The Eastern Village Condominiums (EVC) structure is an adaptive reuse of an office building constructed in 1957 in Silver Spring, Maryland, abandoned for several years, and now transformed into 56 condominium units housing a thriving urban community. The design objectives were to reduce property flooding, reduce energy costs, and create amenity space. EVC received USGBC LEED® Silver-level Certification in September 2005, making it the first LEED-certified cohousing structure. The project incorporates other green technologies, including low-flow water fixtures, high-efficiency lighting, and low-VOC finishes. Of the 12,330 square-foot roof, approximately 8,000 square feet is planted costing roughly $36 per square foot. 

The green roof system consists of an American Hydrotech Extensive Garden Roof® Assembly, including concrete surface conditioner, Monolithic Membrane 6125-EV® and flashings, a protection/separation component consisting of Hydroflex 30 and Root Stop WSF 40, Styrofoam® insulation, Moisture Retention Mat SSM45, Floradrain FD25 Drainage/Water Storage/Aeration component, and, a Systemfilter SF filter fabric component. 

The lightweight growing medium consists of pumice and organic materials, 5” deep. Irrigation was unnecessary and maintenance requirements are minimal, consisting of weeding and fertilizing annually with a slow-release fertilizer. 

Plant selection for this project consists mostly of Sedum species. Fifteen species or varieties of Sedum are represented, primarily S. kamtschaticum, S. sexangulare, S. spurium Fuldaglut, and S. Weinenstaphaner Gold. Allium schoenoprasum, Orostachys aggregatum, and Talinum calycinum complement the Sedum.

Prior to construction, more than 90% of the site consisted of impervious materials, and had occasional flooding problems. Several improvements both decreased the imperviousness of the site by at least 54% and solved the flooding problems: transformation of the ballasted roof into a green roof providing storm-water filtration and detention; conversion of the paved central parking court into a green space, featuring plants either native or adaptive to Maryland; and, construction of dry wells in the courtyard. EVC met the Maryland Department of Environment requirements for Storm Water Management (SWM) by reducing and filtering runoff. Further, rain barrels collect water from the roof for irrigating the courtyard landscape.

Adaptive reuse of the existing structure and use of recycled materials played an important role in the design, which includes reuse of the existing concrete roof deck. The roof system itself features recycled materials: Monolithic Membrane 6125-EV® contains at least 25% recycled materials; Floradrain FD25 consists of 100%-recycled polyethelene; and, Styrofoam® insulation contains up to 40% post-industrial recycled content. In addition, recycling during demolition and construction reduced project waste by 53%.

The EVC green roof is multi-functional with the east wing providing SWM and other green roof benefits. The west wing features extensive programming for residents with elevator access. It includes paved walkways, a gazebo, two pergolas, a children’s play area, rail-mounted planter boxes, and in the future will host a meditation garden and raised vegetable beds. The former location of rooftop mechanical units, unnecessary in light of the new ground-source heating and cooling, will now support a hot tub. Eventually the west wing will include 7 trees. 

The green roof provides much needed, aesthetically-pleasing outdoor space for the EVC community amid the plantings, with sweeping views of Rock Creek Park and Downtown Silver Spring. Additionally, it has provided opportunities for several organized tours educating the public about green roofs.

Cohousing combines private home ownership with shared community facilities, activities and decision-making. Residents have been involved since the beginning of the project and continue to help manage the green roof. EVC features a “common house” with a large kitchen and dining room, which facilitates resident interaction and conviviality. During pleasant weather, residents now gather on the new green roof for community meetings, socializing, and relaxation. 

The Eastern Village green roof serves as an excellent model for successful redevelopment with an old unused office building being converted into a highly functional and environmentally friendly living space.