Next week, contractors will begin installation of a planted roof atop 1200 Avenue at Port Imperial. The 103-unit, seven-story building is part of the $2 billion master-planned Port Imperial South Community, located along the Hudson River. Lennar, owners of the previously-opened 1000 Avenue at Port Imperial and 1200 Avenue at Port Imperial, are installing their second green roof as construction nears completion at the second of four condominium buildings planned at The Avenue Collection.
The newest community offers skyline views for 75 percent of the building. In addition to a host of social and health amenities, a third-floor outdoor plaza will feature an open lawn, planting areas, seating, fire pit, sundeck and pool. On Monday, September 28, contractors will begin installing a 21,600 square foot LiveRoof brand system, which will feature a patterned mix of red and gold low-growing sedums. Ornamental grasses will also be used to block view of rooftop mechanical equipment from adjacent windows and seating areas.
Green roofs provide nature function and beauty. A patented, subterranean modular system unites the soil and plants creating a naturally beautiful meadow-like aesthetic. The roofs provide aesthetic, environmental and social benefits. Financial benefits can also be achieved from a vegetative roof including: extension of roof life, energy conservation, enhanced public relations, and conservation of municipal septic systems. The rooftop garden will provide important stormwater management as required by local legislation.
“Although the green roof is required, we believe it is an important feature to our communities as it supports environmental stewardship and provides significant aesthetic value. Lennar fully supports greening efforts and the positive effect the planted roof will have on the local community.”
Lennar contracted with several organizations to complete the vegetative roof project including Belle Associates (General Contractor), Handel Architects, Melillo & Bauer (Landscape Architects) and FM Improvements, who installed the planted roof.
Using locally sourced plants and soil, the custom-grown green roof for 1200 Avenue was cultivated approximately 150 miles from Weehawken by LiveRoof licensed grower Creek Hill Nursery of Leola, PA.
“As Port Imperial’s 1200 Avenue green roof will be highly visible, the project team demands both a functional and beautiful solution,” said Ron Strasko, owner of Creek Hill Nursery. “We worked with the design team to develop custom blends of proven plants that both support engaging design and are adapted to perform in this rooftop microclimate.”
The LiveRoof brand green roof system was also used to plant the rooftops of other nearby Lennar developments, including 1000 Avenue at Port Imperial and Henley on Hudson.
Reporters are invited to view the installation of the 1200 Avenue green roof system next week.
