Greenroofs.com Project of the Week: 9/07/15

Regis High School
New York, NY, USA
22,000 sf. Greenroof

Project Description & Details

Founded in 1914, Regis High School is a five-story landmark private Jesuit university-preparatory school located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. In 2010 the school completed its ambitious Green Roof Project, with the installation of nearly 25,000 square feet of an extensive green roof by Greensulate on its upper roofs. The roof top project, which includes a 20kW solar panel array, also houses a classroom, two beehives, scientific monitoring equipment with Columbia University, a weather station, and an astronomy observation area. A network of paths and platforms connect the stations, making the space easy to navigate. A physical classroom on the roof itself houses scientific monitoring equipment, along with the school’s telescope and other classroom materials. The size and design of the roof was groundbreaking, as it was the 2nd largest green roof in the city when it was completed, and is currently the 5th largest green roof in Manhattan.

The green roof uses a mix of sedum mix, native grasses, native perennials, and wildflowers across the multi-level space to create a natural, outdoor feel amidst New York City’s urban backdrop. The system does not require irrigation, and continues to be healthy and thriving five years after the initial installation. Concrete pavers were installed adjacent to the 20 kW solar panel array to create space for an outdoor classroom for up to 15 students and a teacher. An herb garden is planted to provide chives, mint, oregano, lavender, sage, and more for the school cafeteria, and Trex decking pathways provide easy access throughout the roof. The raised HVAC system benefits from the cooling effect of the green roof, as do the solar panels, which are estimated to be 10-15% more efficient.

NOTE: Greensulate will be providing a live tour of the Regis High School green roof on Thursday, October 8th, during the 13th Annual Cities Alive Green Roof & Wall Conference in New York City. Greensulate will be shuttling groups over from the convention space, and space is limited.

Find more photos and additional information about this project in The International Greenroof & Greenwall Projects Database.

Year: 2010
Owner: Regis High School
Location: New York, NY, USA
Building Type: Educational
Type: Extensive, Test/Research
System: Custom
Size: 22,000 sq.ft.
Slope: 1%
Access: Accessible, Private

Designers/Manufacturers of Record:

Greenroof Design & Installation: Greensulate, LLC
Greenroof System: Greensulate
Irrigation and Maintenance: Greensulate
Research Monitoring Partner: Columbia University
Regis High School Green Roof Project Lead: Rev. Philip G. Judge, SJ, former President of Regis
Plant Selection: Greensulate
Native Plant Study Selection: Dr. Matthew Palmer, Columbia University
Growing Media Design & Manufacturer: Long Island Compost Corp.

Project of the Week Video Feature

Watch the Regis High School Project of the Week Video below or see it on our GreenroofsTV channel on YouTube:

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Love the Earth, Plant a Roof!

~ Linda V.