University of Auckland

University of Auckland – School of Engineering

The first green roof to be planted in Auckland, Greenroofs Ltd were thrilled to be part of this forward-thinking research project. Planted on top of the university’s School of Engineering building on Symonds Street, the roof is designed as part of an Auckland Regional Council-funded study. Initial results showed the roof was soaking up around 75% of rainfall. A reading taken between 5 September- 5 October 2008 recorded 101mm of rain, seven storms and only 25mm runoff.

Location: University of Auckland Engineering Tower, Symonds Street, Auckland, NZ
Client: University of Auckland
Project Manager/ Contractor: N/A
Development Type: University Building
Client Brief: To monitor the performance of a green roof in terms of reducing stormwater runoff and to determine the best plants and materials to retrofit existing buildings with green roofs.

Green roof Design

The area of the roof is 225m2. The green roof is split into different areas containing a number of plant types including natives, sedum and an area is covered with the Greenroofs Ltd Mat System. There are also a number of different types and depths of substrate.

The university have been monitoring the performance of the different areas with regards to growth of the plants used and the retention of water. Tests to-date show strong results that the roof soaks up around 75% of rainfall.
Comments: Auckland Regional Council has funded this project. Greenroofs Ltd provided the plug plants, Greenroofs Ltd Mat System, as well as technical advice and support on the green roof installation.
Completion: August 2006