The growing movement towards a more ecologically responsible London was given added impetus recently when a new development in the City?s historic Spitalfields district incorporated Alumasc ZinCo green roof components as part of its key specifications. Located in the historically sensitive area of Spitalfields, the Allen & Overy LLP HQ in Bishops Square completes the regeneration programme of this important neighbourhood bridging the City and the East End.

The new headquarters for Allen and Overy steps back from Bishops Square in a series of green tiers, with roof gardens overlooking the plaza below. The building was commissioned by Allen & Overy to meet the needs of a modern international law firm with strong environmental objectives in mind, serving both retail and office use.

Spitalfields is an historically sensitive area in the East End, once home to one of the largest wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower markets in Europe, originally established in the 13th century. The wholesale market has since relocated, and the new buildings in Bishop?s Square, comprising a mix of offices, houses, shops and cafes, stand on the site of a demolished modern annexe. It seems entirely appropriate that the site of London?s traditional flower market should be enhanced by the inclusion of green roof plantings as part of the area?s ongoing redevelopment.

Completed in May, 2005, the area encompasses three landscaped greenroof terraces, and a fourth terrace is covered with photovoltaic cells to capture the power of the sun and reduce the energy take of the building. These open green spaces on private terraces provide an area where staff can relax and also help to reduce urban heating.

Alumasc?s FD 40 Floradrain? water storage and drainage board was specified to be laid under the substrate. FD 40 is manufactured from recycled polyethylene, and enables substrate aeration as well as allowing stored water to evaporate, with any excess draining away through multidirectional channels on the underside. Hard landscaping elements may also be constructed directly on the board.

A variety of Alumasc?s specialist substrates is available to suit specific plantings, including sedum, cranberry bog, rock garden, heather and lavender. The company is the acknowledged UK market leader in living roofs, a specialist manufacturer of complete systems backed by a technical support service that is second to none. The ZinCo system has been specified for an enormous number of major projects throughout the country, offering as it does ecologically beneficial, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sound green roof solutions.