a large variety of plants you can use that don't require a lot of water - succulents are a good example."The coastal location of Burns Beach provides a good test for the green roof. "The home is exposed," he says."One of the critical things when designing a green roof in Perth is that wind exposure is quite prevalent in a lot of areas. So you need to make sure the green roof stays where it is meant to stay and the type of plants selected need to be able to tolerate the wind and salt spray."Fratelle is confident that it's only a matter of time before Australia cottons on to the benefits of green roofs in residential design."Green roofs keep energy costs down substantially and, as wemove toward six and eight star ratings in the future, it makes sense we willsee a lot more of them. And the bigger the increase, the more they will go down in cost," he says.Smaller lot sizes and more high-rise dwellings will also result in an increase in green roofs."As more roof areas are visible from upper floors, it's important to have structures that are aesthetically pleasing," Fratelle adds."And lifestyle-wise, people are also looking at green roofsas an accessible place where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine on a tight block or grow vegies on your roof."

David Wheeldon

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