They talk about the great value of earthen floor and how cheap it is. Then he says we want to make a earthen floor at some point for one of "our houses" (how many houses is he going to own? :p I suppose hes starting with his house but then doing this with other peoples houses too? ) "but its not right here" Why not? If there is nothing but advantages for earthen floor, why use concrete instead?
Also he talked about the benefits of having plants growing on roof for insulation and cooling in the summer (as well as being able to have that space for enjoying yourself if you have a way up) Then he said he'd love to have that but local regulations didn't allow it. Why would their be such rules/laws? What are the disadvantages to the community that they would make it illegal to have a living roof?
It would be nice if such details were mentioned in the show BTW.
Also, if no living roof, will he be using any solar panels on that metal roof?
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Earthen floors and Living roofs
First, Earthen Floors: I was in love with the idea of earthen floors and will insist on them in any house I do for myself or anyone else in the future. My wife had some say in what went into this house and she was having nothing to do with earthen floors. She already thought I was insane for building with straw bales. The more I learn about earthen floors the more I think we should all have them. I am about to talk with a designer doing a skyscraper in New York City, and I am going to suggest earthen floor for their office spaces. How unique would that be?
Living Roofs: All kinds of building restrictions are in place to serve one reason or another. They often go against common sense, but when looked at from another view point, are more understandable. In our area it is not allowed to have a reflective roof, even though it would reduce the heat island effect of the house tremendously. The reason is that this is a hilly area, and the architectural review board does not want sun reflecting into any one windows. Understandable but environmentally destructive. The living roof idea was one that I may have been able to get passed by the review board, but they are concerned about unsightly homes in our very upscale community, and don’t forget the wife who wouldn't hear of some kind of "growing something" on her roof. You have to pick your battles. Now, I am actually designing a living roof to go on the existing house and think I can educated all parties concerned. Assuming the system can be added for a reasonable price and there is not too big a fight, you'll see the process on a future episode of Building Green.
Thanks for the great questions,
Kevin
Selling point
So its all about looks and only looks that local regulations are against living roofs? Your 100% sure of this too?
*starts making some dasteredly evil plans involving spreading beautiful dandelions to everyones precious lawn*
No reflective roof? But I thought I heard on the program that it will be made of metal, thats pretty reflective no? I suppose the "reflective roof" is even more so? Well at least I understand that concern.
You missed a question, do you plan to put solar cells on your roof?
About solar cells http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/energy/1333#comment-832
I take it your wife is considerably less green and open minded, I hope such doesn't lead to too much strife. But perhaps you didn't sell it right too, something that can come in handy for getting people else where to also go green.
If you spoke and planned it as a garden, something beautiful and productive. Also a space for her or anyone else to go to, to get away from it all. Maybe it wouldn't have been a battle at all, maybe she'd be pleading for it. :)
Another consideration is
Another consideration is weight. The weight of a living roof can be considerably more than that of a shingled roof. In snowy areas you also have to consider the snow load in addition to the weight of the soil, the plants, and the water it absorbs.
In some locales, living roofs are popular enough that most city engineers / inspectors will be aware of what sort of construction is needed to meet code with the added weight. If you are putting a new roof on a house (or building a new house) you may encounter no problems at all, other than the cost of heavier trusses/rafters and any waterproof barriers they require you to install under the soil layer of the roof.
In other locales, including much of the US the city engineers & inspectors may be completely unfamiliar with living roofs or may be familiar with them only in theory. The best they can do is tell you the weight specifications such a roof must meet and require that you deliver sealed, stamped plans from a professional engineer showing that the proposed roof will meet the specificiations including local snow load (if any). This involves hiring an engineer or architect firm. Remember also that building codes have to prepare for the absolute worst conditions, such as the once-a-century blizzard or the monsoonish downpour. So it is possible that the engineer will tell you that your roof cannot hold the required weight without major structural changes such as a different pitch, different building materials or more rafters & collar ties.
The above applies even to new construction. But if you're looking at an existing roof structure and hoping it will hold the required weight load for adding a living layer, don't hold your breath.
The last things to consider are pests and nuisance. City codes require that lawns and gardens be maintained, cut short and just generally cared for. Many people think of this in terms of looks, but unkempt lawns or gardens also increase the mosquito population and the population of other pests. Many of us don't think of rats as a problem anymore, but every city building code contains numerous provisions to prevent rat nests.
Even on a flat, small front yard with easy sidewalk/street access many people fail to maintain their yard. Every street has the house with the 2 foot grass that obviously isn't a wildflower garden. Cities fine numerous people every year for this, and the homeowners are none too appreciative and throw a fit most of the time. Once you have a lawn or garden on the roof of your house, the city may not be too confident that you will go up there with a mower or clippers and water, weed and care for it. If it becomes an eyesore or the neighbours decide it's a breeding ground for pests (even if they assume this erroneously) then the City gets to take all the calls and try to force you to treat it like a normal yard.
While I would like to see more acceptance of living roofs in the US, you asked why it would be hard to get approved and there are your answers. Engineering, cost, appearance/neighbours' perceptions, and maintenance are the main concerns. If you can convince the inspector on all four points you are good to go.