Winter 2023

BIOSOLAR ROOFS
>>> Continued from page 20
Case study: Parsloes Park,
Dagenham
Contractor Etec Group asked Axter to
join the team completing a new public
sports centre. For planning reasons, the
development needed to meet stipulated
minimums of area assigned as a green
roof, and also PV output.
The only way to achieve this was by
utilising a biosolar system to ballast
the array, in combination with Axter’s
HydroSoil Sedum roof in areas where
solar isn’t present, which allows a
greater area to be covered in substrate
and flora, while also delivering the
required number of solar units. This
ballast approach has the added benefit
of anchoring the frame-mounted panels
securely without any penetrations
that could potentially compromise the
underlying waterproofing.
In this case, another supplier of
photovoltaics was already on board, and
we were able to integrate their solar units
seamlessly into our biosolar system, as
our frame mounts can be used either
with our Crystalline PV panels or to hold
any compatible PV that is chosen.
Axter also supplied Cityflor
waterproofing. PV cabling
was safely routed in raised
cable trays mounted on
protective supports that
maintain drainage, do not
encourage the build-up
of roof debris, and protect
the waterproof membrane
from damage. Roofing work by Axteraccredited
installer Hambro Roofing was
completed in October, with the centre
expected to open soon.
Maximising the potential of your roof
With high energy prices, the benefits of
installing solar units are clear, generating
renewable energy that can be used to
reduce bills and even sold back to the grid,
while also improving the carbon footprint
of the building.
Above: Axter played a key role in the Clapham Place project.
Left: 3D rendition of a biosolar roof system.
Green and brown
roofs also bring many
benefits, adding beauty and
biodiversity to your building,
and with the right system, they also
help manage drainage, by reducing and
delaying stormwater runoff. Biodiversity
net gain and sustainable drainage will
both become mandatory for most
new construction next year, and green
roofs can contribute to meeting these
requirements.
Rooftops are an underutilised resource.
A quarter[3] of all available space in our
cities is in the form of our roofs – just think
what could be achieved in terms of energy
savings and increases in biodiversity if
all suitable roofs were transformed into
energy-producing natural habitats.
References:
[1] Array Comparative Research Project Final Report,
2021. University of Technology Sydney
[2] GRO Green Roof Code, 2021. The Green Roof
Organisation (GRO)
[3] Urban Surfaces and Heat Island Mitigation
Potentials, 2007. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab,
University of California
Contact
Axter
www.axter.co.uk
T: 01473 724056
22 GREENSCAPE WINTER 2023 • www.greenscapemag.co.uk