NEW LONDON ROOFSCAPE WINS ARUP AWARD

A competition entry from desitecture collaborator Lee Miles has won a major award from Arup Engineers and Hermes Real Estate.

The competition, known as Hermes RE:Design, was entirely focused upon providing sustainable design interventions for Londons high rise rooftops. The overriding aim was to reduce the carbon contributions that have been predicted to increase gradually as the city grows.

The winning concept was fundamentally very simple and is focused around meeting three key aims:
1) Utilise the large mass of usable flat roof terrace space in London.
2) Limit the skyward growth of taller structures within the city.
3) Ensure all structures have the capability to be fitted/retro-fitted with a design that cut backs emissions.

The design comprises a set of pre-fab parts that can be constructed easily on top of any building, minus the need for any engineering expertise, cranes or heavy plant.

Once fitted the design can evolve and grow accordingly. From a fractal floor plate system arms can be installed that support plant growth and green roofs. Green roofs are incredibly important in slowing the effects of climate change as they cool down the city in what is known as a urban heat island; the heat generated in cities is often retained in the concrete. A green roof effectively cools this. As well as this they also benefit nearby solar panels and encourage biodiversity.

Longer term the design could form part of a new skyline pedestrian transport system, that would further reduce carbon emissions by reducing the number of car trips required to cross the city. The solar panels fitted nearby will also help provide power and energy to the buildings.

The project was selected by Arup and Hermes Real Estate for the award 'Most Imaginative Design' and will be presented before a selected audience at an awards ceremony Nov. 6th.