Green thoughts in a green shade
The other night I and a small group of neighbours went to visit a local water mill that has been beautifully restored. While I was walking around the outside as the evening light faded, I noticed this shed, and especially its roof, which is covered with corrugated iron – regular readers will know this is one of my favourite materials. Whether by accident or design, the corrugated covering of this roof has become home to a green carpet of moss, grass, and other plants. An informal green roof is the result.
Green roofs are quite fashionable these days. Their construction usually involves several layers of different materials to protect the roof structure from vapour, water, and roots, as well as a substrate in which to grow the plants. This one, as far as I can see, is just a sheet of corrugated metal with plants growing on it – hence my use of the word ‘informal’. It’s not going to last for ever, but this roof with its covering of greenery is a happy addition to this workshop down a secluded lane surrounded and shaded by trees.
If the shed is being used as a workshop, nature's work makes excellent insulation. We discovered this when travelling in Norway many years ago and stopped in a camping hut overnight. In fact it was so hot that sleep was very hard to come by!
ReplyDeleteBikerted: It certainly looks warm in there.
ReplyDeleteNo one can say this site is not eclectic Phillip!
ReplyDeleteComing to think of it I have an old half-ruined garden shed where nature is trying to take over; I'm rather fond of it.
At least it's more attractive than solar panels on a roof.
Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Thanks, Bazza! All architectural life is here.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a few photos of the water mill? Best wishes!
ReplyDelete