SEPP 65 - Apartment Design Guide

04 I Building4F Planting on structuresPlanting on structures is where plants are on top of builtstructures such as basement car parks, podiums, roofsand walls. Planting on structures can provide amenity,improve air quality and micro climate, and reduce directenergy use and stormwater runoff. It can also supplementdeep soil planting on sites where opportunities for this arelimited or restricted, e.g. in high density areas.Common ways of planting on structures include greenroofs, green walls, raised planters and roof top gardens.Plants grown in these situations are subject to a rangeof environmental stresses that affect both the health andvigour of the plants. Designing soil profiles, irrigationand systems that provide adequate oxygen, water andnutrients is crucial to ensure plant survival.Figure 4F.1Green walls and/or facades make positive contributions to theenvironment and to urban amenity more generally. They canalso improve the sustainability performance of a buildingTable 4Minimum soil standards for plant types and sizesPlant type Definition Soil volume Soil depth Soil areaLarge trees 12-18m high, 16m crown spread at maturity 150m 3 1200mm 10m x 10m or equivalentMedium trees 8-12m high, 8m crown spread at maturity 35m 3 1000mm 6m x 6m or equivalentSmall trees 6-8m high, 4m crown spread at maturity 9m 3 800mm 3.5m x 3.5m or equivalentShrubsGround coverTurf500-600mm300-450mm200mmNote: The above has been calculated assuming fortnightly irrigation. Any sub-surface drainage requirements are in addition to the above minimum soil depths86 DRAFT | Apartment Design Guide I September 2014