An oasis on the roof

But nobody can say we are not survivors. When horizontal green space is diminishing, we learn to go green vertically. And that is exactly what SCG is offering with its latest innovation - the roof-garden system.

A roof garden is an oasis for the souls of urban residents. Especially designed to go on flat roofs, upper-floor balconies and interior spaces in towers, condominiums, commercial buildings and similar constructions, the roof garden helps to reduce the "heat-island" effect with compact green plants that release oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and filter out air pollution. The result is cleaner air, cooler temperatures and a pleasant sight.

The evergreen system is strong, but it weighs only half as much as conventional gardens. The garden modular system is a package that is easy and convenient to install. It comes with growing units filled with already grown and manicured small plants. Each growing unit is self-contained and movable for decorative landscaping and occasional separate maintenance.

The first step in installing a roof-garden system is blanketing the roof with a layer of waterproofed PVC that has strong resistance to penetration by plant roots. Thus, there is no need to worry about damage due to dampness or water leakage through a concrete roof, or surface cracks due to root penetration and unequal contraction and expansion of roof surfaces during the day and night.

Water pipelines and sprinklers can be incorporated into the whole growing unit layout so that sprinkling direction and water control is more efficient. A filter layer prevents the soil from leaking through the growing unit floor and blocking drainage, while a lightweight growing medium allows water to soak through to nurture plant roots.

The roof garden system is cost- and time-effective; its growing medium can hold water for a long period and requires watering only three or four times a week. If you like the idea of giving your rooftop garden a colourful creative spin, why not give it a do-it-yourself landscape, with the help of decorative ceramic and concrete blocks?

If you are interested, contact the CPAC Design Service Centre by the SCG Group.