Architects working on the remodeling of Madison's Central Library presented options for a possible garden roof Thursday night.
Architect Brian Cooper went over the Green Roof Feasibility Study to explain what types of garden or green roofs would work best for the library's rooftop.
A green roof is similar to other roofs, but has layers of roots, along with plants or vegetables on top.
Extensive green roofs allow for some plant growth, but are never accessed by the public. These roofs are the lowest cost and maintenance, Cooper said.
Intensive green roofs are more complex and there are more plants that can grow on the roof. This type of green roof is higher maintenance compared to the extensive roofs, Cooper said.
An extensive type of green roof is feasible at this time, Cooper said. This type of green roof would take up a 6,000 square-foot area and would cost around $156,000 for installation, Cooper said.
In comparison, an intensive green roof would cost around $775,000 with an additional $150,000 maintenance fee, Cooper said. This type of roofing would also require design alterations.
The green roof proposal will be brought in front of the Library Board March 3.
—Maggie DeGroot
