Additional Photo Credit: Scott Shigley

Intensive Residential

Project: The Residences at 900
Award Recipient: Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects, LLC
Owner: 900 Tower, LLC
Developer: Development Management Associates
Green roof system vendor: Weston Solutions
Landscape contractor: Moore Landscapes
Structural Engineer: The Structural Group, Ltd.
Architectural plans coordinator: Booth Hansen
Construction Manager: Linn - Mathes, Inc.
Lighting Design: Anne Kustner Lighting Design
Irrigation: Halloran & Yauch
Roofing Consultants: Roofing Consultants, Ltd.

One hundred feet above Chicago’s famed “Magnificent Mile,” the rooftop garden at the Residences at 900 N. Michigan Avenue features planting and structural patterns inspired by views of Midwest agricultural landscape. Designed for those purchasing newly-converted luxury condominiums, this green roof incorporates sophisticated design and craftsmanship expected of a high-end amenity with many environmental benefits. Residents sit amid the hush of waving grasses and bobbing allium, surrounded by towering skyscrapers. This startling juxtaposition is
a key intent of the design - it reminds residents of their location in a bustling city while treating their senses to a bit of nature they may have assumed was unavailable in urban life. Residents of surrounding buildings have beautiful views of its seasonal changes, growth and regeneration each spring.

Challenged by structural limitations that restricted the use of more traditional (and heavier) high-end design solutions on the roof, the design team developed an inventive use of a standard modular green roof system to establish the sense of depth, height and texture that makes this green roof unique. Forty thousand (40,000) cubic feet of polystyrene insulation raises the 8" deep green roof trays to a height of 24 inches. This achieves a perceptible depth from a view on the 20th floor (where key residences are located), and elevates the ‘garden’ up to the same level as the 2700 square foot deck, where residents are able to walk and relax. Enhancing this sense of depth is a variety of plant material that grows to different heights. Four plant mixes featuring tall grasses were planted with annuals and perennials designed to create a mix of height, differing bloom times, winter interest, and seasonal color. This variety creates an unfolding, multidimensional experience from within the garden.

The stone and ipe-wood deck features grills and two custom-designed 475 square-foot pergolas clad in ipe wood that offer summer shade and night lighting. Residents using the deck and pergola are screened from views of the adjacent offices on the 10th floor by the only portion of the roof that is planted without trays at a depth of 24". This 300 square foot area is filled with a grove of Japanese Tree Lilacs, cranberry cotoneaster and annuals and provides seasonal color as it shields views.

Intended primarily for recreation, the large stone deck area features two grills and ample tables and chairs and is surrounded by nearly 14,000 square feet of tall grasses and seasonal color. Daylight views of the garden offer a dramatic juxtaposition to the towering skyscrapers surrounding the building, while effective night illumination capitalizes on its proximity to the glitter of urban lights. The roof has shown many proximate benefits as well – the client expects significant energy cost savings and noise reduction in the ballroom directly below the green roof, which is used for conferences, music events, and social gatherings.

Beautiful, varied and practical, The Residences at 900 project was this year’s best example of an Intensive Residential project.

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To view pictures and profiles of the other 2008 winners, please return to our main awards page.