Twin Roofs
Cambridge, MA
Twin Roofs
Location
Cambridge, MA
Size
1,400 sq. ft.
Project Completion
November 2015
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
Two sets of neighbors on the top floor of a mixed-use building were looking for increased access to the space outside their homes. Recover worked with both pairs to design a green roof that accommodates the needs of both families, creating a roof with two separate yet complementary sides. One side functions as a children’s playspace and vegetable garden, and the other functions as a leisure and entertainment space. A planter wall with tall perennial grasses creates privacy between the two spaces while maintaining a view of the cityscape from both sides.
A lush lawn with naturally rot-resistant cedar raised beds and tall perennial grasses around the exterior wall creates the eastern playspace. Low-maintenance, flowering sedum with a locally sourced Goshen schist stepping-stone footpath distinguishes the western leisure space. Both sides feature paver patio hardscaping, mahogany trim caps, and vented benches covering the permanent roof equipment.
Cambridge zoning ordinance article 22.33 made this project possible, forgiving a previously enforced floor area ratio limitation. Recover worked with the City of Cambridge to become the first-ever rooftop floor area ratio extension in the city.
PROJECT INFORMATION
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Homeowners
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Extensive, Intensive
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Sedum, Perennial Grasses, Lawn Grasses, Vegetable
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Recover Green Roofs
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Recover Green Roofs
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Recover Green Roofs
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Recover Green Roofs
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Conservation Technology
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Sika Sarnafil PVC
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Read Custom Soils
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Planters Unlimited
