In the modest interior streets of South Bangalore, I observed an unsung green roof. The verandah of an ancient temple, is shaded by the humble foliage of a single tree. The roof area shaded was approximately 50 feet by 25 feet, that is, 1250 square feet. It is a two layered roof, the under layer being a thin steel grill covered on top with the thick green living roof.
This could well be called an example of a carbon positive roof, wherein the roof elements are absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. There is no compromise on the shading and air quality of the large veranda space.
With huge savings in embodied energy used to construct the structure with thin stone pillars and a steel mesh supporting roof, it stands as an unsung example of how we need to truly imagine green architecture. Semi open spaces with living plant elements can make an excellent sustainable choice for the serious practitioner. A single medium sized tree has been able to cover over 1000 square feet area with dense foliage.
The age old practice of semi open space architecture with the importance given to Jagali/ street facing semi open seating spaces were a way of helping people socialise in an era where mobile phones were not a norm. Spending more time in the natural environment with the sun falling on ones shoulder and the wind blowing on the face, conversation and connectivity developed. In the context of holistic sustainability where the social and environmental aspects are considered, natural living roofing can be a practical, implementable concept in harmony with nature. The possibilities in exploring further are numerous.
