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Sandburg goes green
Construction of green roof begins
By Marlyn Fink
One of the many benefits of the new roof is storm water retention, which means that excess water from rain and thunderstorms would not be going down the storm sewer. Instead it would be soaked up by the roof.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s own Sandburg Residence Hall will soon construct one of the leading green roofs in the state of Wisconsin.
The green addition to Sandburg will cover the roofs of the commons area and penthouse.
Green roofs are known to have an abundance of benefits tied to them, including increased insulation and energy savings, reducing air pollution and providing a home for wildlife, among others.
According to Dave Piesch, the building superintendent for Sandburg, the idea for the green roof began about three years ago when UWM architecture professor Jim Wasley proposed the plan.
One of the many benefits of the new roof is storm water retention, which means that excess water from rain and thunderstorms would not be going down the storm sewer. Instead it would be soaked up by the roof and its plant life. Wasley thought the commons roof would be a perfect place for storm water retention.
“What really intrigued me was the aesthetic feature,” Piesch said. “I bought into the idea quick and really pushed for it.”
Initial construction of the project began over the week of spring break and will continue until late June or early July of this year, Piesch predicts, although he said it will probably take a good two years for the project to be completed fully.
The roof will be composed of several layers, the first being a waterproof membrane. Next comes approximately four inches of artificial soil, and finally vegetation will be answered. A plant called Sedum will cover the roof; Piesch describes Sedum as ground-hugging, low maintenance and coming in many different varieties. Piesch is hoping to incorporate many variations and possibly add some annual plants to enhance the color scheme.
The costs are extremely high for building a green roof. Piesch stated that the total cost for the Sandburg green roof is over $900,000. If the same area were being covered by a normal roof, the cost would be about $500,000.
As for now, the green roof will not be accessible for student use. However, Piesch foresees making it available for use in the future and admits it definitely has the capabilities with the addition of railings or barricades prior to opening it.
The new roof will bring a great deal of character to Sandburg, not to mention a beautiful view for residents. It may also let the rest of the state know that UWM is doing what it can to improve the environment. Perhaps this project will persuade other universities to consider pursuing a similar one of their own.
Piesch is enthusiastic about the construction and ultimately believes that in the future the roof could be a wonderful place for residents to escape to.
“With all the robberies that have been happening lately, it might be a nice place to hangout,” Piesch says with a smile.
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