Green Roof Solutions for Innovative Architecture

Transforming Urban Spaces with Sustainable Green Roof Systems

Rethink Your Roof Design with Oasis Rooftops

For architects aiming to create environmentally harmonious spaces, Oasis Rooftops offers green roof solutions that combine sustainability with design flexibility. As specialists in green roofing, we support projects that redefine urban landscapes and boost environmental value. Whether you’re working on residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments, our green roof systems offer unique advantages that align with both ecological values and urban resilience.

Benefits of Intergrating Green Roofs in Urban Design

Stormwater Management

Reduces runoff, mitigating urban flood risks and alleviating pressure on drainage systems.

Reduces Energy Consumption

Green roofs act as natural insulators, reducing energy consumption for cooling in summer and heating in winter.

Encourages Biodiversity

Provides habitats for pollinators and small wildlife, contributing to urban ecosystem balance.

Improves Air Quality

Plants filter airborne pollutants, improving overall air quality within urban settings.

Aesthetically Beautiful

Transforms unused rooftops into visually appealing, functional spaces.

Types of Green Roof Systems for Architectural Excellence

Extensive

Ideal for Lightweight and Low-Maintenance for Modern Designs

Extensive green roofs offer a shallow growing medium with drought-tolerant plants like sedum and grasses. These roofs are lightweight, cost-effective, and need minimal maintenance.

  • Best Suited For: Spaces requiring a low-maintenance green roof that integrates seamlessly without significant structural alterations.
  • Key Benefits: Efficient stormwater management, increased roof lifespan, aesthetic improvement and ecological enhancement with minimal upkeep.

Intensive

Ideal for Complex Landscapes for High-Impact Spaces

With a deeper substrate, intensive green roofs support a diverse plant range, including trees, shrubs, and flowers. These garden-like spaces can include pathways and seating areas, providing both aesthetic and functional outdoor spaces.

  • Best Suited For: Projects designed to accommodate additional weight and prioritise recreational green spaces.
  • Key Benefits: Enhanced biodiversity, recreational space potential, and improved air quality through increased plant coverage.

Bio-Solar

Ideal for Integrating Renewable Energy with Green Roofing

This hybrid system combines solar panels with a green roof, offering dual sustainability benefits. Vegetation helps cool solar panels naturally, therefore improving energy efficiency.

  • Best Suited For: Projects aiming to maximise sustainability and energy efficiency.
  • Key Benefits: Reduced energy costs, improved building insulation, and a multifunctional rooftop that maximises space usage.

Bio-Diverse

Ideal for Encouraging Biodiversity

Also known as Brown roofs, these eco-roofs use varied growing mediums to encourage natural plant colonisation, fostering habitats for local wildlife. Natural materials like pebbles, logs, boulders and branches create an inviting environment for native flora and fauna.

  • Best Suited For: Urban projects focused on ecological restoration and biodiversity.
  • Key Benefits: Wildlife habitat creation, urban biodiversity support, and ecological value through habitat restoration.

When incorporating green roofs, several factors can impact design and functionality:

Structural Load-Bearing Capacity:

Green roofs add weight to a structure, and it’s crucial to assess the building’s load-bearing capacity early in the design phase, especially when considering roof pitch and available space.  

A pitched roof under 10 degrees is typical for green roofs, where a minimum slope of 1:60 supports natural drainage.

In terms of load, extensive green roofs generally supports between 50-200kg per square metre, while intensive green roofs, due to their greater plant diversity and depth, can bear 390-730kg per square metre. Loads should always account for saturation weight.

Extensive green roofs are ideal for lightweight or low-rise structures, while intensive systems may require robust steel or concrete support, particularly if the design includes large plants, trees, or amenity spaces for public use.

Waterproofing and Drainage Solutions:

Green roofs require reliable waterproofing to protect the roof structure from water damage and moisture build-up. A specialised waterproof membrane protects the underlying structure from water damage, while an integrated drainage layer manages water flow, reducing the load during heavy rainfall and aiding stormwater management. Additionally, drainage solutions should allow excess water to drain while retaining enough moisture for plant health, striking a balance between hydration and water protection. For compliance and longevity, it’s advisable to consult local regulations, especially for larger projects, as extensive drainage management may be required.

