‘Green’ Roof Provides Natural Connection to Rec Center’s Landscape

Visual representations of sustainability don’t get much cleaner than a green roof, especially one that’s detailed so thoughtfully. At the back of Port Moody (B.C.) Recreation Complex, where a large expanse of roof creates a covered “porch” for viewing an adjacent all-weather field, plants up above that are visible through a cutout section give way to a small garden down below. Vancouver-based Hughes Condon Marler Architects specified a warm wood ceiling to further make a connection to the natural landscape both around the complex and on top of it. The narrow support posts are the clue that the green roof specified is of the lighter type that is not meant for second-story pedestrians, while the virtual absence of a gutter system is a demonstration of the roof’s ability to absorb rainwater. Whatever runoff accrues from this roof section pours through a small scupper at the edge of the cutout and onto a rocky patch in the porch garden.

Port Moody Recreation Complex    recreation center    sustainability    green roof    Hughes Condon Marler Architects