TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT

Abstract
In today’s urban environment high rise buildings, parking areas, network of roads
have acquired major urban land. In such congested environment rooftop and terrace
of buildings provide a valuable potential source of outdoor space accessible to users
of building. Need of terrace gardens has increased with increasing number of high
rise buildings which deprive their occupants of any visual contact with nature.
Terrace gardens bring back the missing link between man and nature though on a
moderate scale. The factors which make roof gardens important part of architecture
throughout the world is :
1. Full use of terrace, which is normally a discarded area in crowded cities.
Maximum meaningful use of minimum available space.
2. An economical way of balancing green space with uncontrolled growth of
cement structure in urban areas.
3. They provide additional insulation to the building.

Objective
 To study and understand what is terrace garden and its need and utilization.
 To study its construction, impact on building, elements involved in terrace
garden and architectural aspects of terrace gardens.
 Case study and its analysis, Green roof - A case for Nagpur.

Scope
This includes study of design of terrace garden, basic study of plant materials,
structural implication and construction techniques.

Limitations
 Case specific - Restricted to study of residential and housing.
 The study is limited to Landscape elements and plants used (details of elements
or plants won’t be studied)
 Restricted to climate of Nagpur only.
 Increases the weight load on the building.

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Terrace Garden
A terrace garden is garden which is established on a terrace, roof, patio, usually in a
house where there is limited gardening space. These types of terrace gardens are
especially popular in urban areas.
In gardening, a terrace is an element where a raised flat paved or gravelled section
overlooks a prospect. A raised terrace keeps a house dry and provides a transition
between the hard materials of the architecture and softer ones of the garden. Balcony
Garden is nearly the same but is less beneficial
Terrace gardens are commonly created at three different levels:
 On roof top building.
 Porches, window boxes, portico, balconies and projected levels out of tower
block, above the ground level.
 At the podium level, around the base or on roof of large basements.
 The introduction of vegetation/greenery in the urban fabric may help to relieve
the ill effects of urban heat island effect, pollution, global warning etc.
 Green roofs - “Terrace gardens” bring green spaces into urban areas while
offering thermal benefits and energy savings for the user.
 A major reason for the need of terrace garden is the contribution they make to
the building insulation and energy savings.

Green roofs
 Roof covered with vegetation and growing media.
 Eco roof/ living roof/ vegetated roof.
 Converts dead space to dynamic space.
 Helps to break the monotony.
 Reduces negative impact of buildings on local environment.

Utilization
 Planted roofs at the individual and the organizational level may become places of
recreation.
 Terrace gardens used as organic farming unit.

There are two types of green roof systems, namely:

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1. Extensive roof (shallow)

2. Semi-intensive roof
3. Intensive roof (deep)

Extensive Roof
Thin growing medium, little or no irrigation, stressful conditions for plants, low plant
diversity.
An extensive green roof system is characterized of its vegetation, ranging from
sedums to small grasses, herbs and flowering herbaceous plants, which need little
maintenance and no permanent irrigation system. The growing medium depth for an
extensive green roof system is typically 6 inches or less. These systems are ideal for
efficient storm water management with low maintenance needs. Extensive green
roofs are very cost efficient. Please read the case study "The Economics of Green
Roofs from the Perspective of the Commercial Client" in our green roof case study
section. Extensive green roofs are ideal for integrated PV/Solar systems like the
Sun-Root system.

Features
 Overall depth : 70mm-120mm
 Maximum Weight : 80-125kg/sq.m

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 Succulent herbs and grasses can be grown.

 Low establishment cost.
 Light in weight.
 Non accessible.
 Suitable for large areas.
 Easy to install.
 Simple to design.
 Self-sustaining plant community.
 No irrigation.
 No / low maintenance

Used for
• Lightweight roof decks
• Inaccessible roofs
• Flat or sloping roofs
• Reducing water run-off

Planting

• Moss and sedum

• Moss and sedum and herbs
• Sedum and grass and herbs
• Grasses and herbs

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Advantages
 Lightweight. Roof generally does not require reinforcement.
 Suitable for large areas.
 Low maintenance and long life.
 Often no need for irrigation and specialized drainage systems.
 Often suitable for retrofit projects.
 Can leave vegetation to grow spontaneously.
 Relatively inexpensive.
 Looks more natural.

