Tacoma, Washington

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Macdonald Environmental Planning is acting as the green roof Consultant on this Veterans Administration Acute Care Nursing home at American Lakes Hospital in Tacoma, WA.  The green roof will be installed on aproxiamately 30,000 square foot roof with planting media depths ranging from 3 inches over the majority of the roof to 7 inches at the perimeter so that taller plant materials can be seen from the ground.  The plant pallet includes a mix of sedums and grasses.  The will be the first Veterans Administration building project to have a green roof in the United States and will be completed the summer of 2009.  Architectural rendering courtesy of TCF Architecture.

Portland, Oregon

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A mix of sedums, fescues, wildflowers, perennials and ornamental grasses resemble an open meadow atop the Multnomah County Building. The green roof, winner of a People’s Choice Award, is highlighted by a public viewing area with interpretation boards describing the design, construction process and environmental benefits.  This green roof was the first public building to receive a green roof in Portland.

Eugene, Oregon

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Macdonald Environmental Planning was engaged on this University District campus to design the pubic courtyards for patients, staff and family members to enjoy.  The courtyards were planned to promote access to natural plantings, water features and gathering areas for healing purposes.  Three water features were designed to make the gardens tranquil and meditative in order to increase mental outlook during recovery time.  Sustainable features were used as well with the addition of living greenwalls and a rain fed spillway was incorporated for viewing from the public cafeteria.  Also, a Behaviorial Health garden was developed for the safe and guided access for patients having difficulties with mental stability issues.

Portland, Oregon

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Portland’s historic downtown library is now a “green building”.  We began by conducting a feasibility evaluation on tray and unit type green roof construction products.  Our final design for the green roof included a 3-inch thick tray system with built-in irrigation.  The plant palette included a variety of extremely drought tolerant sedums.

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