Stormwater Management:

Green roofs significantly reduce stormwater runoff by storing water in the substrate, which plants then absorb and return to the atmosphere. This can alleviate pressure on city drainage systems, reduce flood risks, and help to purify rainwater by filtering out pollutants.

Extensive green roofs typically meet stormwater management regulations and generally don’t require irrigation beyond the first 4-6 weeks of establishment.

Intensive green roofs, which include deeper substrates and water-dependent vegetation, may require ongoing irrigation. In some cases, moisture blankets or geotextile membranes are specified to support plant hydration.

Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency:

Green roofs provide natural insulation, helping to regulate building temperature by preventing heat gain in summer and retaining warmth in winter. This reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling, enhancing energy efficiency. The added insulation can be a significant asset in urban areas, helping to lower operational costs while contributing to sustainable energy goals.

Planning Consent and Permissions:

Designing a green roof may support planning consent, particularly for developments with a focus on sustainability. In certain cases, green roofs can be retrofitted without specific permissions, but consulting with local planning authorities is advised if there are uncertainties. Gaining approval for green roof designs can demonstrate a commitment to ecological responsibility, making it a favourable consideration in planning applications.

Maintenance and Accessibility:

The level of maintenance varies with roof type. Extensive green roofs are typically low-maintenance, making them ideal for clients with limited upkeep requirements. Intensive green roofs, on the other hand, demand more care, especially if they include recreational spaces or diverse plant types. Additionally, if the roof will be accessed frequently, pathways or structural reinforcements may be needed to handle foot traffic.

Fire Safety and Compliance:

Fire resistance is an important safety consideration in green roof design. Some plants and materials can act as fire retardants, while others may pose a fire risk, particularly in dry climates. Choosing appropriate, fire-resistant vegetation and materials can help ensure compliance with safety regulations, especially in commercial or multi-story buildings.

Aesthetic and Functional Goals:

Green roofs provide flexible design opportunities to align with aesthetic and functional goals. They can transform rooftops into usable outdoor spaces, enhancing views and creating recreational areas. This versatility is especially appealing for residential and commercial buildings aiming to blend green spaces with urban structures. Thoughtful plant selection can enhance year-round visual appeal while supporting environmental functionality.

Why Partner with Oasis Rooftops?

Oasis Rooftops is an established leader in green roofing solutions, offering architects a trusted partnership to achieve sustainable and high-performing designs.

Experienced, Certified Leadership

Oasis Rooftops is led by Kalpesh Raval, a Lantra-certified professional and Skilled Worker CSCS cardholder specialising in green roof installation.

Trusted GRO Contractor Member

As a proud GRO Contractor Member, Oasis Rooftops is committed to dedicated to best practices and quality standards within the green roof industry, ensuring that each project we undertake aligns with the rigorous standards of the Green Roof Organisation (GRO)

Expert Guidance

With extensive experience in green roof design and installation, we assist architects through each stage—from planning and design considerations to installation and maintenance.

Diverse Green Roofing Solutions

We offer a full range of green roof systems, from lightweight, low-maintenance extensive roofs to complex, biodiverse intensive systems, customised to meet the unique needs of each project.

Commitment to Sustainability and Biodiversity

Our green roofs are designed not only for aesthetic appeal but also to support biodiversity, improve air quality, and contribute to urban sustainability.

Long-Term Partnership

Oasis Rooftops is dedicated to providing architects with reliable, ongoing support to ensure each green roof performs optimally over its lifespan.

See our work

Projects

Oasis Rooftops is here to support architects in creating sustainable, resilient designs.

From consultation to installation, our team provides the expertise needed to make green roofing a successful component of your project.

enquiry received

Thank you for your enquiry, one of our team will get back to you within 24 hours.