This presentation provides details of the design and construction of the St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Interpretive Center and Garden Classroom completed in 2010. This green roof was part of a 58,000 sf firestation and fire department headquarters building for the city of St. Paul, Minnesota. The green roof was designed by Abraham + Associates Architecture and Planning, who was also the sustainable design and LEED consultant on the Fire Station Project. The building itself was designed by CDG, Inc. A Minneapolis Architectural Firm. The Construction Manager for the project was CPMI, Inc. and the project was certified LEED Silver, as requested by the City of St. Paul. The Project Manager for the city was David Nelson.

1. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Green Roof Interpretive Center and
Garden Classroom
By
Loren E Abraham, AIA, LEED®
AP
Abraham + Associates Architecture + Planning
Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, University of Minnesota
Architect’s Rendering of Green Roof

2. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Saint Paul Fire Station
Green Roof Interpretive Center
and Garden Classroom
Photo of Green Roof - Courtesy Minnesota Green Roof Council

3. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Green Roof Interpretive Center and
Garden Classroom
By
Loren E Abraham, AIA, LEED®
AP
Abraham + Associates Architecture + Planning
Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, University of Minnesota
Bird’s eye photo of completed green roof

4. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Design Review
WHY green roofs?
 7 Key Water Quality Problems and BMPs
 Roof longevity and energy savings
 LEED and B3 Standards
WHAT is green roof technology (GRT)?
 Components of green roof systems.
 Plant selection and research
 Irrigation and management
HOW are green roofs installed?
 Photo History of Minneapolis Library Green Roof
 Step by Step Process
Green Roof Basics
Minneapolis Central Library Green Roof
Arch: Abraham + Associates

5. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Design Review
Why Green Roofs?
1. Excess Peak Runoff Volume
2. Floatables
3. Suspended Solids
4. Bacteria
5. Phosphorus
6. Chlorides
7. Nitrogen
7 Key Water Quality Issues
Green Roofs help prevent

6. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Design Review
Problems Associated with Impervious Surface
Why Green Roofs?
20%
shallow
infiltration
15% deep
infiltration
10%
shallow
infiltration
25%
shallow
infiltration
21% shallow
infiltration
5% deep
infiltration
25% deep
infiltration
21% deep
infiltration
40% evapotranspiritation 38% evapotranspiritation
35% evapotranspiritation 30% evapotranspiritation
Natural Ground Cover 10-20% Impervious
75%-100% Impervious35-50% Impervious
10%
runoff
20%
runoff
30%
runoff
55%
runoff
“The number one cause
of water pollution is
paving over earth.”
Environmental
Protection Agency
Relationship Between Impervious
Cover and Surface Runoff (adapted
from FISRWG 1998 In Low Impact
Development Strategies 1999)
Source: Minnesota Urban Small Sites BMP Manual

7. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Design Review
Problems Associated with Impervious Surface
Why Green Roofs?
Large storm
Higher base flow
Small storm
Streamflowrate
Higher and more rapid peak
discharge
More runoff volume
Lower and loss rapid
peak
Gradual recession
Time
Predevelopment
Postdevelopment
Adapted From: Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas. Best management Practices for Dealing with
Storm Water Runoff from Urban and Suburban Developing Areas of Minnesota. MPCA 2000.

8. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Design Review
Why Green Roofs?
Building on
this research,
the Twin Cities
Metro is one of
the BEST
locations in
this country
for extensive
GRT
Source: Patrick Graham, Marian Kim, Evaluating the Stormwater Management Benefits of
Green Roofs Through Water Balance Modeling, 2003.

9. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Education about the Benefits and
characteristics of Green Roof Technology
Purpose for which this This Green Roof is designed?
Water Resources Focus:
 Provide sustainable stormwater management—
absorb, slow, clean and moderate temperature of
runoff
Education and Monitoring:
 Provide educational exhibits and opportunities about
the benefits of Green Roofs
 Demonstrate a variety of Green Roof Technologies
and how they are constructed
 Add variety of plant communities and wildlife habitat
 Provide ongoing performance data to corroborate
benefits and provide further research opportunities
Other Benefits:
 Reduce energy costs for heating and cooling building
if possible
 Improve urban air quality-reduce dust and smog levels
 Extends roof life
 Lessen urban heat island effect
 Provide sound insulation
 Improve aesthetics which has psychological benefits
Green roofs are commonly designed to
be an allegory to the landscape at
ground level with no special features
or educational focus. Not this one.

10. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Types of Green Roof Systems
PRODUCTS
 Grown in Place
 Pre-grown
vegetative mat
 Pre-grown
Container systems
 Bags and Paks
 DIY Kits

11. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Architect: William McDonough + Partners
Size: 69,000 st. in 1997
Costs: 130% of Conv. Base Roof, 70% of Annual Life Cycle Costs
System: Sarnafil
901 Cherry - Gap Office Building, Sun Bruno, CA
CASE EXAMPLES
Gap 901 Cherry San Bruno, CA
Architect: Wm McDonough + Partners
Courtesy WM+P, Charlottesville, VA

12. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Gap 901 Cherry San Bruno, CA
Architect: Wm McDonough + Partners
Including Loren Abraham AIA with WMP
Courtesy WM+P, Charlottesville, VA

13. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Gap 901 Cherry San Bruno, CA
Architect: Wm McDonough + Partners
Including Loren Abraham AIA with WMP
Courtesy WM+P, Charlottesville, VA

14. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
BASE CASE: conventional roof
system costs (EPDM roof)
COSTS:
•Initial costs: 120% greater
than conventional (including
upgrade of steel structure)
•Soil and plant costs
•SAVINGS:
•Annual energy savings
($0.16/sf)
•Annual operations costs:
replacement costs (1
time), amortized over 99 years.
•Deduct for reduced
maintenance costs of HVAC
system
Post-construction (actual costs):
Simple Payback: 8.8 years
Cost Benefit Analysis
Gap 901 Cherry San Bruno, CA
Architect: Wm McDonough + Partners Including Loren Abraham AIA
Courtesy WM+P, Charlottesville, VA

15. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Minneapolis Central Library Green Roof

16. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Project Description
Minneapolis Central Library
Details
 GR installed summer
2005.
 3 roofs on two levels:
 5th floor roof
 Two on 2nd floor
 Rainwater is collected
and stored in (4) 750
gal. capacity cisterns
for irrigation.
 All are extensive roofs
viewed from inside the
library.
 Planting design
includes 18 European
and 39 native species.Photo : Minneapolis Central Library Green Roof
Arch: Abraham + Associates

17. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
TARGET CENTER
Details
 2.5 ACRES:
 Largest in Minnesota
 Fifth Largest in North
America
 Pre-grown vegetative
mat – 2.75‖ center and
3.5‖ perimeter
 Includes 20 year
Maintenance Contract
 Planting design includes
over 30 succulent and
native species.
 Drip Irrigation
 Contractor: Stock
Roofing Co.
The extensive vegetated green roof on Target
Center is the largest in Minnesota, the fifth
largest in North America, and the tenth largest
in the world. It is also the largest extensive
green retrofit in the world. Photo © 2009
Bergerson Photography. Architect: Leo
Daly, Landscape Architect: Kestrel Design
Group.

18. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
What is Hybrid Green Roof Technology?
Type 1: EXTENSIVE
 Lower weight: (17-30lbs/sf saturated)
- often additional structural support is not required.
 Lower capital cost: $15-$30 per s.f.
Depends on area, steepness, soil depth
 Relatively Shallow Depth: 1" to 5―
 Substrate: lightweight
 Low maintenance: inspection 1-2 times/year
 Supply of water and nutrients mainly by
natural processes
 Native, natural plant selection (plants adapted
to drought and heat and wind)
 Access: not designed for public use but can
be accessed via walkways or for routine
maintenancePhoto : Minneapolis Central Library Green Roof
Arch: Abraham + Associates

19. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Type 2: INTENSIVE
 Increased weight: 30-100 lb per s.f.
 Increased capital cost: $30+ per s.f.
 Depth: usually 12‖ or more
 Substrate: higher amount of organic material
in layers >100 mm
 Increased maintenance: depends on plant
selection, e.g., mowing, fertilizing, watering,
weeding
 Intense planting: manicured landscapes,
ornamental lawns, flowers, shrubs, trees,
even organic gardening
 Access: can be used as public park or
building amenity
 …and can include ponds, play areas, decks,
patios, even a miniature golf course, etc.
 Often found over underground garages.
What is Hybrid Green Roof Technology?
Photos : The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Courtesy: roofmeadow.wordpress.com

20. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
What is Green Roof Technology?
1. Components

21. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
What is the Green Roof Design?
 Perennial or self-seeding
plants
 Appropriate for varied
Sun Conditions
 Appropriate for varied
media depths
 Combine both succulents
and native plants
 Endure both drought and
wet conditions
 Will tolerate high winds
 Will tolerate both
extreme sun exposure
and dense shade
3. Plants for EXTENSIVE Green Roof

22. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
What is the Green Roof Design?
3. Plants for EXTENSIVE Green Roof
 Perennial or self-seeding
plants
 Appropriate for varied
Sun Conditions
 Appropriate for varied
media depths
 Combine both succulents
and native plants
 Endure both drought and
wet conditions
 Will tolerate high winds
 Will tolerate both
extreme sun exposure
and dense shade

23. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
What is the Green Roof Design?
3. Plants for EXTENSIVE Green Roof
 Perennial or self-seeding
plants
 Appropriate for varied
Sun Conditions
 Appropriate for varied
media depths
 Combine both succulents
and native plants
 Endure both drought and
wet conditions
 Will tolerate high winds
 Will tolerate both
extreme sun exposure
and dense shade

24. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
What is the Green Roof Design?
3. Plants for EXTENSIVE Green Roof
 Perennial or self-seeding
plants
 Appropriate for varied
Sun Conditions
 Appropriate for varied
media depths
 Combine both succulents
and native plants
 Endure both drought and
wet conditions
 Will tolerate high winds
 Will tolerate both
extreme sun exposure
and dense shade

25. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Plants native to Minnesota
The Plants below are native and able to grow in shallow green roof conditions
Allium Cernuum
(Nodding Onion)
deciduous wildflower
Anemone Cylindrica
(Thimbleweed)
prairie wildflower
Coreopsis palmate
(Prairie Coreopsis)
prairie wildflower
Dalea purpurea
(Purple Prairie Clover)
prairie and rocky area wildflower
Heuchera richardsonii
(Prairie Alumroot)
Wildflower
Liatris Aspera
(Rough Blazing star)
Wildflower
butterflies
Ratibida Pinnata
(grey-head prairie coneflower)
wildflower
Teucrium Canadense
(Canada Germander)
wildflower
Carex bicknellii
(Bicknell's sedge)
sedge
butterflies
Dalea candidum
(White Prairies Clover)
forb

26. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Plant Pallettes native to Minnesota
Eragrostis spectabilis
(Purple Love Grass)
native grass
Penstemon digitalis
(White Beardtoungue)
Wildflower
butterflies
Penstemon hirsutus
(Hairy Beardstoungue)
wildflower
Schizachyrium scoparium
(Little Bluestem)
native grass
Senecio pauperculus
(Balsom Ragwort)
forb
Solidago ptarmicoides
(White Upland Aster)
wildflower
Sporobolus heterolepis
(Prairie Dropseed)
native grass
Tradescantia ohiesnis
(Spiderwort)
wildflower

27. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Wetland Plants for Minnesota
Floating Leaved Plants:
Nymphaea spp. (Waterlillies)
Brasenia schreberi (Native Watershield)
(yellow lotus)
(Cow lilies)
Abundantly growing aquatic plants:
Submerged:
Myriophyllum exalbescens (Northern watermilfoil)
Ceratyophyllum demersum (Coontail)
Elodea Canadensis (Canada waterweed)
Emergent:
Typha latifolia, Typha angustifolia (Cattalis)
Scirpus spp. (Bulrushes)

28. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Native Vines for Minnesota
Lonicera brownii (Dropmore scarlet honeysuckle)
partial sun, fertile well drained soil, very winter hardy and easy to grow, fast growing, needs
support trellis right after planting, boasts scarlet-orange, tubular flowers from June to
September, attracts hummingbirds
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper)
partial sun, cold hardy, grows quickly, tough, requires little maintenance, small fruits it bears
attract birds, can be invasive, prune to control size
Scarlet honeysuckle
Virginia CreeperVirginia Creeper

29. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
PROPOSED PLANTS
Traditional Green Roof Plant List
Allium schoenoprasum
Dianthus deltoides
Papaver alpinum
Sedum album
Sedum floriferum
Sedum hybridum
Sedum reflexum
Sedum sexangulare
Sedum spurium
Sedum ternatum
Sempervivum spp.
Image Source: Intrinsic Perennials
Sedum floriferum Russian Stonecrop
'Weihenstephaner Gold'
Allium schoenoprasum
Sedum spurium

30. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
More Green Roof Technology?
4. Irrigation
 Irrigation is primarily for Plant
Establishment & Building
Cooling
 Temporary Establishment of
Plants is 2-3 Seasons
(Spring, Summer, Fall)
 Reduces Cooling Loads on in
Summer by as much as 50%
(e.g., 1 story flat roofs)
 Needed long term for the
No-mow turf areas

31. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
More Green Roof Technology?
4. Irrigation for Plant Establishment
 Plants need at minimum
1‖ of water per week
June, July, August
 Evaporation up to 2‖ per
week June, July, August
 ¾‖ pipe = 2 to 3 GPM; 1‖
pipe = 5 to GPM
 18‖ spacing of emitters
for extensive areas
 12‖ spacing of emitters
for extensive areas

32. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Approved Design Scheme
GREEN ROOF PLAN

33. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Final Design Scheme
Perspective View Looking East

34. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Perspective View Looking West
Final Design Scheme

35. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Westile Roofing Products – Littleton, CO
Pavers: standard size – 24‖ x 24‖ x 1 3/4‖
several standard colors for each finish
4 standard finishes
Pedestal System: (from top to bottom)
paver
shim (rubber or rigid)
ScrewJack pedestal (adjustable height 2‖ – 7 ¾‖)
Slope Leveler
Slope Leveler LD4
Typical ScrewJack installation without Slope Leveler
Pavers

36. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Living
Walls
• Climbing
Vines
• GreenScreen
Panels

37. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Plant Palettes
Des. Description Area
PP1 Extensive Prairie Wildflower Garden 586
PP2 Extensive Succulent/Wildflower Garden 533
PP3 Extensive Woodland Garden 1003
PP4 Intensive Savannah/Wildflower Garden 95
PP5 Intensive Meadow Garden 747
PP6 Intensive Shady Garden 495
PP7 Intensive Wetland Garden 65
PP8 Intensive Wildflower Garden 149
PP9 Extensive Wetland Garden 30
PP10 No-mow Turf (Pregrown vegetative mat) 631
PP11 Vining plants for Treillage,"trees" and trellisses 233

38. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Plant Palette 1
Extensive Prairie Wildflower Garden
The Plants below are native and able to grow in shallow green roof conditions
Allium Cernuum
(Nodding Onion)
deciduous wildflower Anemone Patens
(Pasque Flower)
prairie wildflower
Coreopsis palmate
(Prairie Coreopsis)
prairie wildflower
Geum triflorum
Prairie Smoke
Wildflower
Lobelia spicata
Spiked Lobelia
Wildflower
Rudbeckia hirta
Black-Eyed Susan
Savannah
Asclepias verticillata
Whorled Milkweed
Wildflower
Antennaria neglecta
Pussytoes
Wildflower
Bouteloua curtipendula
(Side-oats Grama
Meadow Grass
Opuntia fragilis
Brittle opuntia (Prickly Pear)
Wildflower
Aquilegia canadensis
Columbine
Wildflower
Arennaria stricta
Sandwort
Wildflower
Aster sericeus
Smooth Aster
Wildflower
Campanula rotundifolia
Harebell
Wildflower

39. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
The Plants below are drought tolerant and able to grow in shallow green roof conditions
Allium schoenoprasum
wildflower
Opuntia humifusa Sedum ‘
Green Spruce’
Sedum album
teretifolium ‘Murale’
Sedum divergens
Sedum ewersii Sedum kamtschaticum Sedum sexangulare
Sedum sichotense Sedum spurium
‘Fuldaglut’
Sedum stenopetalum
Sempervivum mix
Plant Palette 2
Extensive Succulent/Wildflower Garden

40. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Plant Palette 3
Extensive Woodland Garden
Anemone canadensis
Canadian Anemone
Woodland (shade plants)
Aquilegia canadensis
Columbine
Woodland (shade plants)
Carex pensylvanica
Pensylvania Sedge
Woodland
Bromus purgans
Hairy Wood Chess
Woodland (shade plants)
Adiantum pedatum
Maidenhair Fern
Woodland (shade plants)
Allium tricoccum
Wild Leek
Woodland
(shade plants)
Allium stellatum
Prairie Onion
Woodland
(shade plants)
Caltha palustris
Yellow Marsh Marigold
Woodland (shade plants)
Aster shortii
Short’s Aster
Woodland
(shade plants)
Polemonium reptans
Jacob's Ladder
Woodland (shade plants)
Alchemilla mollis
Lion’s Foot
Woodland (shade plants)
Blephilia hirsuta
Hairy Wood Mint
Woodland (shade plants)

41. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Plant Palette 4
Intensive Savannah/Wildflower Garden
Pycnanthemum pilosum
Hairy Mountain Mint
Savannah
Thaspium trifoliatum
Meadow Parsnip
Savannah
Bromus kalmii
Prairie Brome
Savannah
Schizachyrium scoparium
(Little Bluestem)
native grass
Myrris odorata
Sweet Cicely
Savannah
Sporobolus heterolepis
(Prairie Dropseed)
native grass
Diarrhena americana
Beak Grass
Savannah
Symphyotrichum shortii
Short's Aster
Savannah
Echinacea purpurea
Purple Coneflower
Gentiana flavida
Cream Gentian
Savannah
Penstemon digitalis
(White Beardtoungue)
Wildflower
butterflies
Polygonatum commutatum
Solomon's Seal
woodland
Taenidia integerrima
Yellow Pimpernel
Savannah

42. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Plant Palette 5
Intensive Meadow Garden
Penstemon digitalis
(White Beardtoungue)
Wildflower
butterflies
Liatris pycnostachya
Prairie Blazing Star
Meadow
Schizachyrium scoparium
(Little Bluestem)
native grass
Baptisia leucantha
White Wild Indigo
Meadow
S
(
n
Allium Cernuum
(Nodding Onion)
deciduous wildflower
Bouteloua curtipendula
(Side-oats Grama
Meadow Grass
Eryngium yuccifolium
Rattlesnake Master
Meadow (short
grass prairie)
Dalea purpurea
(Purple Prairie Clover)
prairie and rocky
area wildflower
Aster laevis
Smooth Blue Aster
Meadow (short grass
prairie)
Echinacea pallida
Pale Purple Cone-
flower Meadow
(short grass prairie)

43. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Plant Palette 6
Intensive Shady Garden
Aster drumondii
Drummond’s Aster
Woodland (shade
plants)
Asclepias exaltata
Poke Milkweed
Woodland (shade
plants)
Campanulastrum
americanum (L.)
Small Tall Bellflower
Woodland (shade
plants)
Elymus villosus
Silky Wild Rye
Shade
Osmunda cinnamomea
Cinnamon Fern
Woodland
(shade plants)
Anemone canadensis
Canadian Anemone
Woodland (shade plants)
Aquilegia canadensis
Columbine
Woodland (shade plants)
Carex pensylvanica
Pensylvania Sedge
Woodland
Bromus purgans
Hairy Wood Chess
Woodland (shade
plants)
Pycnanthemum pilosum
Hairy Mountain Mint
Savannah
Thaspium trifoliatum
Meadow Parsnip
Savannah
Blephilia hirsuta
Hairy Wood Mint
woodland
Athyrium filix-femina
Lady Fern Woodland
(shade plants)
Hydrophyllum
appendiculatum Great
Waterleaf Woodland
(shade plants)
Astrophytum
myriostigma Bishop’s
Cap Woodland (shade
plants)
Mertensia virginica
Virginia Bluebells
Woodland (shade
plants)
Arisaema triphyllum
Jack in the Pulpit
Woodland (shade
plants)

44. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Plant Palette 7
Intensive Wetland Garden
Liatris pycnostachya
Prairie Blazing Star Wet
to Wet Mesic Prairie
Brasenia schreberi
Native Watershield
Floating Leaved
Plants
Nelumbo lutea
(Willd.) Pers. Yellow
Lotus Floating
Leaved Plants
Lobelia siphilitica Great
Blue Lobelia
Spartina pectinata Prairie
cord-grass Wet to Wet
Mesic Prairie
Platanthera praeclara
Western Prairie
Fringed Orchid Wet to
Wet Mesic Prairie

45. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Plant Palette 9
Extensive Wetland Garden
Penstemon hirsutus
(Hairy Beardstoungue)
wildflower
Iris versicolor
Blue Flag Iris
Shallow Marsh,
shoreline
Sagittaria latifolia Willd.
Broad Leaved Arrowhead
Shallow Marsh
Pycnanthemum virginianum
Common Mountain Mint Wet
to Wet Mesic Prairie
Floating Leaved Plants:
Nymphaea spp. (Waterlillies)
Brasenia schreberi (Native Watershield)
(yellow lotus)
(Cow lilies)
Abundantly growing aquatic plants:
Submerged:
Myriophyllum exalbescens (Northern watermilfoil)
Ceratyophyllum demersum (Coontail)
Elodea Canadensis (Canada waterweed)
Emergent:
Typha latifolia, Typha angustifolia (Cattalis)
Scirpus spp. (Bulrushes)

46. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Plant Palette 10
No-mow Turf Grass
Fescue grasses from the genus Festuca:
– slow growing
– narrow leaved
– shade tolerant
This low maintenance "No Mow" turf mix contains
single season rye grass seeds for soil stability and
quick growth of green lawn. The Fescue seeds are no
different from those in our other "No Mow" turf mix.
Both contain a specially designed blend of six low-
growing Fine Fescue turf grasses, which will: Grow to
form a dense turf, Thrive in full sun or partial
shade, Require little if any watering or
fertilizing, Biologically reduce weed growth, once
established, Require limited mowing, usually only once
or twice a year, Reduce your lawn maintenance
dramatically.
~Prairie Nursery in Westfield, WI

47. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
No-Mow Turf is Pre-Grown System
Pre-Grown Vs. Planted on Site: Example of Pre-Grown
Example Shown: Xeroflor Pre-grown System

48. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Plant Palette 11
Native Vines for Minnesota
Lonicera brownii (Dropmore scarlet honeysuckle)
partial sun, fertile well drained soil, very winter hardy and easy to grow, fast growing, needs
support trellis right after planting, boasts scarlet-orange, tubular flowers from June to
September, attracts hummingbirds
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper)
partial sun, cold hardy, grows quickly, tough, requires little maintenance, small fruits it bears
attract birds, can be invasive, prune to control size
Scarlet honeysuckle
Virginia Creeper
Virginia Creeper

49. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Tree Trellis Design
Getty Garden – Des: Robert Irwin
Vertical Structure With Dynamic Vegetation;
Profusion of Color

50. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Rainwater Harvesting
Supplies Primary Irrigation Water
 Eco-storm Filtration
System
 Maintains clear water in
tank
 Zoned valve boxes
 Moisture sensor control
 Rainwater Cistern
 6,000 gl capacity
 Water level maintained
from potable supply on an
as needed basis only
 Auto by-pass
 Submersible pump
supplies 12 GPM to
Irrigation System
Photos Courtesy: David Nelson, City of St. Paul

51. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
 Drip System
 18” Grid
 Supported mid-height
 Emitters 18” spacing
 Zoned valve boxes
 Moisture sensor
control
 Overhead System
 Used at planters and
Tree structures
 Moisture Sensor
control
Digitally Controlled Drip Irrigation System

52. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Final DESIGN
Optional Seating Layouts

53. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
GREEN ROOF COST SUMMARY
Item SF $/SF Cost
Paver Areas 2721 20.48 55,713.75
No-Mow Turf 638 21.04 13,421.24
Extensive GR 1930 18.41 35,536.29
Intensive GR 1520 42.79 65,052.38
Herb/Vegetable Garden 180 29.41 5,293.67
Total Green Roof Area 4508 26.46 119,303.58
Retaining Wall 465 60.61 28,160.00
Trellises and Green Walls 1803 39.15 70,575.00
Irrigation System 6311 3.81 24,066.90
Water Feature and Rainwater Cistern 75 4.53 35,625.00
FF&E 1.88 14,800.00
Maintenance - 3 years 7,500.00
Contingency, OH+P & Other 6.24 49,082.22
Construction Total 7868 48.78 383,797.00
Education and Monitoring Total 100,575.00
Grand Total 484,372.00

54. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Educational Opportunities

55. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Educational Opportunities

56. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Green Roof Interpretive Center and
Garden Classroom
Education

57. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
The objectives of the project:
 Provide an innovative demonstration of a multi-
purpose green roof installation
 Reduce non-point source pollution to the
Mississippi River
 Provide opportunity for monitoring to verify
expected results in 7 key water quality areas
 Provide education for school children and the
public about the benefits of green roofs.
Green Roof Interpretive Center
and Garden Classroom

58. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Green Roof Education for school children and other visitors

59. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Green Roof Interpretive Center
and Garden Classroom
Description of education and/or
demonstration
– Development of an Education Curriculum: educational
materials will be developed including interpretive
signage, displays and fact sheets.
– A web site on the internet may also be developed
– Education Curriculum would include:
• The causes of non-point source pollution and how
green roofs help reduce it.
• Habitat for migratory birds and
beneficial insects such as butterflies,
worms and beetles.
• Rainwater cistern and water reuse

60. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
• Summary of Education /Interpretive Program:
– The vision on the education program is generally based
on the ―The Roof is Growing!‖ (ASLA)
– Education Curriculum was developed by green roof
education subcommittee including creating educational
materials in various formats (print, display exhibits)
– Tailored to K-12 students, professionals and the general
public about the Water and ecological benefits of green
roofs.
– Made possible through grant from CRWD
Green Roof Interpretive Center
and Garden Classroom

61. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Green Roof Interpretive Center and
Garden Classroom
Precedent Project:
• ―The Roof is Growing!‖ from American Society of
Landscape Architecture (ASLA)
• Provided examples of Consistency with Academic
Standards and Teacher’s Guide /Student Workbook

62. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Green roof education subcommittee
• Loren Abraham - Architect
• Elizabeth Beckman - CRWD
• Sage Passi - RWMWD
• Mark Granlund – City Parks Dept.
• Cy Kosel - City Parks Dept.
• Mark Doneux - CRWD
• Dave Nelson - City of Saint Paul
• Paula Peterson - SPFD Education Coordinator
• MN Green Roofs Council
• Phil Belfiori- City Water Res. Coordinator
Green Roof Interpretive Center
and Garden Classroom

63. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Subcommittee Tasks
– To develop learning objectives and content for
display, print, and web based materials for:
• 8-10 Interpretive stations with signage
• Three teaching workbooks tailored to Grades 4/5,
Grades 7/8 and Builders /professional
• Focus content on stormwater education
• Develop consistency with MN State Education
Standards for Science
Green Roof Interpretive Center
and Garden Classroom

64. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Content for interpretive stations and teachers guide to include:
• Green Roof Construction: a cut-a-way view.
• Water pollution caused by surface runoff and how green roofs help reduce it.
• Rainwater harvesting system provides water for Irrigation.
Green Roof Interpretive Center
and Garden Classroom

65. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Green Roof Interpretive Center and
Garden Classroom
Previous examples of Interpretive station signage

66. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
– Pursue partnerships with public
agency /organizations or non-profit
to conduct interpretive training and
Long-term roof maintenance
training.
– Involving master gardeners, college
groups, senior groups etc.. For
planting, maintenance and tours.
Green Roof Interpretive Center
and Garden Classroom
Additional Education goals:

67. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Green Roof Interpretive Center
and Garden Classroom
• Monitoring and evaluation
of effectiveness program
 Implementation in partnership
with CRWD- Thank You!
 Green roof monitoring systems
for water quantity, water quality
and comparative temperature
and weather data collection

68. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Green Roof Interpretive Center
and Garden Classroom
• Monitoring components
Connection to the buildings sensor system:
automated temperature sensors
automated flow meter
automated precipitation gauge
Water Quality Monitoring- manually collected
Ongoing evaluation of the monitoring data
and reporting
Monitoring data could also serve as science
research in the coming years, as well as
community outreach and education.

69. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
from various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Green Roof Interpretive Center
and Garden Classroom
Future Research Opportunities
Greenroof Technology vs
Conventional including:
 Stormwater Runoff/retention
 Thermal Insulation/Heat transfer
 Effects of Evapo-transpiration on
cooling loads
 Roof Surface Temperature
 Plant Mortality and morbidity by
Species
 Investigate the fire-protection
characteristics of green roofs

70. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
MONITORING EQUIPMENT

71. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
MONITORING
Greenroof Technology
vs Conventional
 Stormwater Runoff/retention
 Thermal Insulation/Heat
transfer
 Effects of Evapo-
transpiration on cooling loads
 Roof Surface Temperature
 Plant Mortality and by
Species
 Effects of Light Reflected off
Glass on lower roofs

72. Loren Abraham, AIA, LEED AP
abraham + associates architecture and planning
From various Presentations to the City of St. Paul
St. Paul Fire Station Green Roof Garden Classroom
Green Roof Interpretive Center and
Garden Classroom
For More Information Contact:
Loren E Abraham, AIA, LEED
®
AP
Abraham + Associates Architecture + Planning
Loren.abraham@abrarch.com
www.abrarch.com