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M A R C H 2 0 2 4 | 29 Green Roofs & Walls I L LUS T R AT I O N CO U RT E S Y A RC H I T EK When it comes to projects, Miller highlights the Inuusirvik Community Wellness Hub in Iqaluit. This hub integrates Sopranature System's green roof, fostering biodiversity with lichen, mosses, and native perennials. Noteworthy are the environmentally conscious approaches employed, such as curved subtractions and roof terraces on the second floor. These innovative designs not only deflect winds but also foster arctic green roofs, perfectly aligning with the project's sustainability objectives. EFFECTIVE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Experts at Architek have observed a remarkable uptick in the demand for high- performance blue roofs within urban landscapes. Ron Schwenger, principal and founder, underscores the industry's responsiveness to municipal policies, citing Vancouver's Rain City Water Strategy as a key driver prioritizing stormwa- ter management. "While Vancouver currently lacks a green roof mandate, the Rain City Water Strategy is a highly progressive initiative gaining traction and positive attention. It now requires developers to retain 50 percent or more of land-fallen rainwater," he notes. Letitia Silk, Architek's national director of business development, high- lights the challenges posed by intensified urban density, restricting space for conventional stormwater solutions like rain gardens. "To meet upcoming water policies now being considered nationally by many city planning authorities, it is recognized that this primarily relies on buildings, particularly at podium or rooftop levels, where blue roofs become essential," she explains. Architek utilizes a highly effective product called Permavoid, a high-capacity water retention system engineered to create functional and aesthetically pleasing urban develop- ment drainage. It treats stormwater as a resource, rather than a waste product. Architek is just in the final stage of finishing the first high-capacity water retention series of roofs on a singular building on 150 West 4th in Vancouver. "It is the first major blue roof retention system in Vancouver as a result of the Rain City Water Strategy and even includes deck areas with pavers that connect to the green roof," explains Ryan Vasseur, manager of Living Architecture Ecosystems. Looking ahead, Architek has a number of exciting projects coming, notably 489 King West is poised to revolutionize biophilic elements within a large multiblock development in downtown Toronto. Additionally, the company notes a growing interest in Quebec and the maritime regions, signalling expanding opportunities and interest in those areas. LiveRoof Ontario Inc. recently celebrated its most successful year yet. Kees Govers, technical sales manager at LiveRoof, attributes this success to the increasing embrace of green roofs across Ontario, citing an expanding provin- cial acceptance of the benefits of green roofs as a contributing factor, "especially as a stormwater management system that doesn't eat up valuable land." Govers mentions completing over 75 projects in the past year, showcasing the company's bustling activity. Permavoid high-capacity water retention system. Above Left - Versa Wall picture is "The College of the Rockies" in Cranbrook BC Above Right- Versa Wall XT is "The Shops at Morgan Crossing" in Surrey BC. GSKY HAS CREATED 1,000 WALLS IN 20 COUNTRIES GSKy_Final.indd 1 2/14/22 3:03 PM