Disadvantages
 Less energy efficiency and storm water retention benefits.
 More limited choice of plants.
 Unattractive to some, especially in winter.

Semi-intensive Green Roof

 Intermediate type.
 Depth ranges from 6 to 10 inches.
 Grasses, herbaceous, perennials and shrubs can be grown.
 Requires more maintenance.
 Higher initial cost.

A semi-intensive green roof system is characterized by small herbaceous plants,

ground covers, grasses and small shrubs, requiring moderate
maintenance and occasional irrigation. A typical growing medium depth for a
semi-intensive green roof is 6 to 12 inches. This system is able to retain more storm
water than an extensive system and provides the potential to host a richer
ecology. Though higher in maintenance, this green roof system also provides the
potential for a formal garden effect.

Intensive Green Roof

An intensive green roof system is characterized by its variety of vegetation ranging
from herbaceous plants to small trees with professional maintenance and advanced

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green roof irrigation systems. A typical growing medium depth of an intensive

green roof is 6 inches or more. Intensive green roofs offer a great potential for
design and biodiversity. This system supports everything from small personal/home
gardens to full scale public parks. Plant selection and design greatly affects the
maintenance required for the upkeep of these roofs. Rooftop farms, urban roof farms
or vegetable farms on roofs are clearly intensive green roofs and require higher
nutrient applications and focused maintenance

Features
Deep soil, irrigation system, more favourable conditions for plants, high plant
diversity, often accessible.
 Overall depth : 150-1500mm
 Supports trees and shrubs.
 Initial investment is high.
 Heavier than both the types.
 Requires more maintenance.
 Maximum weight : 200kg/sq.m
• Wide range of plants and trees.
 Regular irrigation.
 Regular maintenance.
 Often indistinguishable from natural gardens.
 Usually a mixture of hard and soft landscaping.
 Good insulation properties.

Used for

• Natural gardens
• Recreation and sport
• Growing food

Planting

• Lawn
• Shrubs

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• Edible plants
• Generalist perennials and grasses
• Small deciduous trees and conifers

Advantages
 Greater diversity of plants and habitats.
 Good insulation properties.
 Cab be made very attractive visually.
 More diverse utilization of the roof i.e. for recreation, growing food.
 More energy efficiency and storm water retention capability.
 Longer membrane life.

Disadvantages
 Greater weight loading on roof.
 Need for irrigation and drainage systems requiring energy, water, materials.
 Higher capital and maintenance costs.

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Construction

The basic build up of a green roof is three layered: drainage, filter and vegetation
layer. Each layer needs to fulfil several functions to decrease the height and the
weight of the overall build-up.

Vegetation

Type of planting depends on depth of the growing medium layer as well as other
factors. (see above)

Growing medium

Grain size, water retention, air volume, weight and nutrient reserves. The soil needs
to be stable, not prone to settlement, well aerated even with water saturation and free
of weeds.

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Drainage

This layer retains drains water off the roof, protects the root proof layer from being
mechanically damaged, retains water for times of drought and provides the substrate
with a balanced supply of water and air.

Insulation

Warm roof rigid insulation.

Root membrane

This prevents roots from damaging the waterproofing. The membranes specification
depends on the planned landscape and the slope of the roof.

Green Roof System Components

Green roofs consist of both horticulture elements and traditional roofing components.
There are three distinct layers in a green roof from the bottom namely;
1. Structural layer
2. Growing media
3. Vegetative layer

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 Roof Deck
The most important layer on a green roof is its decking which can be concrete, wood,
metal, plastic, gypsum or composite as it determines whether the structure is capable
of taking the load of the green roof.

Waterproofing
The primary purpose of waterproofing is to keep the unwanted moisture from rain
and condensation away from the structure below.

 Insulation
The roof is the primary location for heat transfer and the insulation restricts the
transfer of heat energy through the roof by creating a barrier between spaces of
different temperature.

 Protection layer
As green roofs contain living and growing materials, a protection layer and a root
barrier are one of the most important elements of the assembly. As roots grow they
can penetrate the waterproofing membrane and create leak locations. The root barrier
placed above the membrane ensures that no roots pass through and harm the
membrane. A protection layer shields the waterproofing membrane from damage
after it has been installed.

