World’s largest green roof unveiled

By Kate Hassett

World’s largest green roof unveiled
In the heart of Silicon Valley lies a green space to rival most parks, but this park is closer to the sky than the ground.

In the heart of Silicon Valley, ‘The Hills at Vallco’ will be livening up the tech haven with their newest instalment – an unprecedented engineering feat that’s “at least twice as big as anything attempted before it.” However, this community ‘park’ will be positioned a little differently than what people are used to.

Elevated above the centre, there will be over 2km of walking trails, rolling hills, orchards, meadows, organic gardens, children’s play areas, and a dedicated sanctuary for native flora and fauna. The incredible space will also feature a vineyard that will complement the climate responsive plants that fill the rest of the space.

The sustainable green roof will be fully functional as a recycling haven, achieving LEED Platinum certification by increasing air quality in Silicon Valley and existing off recycled water and recaptured rainwater.

The space will also extend to street-level where the neighbourhood will see an injection of retail options, office spaces and brand new residential units.

The residential development will also see affordable housing options as well as apartments for seniors.

“There will be nothing like it when we are done,” Reed Moulds, Sand Hill managing director told Mercury News. “We believe its community focus will make this a remarkable place to live, work, dine, play, learn, and recreate.”

This innovative design is the result of a long community engagement process to address the needs and concerns of all residents. Property company, Sand Hill, will further contribute $40 million worth of amenities and funding to local school districts, and, if the project is approved by the city, will spend over $20 million to construct a new 700-student elementary school.

The architects behind the design, Rafael Vinoly and Olin Landscape Architects, are hoping to transform the ambitious project into reality by the end of next year.

Would you like to see a similar design in your city?

 

 

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