Transforming Urban Spaces: Wallbarn’s M-Tray Modular Green Roofing System

Urban sprawl is a significant issue facing many cities around the world today, resulting in a loss of biodiversity and an increase in pollution. However, an innovative solution has emerged from Wallbarn, a leading manufacturer of green roofing solutions. Wallbarn’s M-Tray modular green roofing system is revolutionising the way we view our cityscapes and is at the forefront of the urban greening movement.

The Concept of Green Roofs

Green roofs are a unique and sustainable solution to urban sprawl, providing a range of environmental benefits. Essentially, a green roof involves the construction of low-level substrates on flat roofs or podium decks, which are then planted with sedum or other succulent plants. These green spaces not only add visual appeal to the urban landscape, but they also provide habitats for insects and birds, enhance biodiversity, and reduce air pollution.

Modular Green Roofs: A Revolutionary Approach

Wallbarn’s M-Tray system takes the concept of green roofs one step further through the use of modular technology. The M-Tray system is an instant green roof pre-grown in specially designed cassettes at Wallbarn’s farm. These cassettes can be easily carried by hand and clicked together to form a seamless green roof, offering a quick and efficient installation process.

The unique benefits of a modular green roof include:

• Speed of installation: The M-Tray system can be installed very quickly, offering instant results.
• Accessibility: The green roof modules can be easily removed for maintenance or to access the deck underneath.
• Less mess and disruption: As the modules are pre-grown, there’s minimal on-site mess.
• Future-proofing: The modular design allows for easy removal and reinstallation if the roof needs to be inspected or repaired in the future.

Inside the M-Tray

The M-Tray is a compact module, measuring 500mm x 500mm x 100mm deep. Each M-Tray unit weighs around 100kgs/m², and four modules are required per square meter.

The vegetation in the M-Tray is a mix of 11 types of Sedum species, or a Wildflower/Sedum mix available upon request. These plants are pre-grown at Wallbarn’s farm near Basingstoke, Hampshire, for several months before delivery, ensuring that the plants are mature and well-established.

Image: M-Tray Green Roof

Installation and Maintenance

The M-Tray system is designed for ease of installation. The single-size, self-contained trays can be carried by hand and are clipped together, creating a seamless, instant green roof. The modularity means they can be installed extremely quickly by contractors without specialist landscaping training.

While the Sedum plants are hardy and can tolerate extreme conditions, some maintenance is required. Wallbarn recommends removing any dead leaves and vegetation that have accumulated at the end of Summer and Winter. A slow-release fertiliser is advisable at certain times of the year.

Wallbarn: A Green Vision

Wallbarn is not just about green roofing solutions; it’s about transforming urban spaces and enhancing biodiversity. The company’s mission is to increase the amount of green space in urban areas, benefiting not only the environment but also the people who live and work in these areas.

As Julian Thurbin, Director of Wallbarn, said, “It doesn’t matter how small the space, imagine the impact that greening just a small percentage of the millions of square metres of flat roofs in London would have on its environment and natural habitat.”

Supporting World Green Roof Day

Wallbarn is a proud supporter of World Green Roof Day, an initiative that encourages people to identify flat roofs that could be transformed into green spaces. The event, held on June 6th every year, promotes the benefits of green roofs and encourages cities across the globe to embrace the concept of greening roofs.

Green Roofs: A Global Movement

The green roof movement is not just confined to the UK. Wallbarn’s M-Tray system and the concept of green roofs are gaining traction worldwide, with organisations such as greenroofs.com, livingroofs.org, the European Federation Green Roofs and Walls, and the International Federation of Landscape Architects championing the cause.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Wallbarn’s M-Tray modular green roofing system:

1. What is the cost of an M-Tray? M-Trays cost £88 per sqm (4 Trays to a sqm – £22.00 each). Other costs may apply for transport, geotextile fleece, and other materials.
2. Can I walk on the trays? The modules are not designed for foot traffic but can tolerate being stepped on for maintenance purposes.
3. Do they need maintenance? Yes, some maintenance is required, including removing dead leaves and vegetation and applying a slow-release fertiliser.
4. What other materials will I need to buy along with my M-Trays? This depends on your individual requirements, but may include geotextile fleece, riverstone pebbles, an M-Tray irrigation kit, and aluminium edging.

In conclusion, Wallbarn’s M-Tray modular green roofing system is a game-changer in the world of urban greening. It offers a sustainable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution to the issue of urban sprawl, transforming our cityscapes one roof at a time.