 Drainage and retention layer

A drainage course allows moisture to move laterally thorough the green roof system.
It prevents over-saturation, ensures root ventilation and provides additional space for
the roots to grow. It is a porous, continuous layer over the entire roof surface just
above the concrete slab.

 Root Permeable filter layer

This layer separates the growing medium fro drainage layer and protects the medium
from shifting and washing away. It restricts the flow of fine soil particles and other
contaminates while allowing water to pass through freely to avoid clogging.

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Heat Island Effect

The urban heat island is the overheating of urban and suburban areas, relative to the
surrounding countryside, due to increased paved, built-over, and hard surface areas.

The term "heat island" describes built up areas that are hotter than nearby rural areas.
The annual mean air temperature of a city with 1 million people or more can be
1.8–5.4°F (1–3°C) warmer than its surroundings. In the evening, the difference can
be as high as 22°F (12°C). Heat islands can affect communities by increasing
summertime peak energy demand, air conditioning costs, air pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions, heat-related illness and mortality, and water quality.
Elevated temperatures from urban heat islands, particularly during the summer, can
affect a community’s environment and quality of life. While some impacts may be
beneficial, such as lengthening the plant-growing season, the majority of them are
negative. These impacts include:

 Increased energy consumption

 Elevated emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases
 Compromised human health and comfort
 Impaired water quality.

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Increased Energy Consumption

Elevated summertime temperatures in cities increase energy demand for cooling.
Research shows that electricity demand for cooling increases 1.5–2.0% for every 1°F
(0.6°C) increase in air temperatures, starting from 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C),
suggesting that 5–10% of community-wide demand for electricity is used to
compensate for the heat island effect.
Urban heat islands increase overall electricity demand, as well as peak demand,
which generally occurs on hot summer weekday afternoons, when offices and homes
are running cooling systems, lights, and appliances. During extreme heat events,
which are exacerbated by urban heat islands, the resulting demand for cooling can
overload systems and require a utility to institute controlled, rolling brownouts or
blackouts to avoid power outages.

Elevated Emissions of Air Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases

As described above, urban heat islands raise demand for electrical energy in summer.
Companies that supply electricity typically rely on fossil fuel power plants to meet
much of this demand, which in turn leads to an increase in air pollutant and
greenhouse gas emissions. The primary pollutants from power plants include:
These pollutants are harmful to human health and also contribute to complex air
quality problems such as the formation of ground-level ozone (smog), fine particulate
matter, and acid rain. Increased use of fossil-fuel-powered plants also increases
emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), which contribute
to global climate change.
In addition to their impact on energy-related emissions, elevated temperatures can
directly increase the rate of ground-level ozone formation. Ground-level ozone is
formed when and volatile organic compounds react in the presence of sunlight and
hot weather. If all other variables are equal, such as the level of precursor emissions
in the air and wind speed and direction, more ground-level ozone will form as the
environment becomes sunnier and hotter.

Compromised Human Health and Comfort

Increased daytime temperatures, reduced nighttime cooling, and higher air pollution
levels associated with urban heat islands can affect human health by contributing to

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general discomfort, respiratory difficulties, heat cramps and exhaustion, non-fatal

heat stroke, and heat-related mortality.
Heat islands can also exacerbate the impact of heat waves, which are periods of
abnormally hot, and often humid, weather. Sensitive populations, such as children,
older adults, and those with existing health conditions, are at particular risk from
these events.
Excessive heat events, or abrupt and dramatic temperature increases, are particularly
dangerous and can result in above-average rates of mortality. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention estimates that from 1979–2003, excessive heat exposure
contributed to more than 8,000 premature deaths in the United States. This figure
exceeds the number of moralities resulting from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes,
floods, and earthquakes combined.

Impaired Water Quality

High pavement and rooftop surface temperatures can heat storm water runoff. Tests
have shown that pavements that are 100ºF (38°C) can elevate initial rainwater
temperature from roughly 70ºF (21ºC) to over 95ºF (35ºC). This heated storm water
generally becomes runoff, which drains into storm sewers and raises water
temperatures as it is released into streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes.
Water temperature affects all aspects of aquatic life, especially the metabolism and
reproduction of many aquatic species. Rapid temperature changes in aquatic
ecosystems resulting from warm storm water runoff can be particularly stressful,
even fatal to aquatic life.

