Living Green Rooftop At The California Academy Of Sciences
Measuring in at around 200,000 square feet, the rooftop at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco houses the densest population of native wildflowers and plant species in the city. The skylights above the larger domes as you can see in the photo open and close throughout the day to allow sunlight to reach the exhibits below.
The living rooftop with it's seven hills and slopes is designed with the patented Bio Tray. There are 50,000 of these porous biodegradable trays which encompass the entire roof and are made of coconut husks and tree sap and are used as containers for the vegetation. These containers allow the roots to interlock and fit together likes pieces to a puzzle.
The green rooftop keeps the interior of the building about ten degrees cooler than a standard rooftop. The plants and vegetation also transform carbon dioxide into oxygen, capture rainwater and reduce energy needs for cooling and heating. The weather stations on the roof monitor the wind, rain and temperature for the automated ventilation system.
Known as the world's "greenest museum" I thoroughly enjoyed the living rooftop. This is a must see when you visit the museum. For more information visit the Living Rooftop page on the Academy of Sciences website.
Comments
Good to see you (in picture)!
What struck me was not the background but the lady in the photograph...(winks). You're lovely. The place is also amazing. I'm imagining myself living in such rejuvenating surroundings. Green always depicts life and freshness for me. I love the color green.
And the truth is ,. there's a scientific explanation as to why it portrays life- plants produce oxygen which we breathe in order to live. Thanks for an informative post.
barbkaus, sounds good. Let me know when you're here.
Icy, they do look a little strange, almost like dozens of port holes.
Michelle, you are welcome and thanks for stopping by.
Jenna, You are too kind. I tried to photoshop myself out of the picture but it didn't work :)
rainfield, that is an excellent point. I never thought of it that way.
Ratty, it wuld be pretty cool to live in a spot like that. I'd be on the roof the whole time :)
earthtoholly, You are welcome and thanks for commenting.