Greenroofs.com Project of the Week: 5/19/14

Man at Work Sculpture Garden
at the Grohmann Museum
Milwaukee, WI, USA
11,900 sf Greenroof

Project Description & Details

The Grohmann Museum is home to the world’s most comprehensive art collection dedicated to the evolution of human work where visitors may view industrial manufacturing from the 18th century to the present. Created to promote Milwaukee School of Engineering students’ exposure to and appreciation of art and the museum, the facility includes general use classrooms, a conference center, and the Man at Work Sculpture Garden atop the Grohmann Museum.

In total, 18 bronze sculptures – men and women toiling in the field and foundry, heaving hammers or pinching molten metal with hot tongs – are displayed in the Man at Work Collection. Featuring pavers, sod, and various planters in addition to the sculptures, the rooftop garden is open to museum patrons and staff and is also used for special functions. This was a complicated roof because of all the different flashing conditions, securing the statutes, and dealing with other trades. It was challenging for both Sika Sarnafil, the waterproofing system provider, and the roofing/waterproofing contractor, F. J. A. Christiansen Roofing Co. (a TectaAmerica Company). The 1,000 pound sculptures generate great interest for the museum, and have a commanding view of the city of Milwaukee themselves that was built on the hard work they depict.

Year: 2007
Owner: Milwaukee School of Engineering
Location: Milwaukee, WI, USA
Building Type: Museum
Type: Intensive
System: Custom
Size: 11,900 sq.ft.
Grade: 1%
Access: Accessible, Private

Designers/Manufacturers of Record:

Architect: Uihlein – Wilson Architects
Waterproofing System: Loose-laid system using 80 mil, Sarnafil® G476 Membrane, Sika Sarnafil
Roofing / Waterproofing Contractor: F.J.A. Christiansen Roofing Company
General Contractor: The Bentley Co.

New!  Project of the Week Video Feature

Watch the Man at Work Sculpture Garden at the Grohmann Museum Project of the Week Video below or see it on our on greenroofs.TV on YouTube:

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Love the Earth, Plant a Roof!

~ Linda V.