Heat Island Effect can be reduced by Terrace Garden

 As roof tops make up a significant percentage of the reflective non vegetated
surfaces in the city.
 Introduction of greenery through green roofs in the urban areas can reduce
impervious surfaces and soften streets-capes.
 Plants use heat energy for evapo-transpiration to achieve a cooling effect. By
reducing the heat gain through the roof ambient temperature is lowered leading
to less energy consumption.
 Internal building temperature by 0.5℃

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 Reduces electricity consumption for air conditioning.

 Roof life longevity

Green roofs help to protect roofing membranes from extreme temperature
fluctuations, the negative impact of ultraviolet radiation.
 Aesthetic benefit
Green roofs can play an important role in providing recreational spaces in urban
regions where there is little ground level green areas. As these spaces are visible from
many vantage points, it adds to the visual character of the urban fabric.

 Energy efficiency and temperature control

The greater insulation offered by terrace garden can reduce the amount of energy
needed in a building.

 Food production
Roof surfaces offer the opportunity for growing food, particularly in high density
urban areas where garden space may be limited. Food producing plants can substitute
for ornamental plants in conventional roof gardens.

 Air cleaning
Green roofs filter out fine, airborne particulate matter as the air passes over the plants.
Airborne particulates tend to get trapped in the surface areas of the greenery.

 Sound insulation/controls noise pollution

Hard surfaces of urban areas reflect sound and are unable to absorb it. Green roofs
due to the vegetation absorb sound waves.

Green roof - A case of Nagpur

Residence of Mr.Ashok Agarwal at Sadar
 The terrace garden is developed on the 6th floor.
 Approximate area of terrace garden is 200sq.m
 Garden developed is extensive type.

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 Slab depth 600mm with waterproofing.

 Studying climate of Nagpur which lies in composite climate zone of India where
maximum temperature is around 48℃ and minimum temperature is around 25℃
during sunshine hours.
 Construction material remains same which is used in any other part of India. The
type may vary depending upon the slab/requirement of the user.

 Type of vegetation according to climate of Nagpur - the type of vegetation

mainly depends upon the type of terrace garden which is to be developed (ex.
Intensive oe Extensive type) The plants with roots growing in vertical direction
are not recommended.
 Does type (Terrace garden) change according to building typology? - The type of
terrace garden does not change according to the building typology. It changes as
per the demand of the user. In Nagpur where the temperature in summer is up to
48 degree, it is recommended to have more soil depth, the better the plants are
insulated from high surface temperatures by the cooler soil below.
 Potential of terrace garden in residential building/bungalow.

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 A terrace garden in a bungalow gives an opportunity of practicing organic

farming.
 In Nagpur where the summers are extremely hot, terrace gardens reduce the
interior temperature by 2 to 6 percent.
 It can be used as recreational space.
 Reduction of energy consumption.
 Terrace gardens last longer than conventional roof.

Benefits of Green Roof

A green roof has many benefits at economic, ecological and societal levels. A green
roof provides a rainwater buffer, purifies the air, reduces the ambient temperature,
regulates the indoor temperature, saves energy and encourages biodiversity in the
city. Green roofs are part of climate-proof construction. What's more, people are
happier in a green environment than in gray surroundings. Below we explain the
benefits one by one.

Provides a rainwater buffer

A green roof absorbs rain water by the water buffering in the plants, substrate and
drainage layer. This delays the discharge of rainwater to the sewage system, purifies
the rainwater, and water also evaporates through the plants. This all helps to stabilize
the groundwater level, reduces the peak load on the sewage system and reduces the
risk of flooding.

Purifies the air

The plants in a green roof filter particulate matter from the air and convert CO2 into
oxygen. With a green roof you are contributing to air purification.

Reduces the ambient temperature

Plants absorb sunlight, 50% is absorbed and 30% reflected; so this helps to create a
cooler and more pleasant climate. For the indoor climate this means that the air
conditioning doesn't have to work so hard, which in turn means energy savings. And
this too has an extra positive effect on the climate in the immediate vicinity of your

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building and on the temperature in the city. Overall, it means a 3°C temperature
reduction in the city.

Increases solar panel efficiency

A green roof reduces the temperature on the roof. Thanks to this cooler roof, the
efficiency of solar panels is higher and so you reduce your total energy costs.

