Green Roofs of the World 1 - Moos Filtration Plant Zurich
Built in 1913, the Moos Filtration Plant near Zurich cleans the water for the people of Zurich. When first opened the roofs consisted of exposed waterproofing. However during the first summer, a summer of very high temperatures, the water below the roof deck became polluted with bacteria. To resolve this problem there was a need to cool the water below during the summer time. A simple but effective solution was found locally Local meadow soil.
On top of the membrane, a gravel layer was laid to provide drainage and then 300 mm of local meadow soil was placed above. Of course the local meadow soil was awash with flower and grass seed. This soon developed into a flourishing meadow. And became some of the largest green roofs or living roofs in Switzerland.
Recent studies of the roof have identified The meadow has 175 species of higher plant, many of which are rare and endangered at both a local and national level. The species list includes 9 species of orchids including 6000 Orchis murio, the largest concentration in the Canton of Zurich.
The five roofs cover an area of 30,000m2, equivalent to about five football pitches. Recently the roofs have been given special protection under Swiss nature conservation laws.
View Moos Filtration Plant Zurich in a larger map
