Cart 0

Arguing against long standing protocol within public space and horticulture.

We suggest structural complexity and topography is overlooked in landscape design and is more important than plant choice for driving biodiversity. Since starting the Grass Roof Company in 1998 we have designed and built over 400 small green-roof buildings, combining deep biodiverse green-roofs with walls featuring breeding and hibernation space.

We argue that we must invest in gardeners rather than more infrastructure. After 18 years caring for the greenspace on a social housing estate (Clapton Park) in London we have written a sustainable grounds maintenance contract that does just that.

We question our obsession with specifying topsoil in all new projects, especially on highways and new developments. Habitat trials at our home include a garden designed with spoil from the local road widening scheme, industrial and construction waste.

In 2008 we launched a range of small green roof shelters based on shipping containers and designed portable structures including bike and bin storage. greenroofshelters.co.uk

John can be contacted on Instagram  @grassroofco or via email at grassroofcompany@gmail.com

 

our new trial garden using sands from local A13 road widening adding to the brownfield construction waste garden

Low fertility substrates. the answer to diverse plant communities and habitats in public space?


a recent podcast of me ranting my way through the last 20 years of my career





DEIBSOsW0AA7iV-.jpg_large.jpeg

Brownfield Landscapes

Its the places we feel relaxed about destroying, yet they are potentially the most exciting habitats for wildlife we have.

 

 

Shipping container buildings

We love used freight containers, they have already spent at least 10 years at sea, they are immensely strong and versatile.  A perfect base to fix green roofs and habitat walls.

 

GREEN ROOF DIY GUIDE

Our guide to green roofs
We share all we have learned over the last 20 years of building green roofs.

 

Cycle and bin Shelters

These really make both your council biodiversity and cycle officer happy.  A good safe place to put bikes and a great habitat in one and delivered complete to site.

 
Screen Shot 2017-07-12 at 19.14.39.jpg

Press

For articles and features on our work
 

IMG_1386.jpg

Green roof buildings

Green roofs make sense.  For me they give somewhere to add plants and biodiversity.  For the cities they cool their surroundings and reduce flooding.  For you they insulate/cool your place and increase the life of your roof. All good.

 
IMG_4940.jpg

Social housing green space

We have been looking after the green space on Clapton park estate for 15 years. With the help of residents we have changed and learned a lot.  Its a great place, I love working there and we have made many good friends.

 

Habitat panels and planters

Our ideas for providing valuable nesting space in the heart of our cities.
 

 

Our Green Roof Book

Written with my green roof mates, Dusty Gedge, Nigel Dunnett and Ed Snodgrass we share our thoughts knowledge and great pics.