Reduces ambient noise outside and inside

A green roof acts as a sound barrier to your building. It absorbs sound and thus
provides a quieter environment, both inside and outside your building.

Extends life span of roof

A green roof protects the roofing material from external influences such as the sun,
rain, wind and temperature fluctuations and doubles or triples the life span of your
roof to up to 60 years or even longer. You will recoup the investment in your green
roof within 8 to 21 years.

Adds value to the building

The natural and sustainable appearance, combined with a reduction in energy costs
and extension of the life span of your roof, means an increase in value of your
property.

Increases biodiversity
The Sedums, herbs, grasses or host plants that are included in the a green roof
promote the habitat of birds, butterflies and insects, especially in the city
environment which is mainly concrete and asphalt

Creates fire-resistant layer

Plants naturally contain a lot of moisture. With a green roof you create a natural
fire-resistant layer on your house or office building.

Increases the feeling of well-being

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Living and working in a green environment has a positive effect on the well-being of
people. Greenery offers relaxation and reduces stress.

Offers healing environment

Greenery encourages faster recovery for patients, resulting in a shorter hospital stay.
A persons tolerance of pain is higher in a green environment. This is also known as
a ‘healing environment’.

More social interaction, less vandalism

Working or living in a green environment brings people together. A green
environment gives a higher perceived and user experience. This has a positive effect
on social cohesion in neighborhoods. Areas with more greenery suffer less hinder
from aggression, violence and vandalism.

Direct-green, low maintenance

Using vegetation blankets you can create a green roof with a direct-green result. The
mats are carefully pre-cultivated and on delivery boast 90% coverage. This means
that weeds hardly get a chance to establish themselves and the maintenance required
is negligible.

Saves time and money

In contrast to planting a green roof with individual plug plants, laying a green roof
using vegetation blankets is quick and easy to realize. And the subsequent
maintenance is minimal. That means you save time and money.

Erosion protection
On roofs exposed to a great deal of wind pre-cultivated vegetation blankets ensure
that the substrate will not be blown away in a storm. These provide a solid and
erosion-resistant top layer to the green roof. Hence soil erosion can be reduced by
adopting green roof method.

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Limitations of Green Roof

A greater expense than traditional roofs

Unfortunately for green roofs, they do tend to be slightly more expensive than the
traditional option. One of the significant reasons for this being the extra support
required to handle the increased load. However, despite the greater initial setback,
over time these green roofs more than make up for the outlay. When you consider the
range of incredible benefits highlighted earlier, there should be no reason to allow
cost to play a determining role in your decision.

An increase in weight load

There’s no doubt about it, green roofs are heavier and as such, require more structural
support to be implemented. Typically, the addition of a green roof will add between
50 and 200kg/metre squared to an existing rooftop. Although some rooftops will need
to be retrofitted to cope with the increase in load, fortunately flat roofs are often able
to handle this capacity.

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Require extra maintenance

There seems to be much debate as to the full extent of maintenance required for a
green roof, however what’s clear is you’ll need to do some work to ensure it remains
a thriving atmosphere. You should treat your green roof as a garden and as such, it
will require watering, feeding and weeding. You could undertake this yourself or
even employ someone to take care of the space. Either way, it’s great to keep on top
of this brilliant green area.

Conclusion
As the world is heading towards the depletion of natural resources and the loss of
forest/garden area due to urbanization, there is a dire need of terrace gardens. Due to
the population explosion with a house for every citizen in the country, all the open
areas are eaten away by concrete buildings. This has created the ecological imbalance,
which can cause tremendous harm to our future generations. When we cannot avoid
utilizing open spaces on the ground for the construction of buildings and other
utilities, then at least open spaces available above these buildings can be utilized for
plantations and gardens to minimize the ecological imbalance, if not eliminate it
altogether. There are many benefits of these terrace gardens, such as waste recycling,
ecological benefits, energy conservation, water conservation, decorative enhancement
of buildings, occupant’s health benefits and attracting birds and insects.
 Effective for beautifying the built environment.
 Enhances good designs.
 Disguises bad designs.
 Physiological effect.
 Provides a visual relief.
 Relaxation and restoration.
 Ideal architectural combination of aesthetics, ecology and economy.
 Technology for mitigating environmental issues.
 Supports sustainable urban planning.
 Improves quality of urban life.

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