Green Roof to Concrete Roof
Project Challenge
Create accessible rooftop gardens on existing structure while managing weight loads and waterproofing requirements for 124 residential units below. Complete installation without disrupting residents while meeting council stormwater management requirements.
Challenge Statement
North Sydney Apartment Complex sought to transform its deteriorating rooftop into valuable amenity space while addressing urban heat island effects and stormwater management requirements from North Sydney Council. The project required a green roof solution supporting diverse plantings and pedestrian access within existing structural load limits, while completing installation without disrupting 124 households below and maintaining absolute waterproofing integrity.
Traditional approaches would have demanded
- Structural steel reinforcement: $700,000 cost
- 20-week construction timeline
- Resident displacement during major works
- Complex waterproofing replacement
Solution
Installed comprehensive Green Roof system with integrated drainage and irrigation.
Technical Solution: EasyMech CR© Platform Configuration
- System: Ultra-lightweight concrete surface-mount platform (14 kg/m²)
- Load distribution: Distributed across EasyFoot CR© anti-vibration pads
- Modular design: 2.4m × 2.4m sections for staged installation
- EasyFoot spacing: 1.2m grid pattern, 1,000kg per foot rating
- Integrated systems: Root barriers, drainage cells, water retention layers
- Growing media: Specially formulated for Australian natives and food gardens
Installation Advantages
- No concrete drilling or structural anchoring required
- EasyFoot CR© pads accommodate roof slopes and drainage falls
- Weekend installation minimising resident disruption
- Modular system allowing progressive completion
- Integrated drainage managing 75% stormwater reduction
Project Overview
Client: North Sydney Apartment Complex
Application: Multi-residential rooftop garden and amenity space
System: EasyMech CR© Concrete Surface-Mount Green Roof Platform
Area: 600m² community garden and recreation space
Completion: 14 weeks from design to landscaping
Project Outcomes
Environmental Performance
- Temperature reduction: 40% decrease in rooftop temperature during summer peaks
- Energy savings: 20% reduction in top-floor cooling costs
- Stormwater management: 75% runoff reduction exceeding council requirements
- Biodiversity: Native habitat zones supporting local wildlife
Community Benefits
- Dedicated garden plots for resident use
- Communal gathering spaces enhancing lifestyle
- Low-maintenance design reducing body corporate costs
- Property value enhancement through premium amenity
Financial Results
Total EasyMech CR© solution: $97,000Traditional alternative: $700,000Cost saving: $603,000 (86% reduction)Annual energy savings: $14,500ROI period: 1.4 years
Conclusion
The EasyMech CR© Green Roof system transformed deteriorating rooftop space into a thriving community asset through ultra-lightweight design that worked within existing structural capacity. The installation delivered significant environmental benefits including temperature reduction, energy savings, and stormwater management while creating valuable amenity space that enhances resident lifestyle and property values.
Critical Success Factor: The 14 kg/m² platform weight, distributed across EasyFoot CR© anti-vibration pads, enabled intensive green roof installation without structural reinforcement, supporting both productive gardens and recreational spaces on the existing concrete roof structure.
Building
North Sydney Apartment Complex - Multi-residential rooftop garden and amenity space
November 3, 2025
products/green-roof/green-roof