NUEVOS MINISTERIOS / Madrid, Spain
project data
project type: public landscape, solar installation
project date: 2009
project size: 775 square meters
project team: estudioOCA:
Ignacio Ortinez, Bryan Cantwell

collaborators:
FRPO, 3i-Ingenieria
The Green Roof project comprises five main decks, independently suspended, the largest 125m² each, and two smaller of 75m² each. Rain water will be collected directly by these plates, plus the water collected on the roof by the solar panels, stored in a cistern and reused to irrigate the suspended gardens.

The green roof project is divided into two: On one hand we have five shelves of 125m ² each, suspended at different heights, creating five different microclimatic conditions for the growth of five different landscapes. These landscapes will be in constant evolution and will be transformed to suit the existing light and humidity conditions. The height of the trays will vary from 5 to 3 meters, with a minimum height of 3 meters sufficient for the movement and parking of vehicles without causing any problems.

An important aspect of green cover in general and of this particular project is the enjoyment and appreciation from the heights of adjacent buildings. Due to the low height of the parking, the solar panels and green roof, will be seen and enjoyed from the first floors offices. The landscape of the tray is composed of five different plant species planted in lines that represent the agricultural landscape seen from the height.

The other part of this project consists of two smaller bins, 75m² each, which represents and recreates a wetland landscape, intense and complex. Using grasses, sedges and other wetland plants, a micro-ecological system will be created for the development of these plants. Rainwater will be recycled and regenerated by filtering it through the plants in the wetland, it will be installed a simple pumping system for recirculation of the water and subsequent filtration by the plants.

The facility, which should produce around 300 kWp per year, will meet the highest sustainability requirements, ease of maintenance and recycling.