50 U.N. PLAZA

50 U.N. Plaza When the General Services Administration embarked on an ambitious restoration at their regional headquarters at the U.S. Federal Building at 50 U.N. Plaza, it wanted to integrate nature into the architecture of the building. Why? It understood the benefits to animals, the environment and its neighborhood, which is why it became the …

50 U.N. Plaza

When the General Services Administration embarked on an ambitious restoration at their regional headquarters at the U.S. Federal Building at 50 U.N. Plaza, it wanted to integrate nature into the architecture of the building. Why? It understood the benefits to animals, the environment and its neighborhood, which is why it became the first GSA building to feature a green roof. The green roof is built with rooflite soil at an 8-inch depth to support a diverse plant palette, including grass, wildflowers and vines – all of which provide a home for birds, insects and butterflies. Located in San Francisco, which currently mandates green roofs on new construction, the green roof also manages stormwater and reduces the urban heat island effect.

THE DETAILS

Project Name: 50 U.N. Plaza
Year: 2013
Location: San Francisco, CA
Type: Extensive & Semi-intensive
Size: 14,000 sq. ft.
Installer: Pioneer Roofing & Habitat Gardens
Green Roof Design: Habitat Gardens & HKS Architecture
rooflite Blender: West Coast Forest & Cinder Products