LEED Certified

 

A 53,000 sf expanse of yellow, pink and white sedum is perched 10 stories above the streets of downtown Detroit creating the first vegetated roof in the City and the second largest continuous green roof in Michigan.

The vegetated roof reduces heat islands; extends the lifespan of the deck structure by shielding it from direct contact with water, snow and ice;  eliminates the need for chemicals for snow and ice removal; and protects the underlying roofing membrane layers from UV exposure.  

 

The  green roof system also collects rainwater that is filtered by the vegetation and drainage filter layers, which is then stored in a 10’ diameter 164’ long underground precast concrete cistern.  In addition to the collected rainwater from the roof of the new parking deck, the collected rainwater from the roofs of the other adjacent buildings as well as the renovated plaza drainage is combined into this underground tank.  Drawing water from this tank through irrigation pumps and filters reduces the use of potable water for campus site irrigation.  Collecting and reusing this water reduces the amount of storm water introduced into the City system and enhances the protection to the whole campus from flooding.

 

Beyond the vegetated roof and cistern, the project employs a variety of environmentally friendly strategies.  Building the parking structure is one factor in creating a compact, dense use that makes room for open space.  The structure itself is made out of concrete and a small amount of steel, both of which are recycled products that were harvested at local concrete plants.  The 1/10th mile rooftop walking track utilizes pavers constructed of recycled material, and the light fixtures in the deck contain sensors that deactivate parking bays exposed to sufficient natural light.  Sustainable strategies were also incorporated in the conversion of the 8,000 sf interior space including low VOC paints, sealants and carpeting.

 

Click here for an overview description of the parking structure