Hidden in Plain Sight...

It's Earth Week, and in preparation for Earth Day on the 22nd, we thought we'd kick off the week by sharing one of our favorite green roofs in Laguna Beach.

There's a good chance you'll miss it if you aren't looking closely, so next time you find yourself near PCH and Calliope Street, keep an eye out for one of the most charming, unexpected living roof installations in the area...

Have a great week and a very Happy Earth Day!

Green Roofs: Large and Small...

So, last time the discussion of green roofs addressed historical applications and newer technologies, as the concept of planted roofs adapts to construction needs and constraints of today, while still creating the benefits that green roofs have provided for centuries.

For this month's guest blog post at Inspired Design Daily, MYD reviews a very unique case study that resonates beautifully, both aesthetically and functionally- the California Academy of Sciences, at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.  A great place to visit, with the world's largest digital planetarium, a living rainforest biodome and natural history museum, this project by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, has something for everyone.  And if you're interested in green roofs, it's especially intriguing.

To learn more about this extraordinary project and read the full post, visit Inspired Design Daily and let us know what you think!

Green Roofs: Old and New

You've probably noticed the trend...  Green roofs are becoming incorporated into our built environment at an increasing rate, as evidenced by the growing number of both large and small scale installations in urban, suburban and rural locations, in a wide range of climates.  These systems are modern applications of a centuries-old technology, as seen in the image below of a sod roof at an 18th century farmhouse in Norway.

Such types of 'intensive' vegetated roofs typically need substantial soil depth for larger plants and trees, which, in turn, requires regular maintenance, as well as a building structure that can support the additional weight.  However, recent advancements in technology have led to the development of lightweight modular systems that utilize interlocking trays, made of recycled material and prevegetated with plants selected by a local grower with careful consideration of climate, maintenance, and project design goals.

Click to read more ...

Solar Structure

MYD is excited to develop this unique project with the Ecology Center, a great organization in San Juan Capistrano with a focus on education in sustainable agriculture, ecological design and local heritage.  We'll keep you updated as we move through the design process and towards implementation.

Features include:  photovoltaic panels from SunTrek Solar and LiveRoof modular green roof system.