Up on the Roof

There are so many reasons to green our cities – cooling our rooftops, growing food near our food outlets, and creating a respite for birds and insects as well as a better environment for the humans.

In 2010 Richard was engaged to design and build a new level on the existing roof of popular cultural hub, Curtin House. The new structure covers an existing utility area and supports an inner city vegetable and ornamental garden, with bespoke interconnected wicking beds.

Rainwater and overflow from the beds runs into rainwater tanks on the second level, and is then reticulated back into the beds. This floor also houses an array of Hungry Bin worm farms, which are fed with organic waste and paper from the kitchen at the adjacent Mesa Verde restaurant.

Food waste goes from the kitchen to the worm farms, castings go up to the rooftop garden to grow herbs, that go back into the kitchen. Compost and liquid from the worm farms then goes back up to the roof to grow herbs and veggies for the restaurant – and so the cycle goes.

Waste removal costs go down, staff are invested – and have a great garden to hang out in – and food is produced onsite.

Perfect.

If you are interested about your own system, you’ll find more information on our website.