Overview

Harrowden Turf's Enviromat® sedum green roof kit has been used on a new rustic bunkhouse at the Perlethorpe Centre in Nottinghamshire.

The Centre works closely with schools and groups, providing individually-tailored days for young people and adults to enjoy outdoor learning experiences. Programmes aim to enrich the curriculum and help learners reach their full potential. The centre is also available for self-led groups throughout the year.

It is therefore designed to be a child-friendly, inspirational environment for young people.

Project detail

The Perlethorpe Centre is part of Notts Outdoors. Within the facility, Nottinghamshire County Council has built a new bunkhouse with a sedum roof. The bunkhouse is used for overnight camping activities for schools in the Nottinghamshire area. Built around a wooden frame it has been sited on foundation blocks and can accommodate up to 12 people.

The bunkhouse has adopted a sedum roof with full roof edging and has been fitted with Harrowden Turf's Enviromat sedum green roof kit, all of which will help create the final, environmentally-friendly look. The kit itself is perfect for pollinators and includes the main ingredients to transform a gently sloping roof into a true green roof.

Green roofs

More than just a fad or decorative novelty, a living green roof provides insulation. It can help prevent flooding, filter pollutants from the air, absorb noise, and provide food and shelter for wildlife.

Harrowden's green roof kits contain a root barrier to protect the waterproofing from any potential root damage, as well as a living carpet of hardy sedum plants.

Every sedum mats used in Enviromat® sedum green roof kits is seeded with up to 17 different types of sedum that are nurtured outdoors in the company's nursery for between 9 and 12 months. Harrowden ensures that every single plant is strong enough for despatch, ensuring the best quality sedum mats for green roofs. Each plant species is chosen for its disease resistance, drought tolerance, long flowering period and enviable good looks.

Recycled materials

Harrowden's matting is made using recycled materials and products therefore every new green roof kit is environmentally-friendly. It is not only very strong and easy to install, but also carefully designed to keep the growing medium within the mat. This means that there should be no loss of substrate during handling and transportation, or from heavy rain after installation.

Outcome

The bunkhouse has been built by the staff and volunteers from Notts Outdoors and has 6 habitable spaces that can fit up to 12 children each. Almost all timber used has come from the local Thoresby Estate where the centre is based, reducing its carbon footprint. Adding to the green credentials of the build is the living sedum roof  supplied by Harrowden Turf Ltd, who provided all the advice support needed in making this aspect of the project achievable.

Testimonial

“Just a brilliant addition to Perlethorpe, giving the children the opportunity of a residential no matter what the weather. Still giving them a ‘rustic’ experience”
– St Mary’s CofE Primary School, 2022