Projects in NZ

Location: Waitakere Civic Centre, Waitakere, NZ

Client: Waitakere Civic Council

Architect: Architectus and Athfield Architects

Project Manager/Contractor: Canam Construction

Development Type: New Waitakere Civic Centre building

Client Brief: To manage stormwater runoff from the council building, increase energy efficiency and to contribute to native biodiversity.

Completion: June 2006

Green roof Design: The roof is a flat 500sqm garden planted with 10 types of native plant, iris and sand dune coprosma. Special clay balls, imported from Germany, were used in the substrate. These balls are very lightweight but help to retain water. It is believed to be the first green roof on a civic building in New Zealand, as well as the largest native roof. The roof is expected to halve water runoff during storms, clean normal runoff, and provide food and habitat for native insects and birds. The Council wishes to create a habitat suitable for skinks and plan to set some free on the roof in the not too distant future.

Comments: In June 2009 and in June 2010 the team at Greenroofs Ltd revisited the green roof to install Ecorain irrigation mat underneath all of the existing green roof. Additional growing medium and plants were also added. This rehabilitation work is to ensure that the roof becomes a perfect habitat for the planned release of skinks.