About

Optigrun is one of the leading supply companies in the green roof industry, with 50 years of experience in the market. Offering a high-quality range of products and solutions and providing quality project-specific technical advice, they support clients during consultation, planning, execution and maintenance of green roofs.


Ecological Compensation

Our systems for optimum green roofs are an important contribution to climate compensation. As a recognised measure of the impact compensation regulation under nature protection law, green roofs offer new living spaces for people, plants and animals. The large storage capacity and evaporation of precipitation on the roof relieve pressure on the sewer system, especially in the event of heavy rainfall. At the same time, the green roof efficiently cools both the surrounding area and the building and also contributes to air humidification and fine dust filtration. As protection against extreme temperatures or hail, green roofs also extend the service life of waterproofing.


Multifunctional Roof Design

A green roof is an upgrade for any building. It looks good, offers multiple benefits with numerous functions and even saves money. In order to make the right decision, it is essential to identify the respective requirements and to use the best solution for each application. Our motivation is the idea of designing living spaces better, taking the next step for tomorrow today and further extending our technological lead. To do this, we develop innovative systems that impress with their functionality from both an ecological and an economic viewpoint.


A Green Roof System for Every Roof

The long-term and permanent functionality of green roofs depends upon multiple factors. Reliable and established products that comply with the guidelines of green roofing are important:


  • OPTIGRUN ECONOMY (SEDUM) GREEN ROOF

A sedum roof is a relatively low-cost option using a minimum 20mm depth drainage and reservoir board and 60mm depth extensive substrate if using a pre-cultivated vegetation mat or 80mm depth substrate if using plug planted vegetation.

The vegetation will be alpines and sedums which are very robust and drought tolerant, but which will provide a low biodiversity level.

It has a low maintenance requirement, typically twice yearly.


  • OPTIGRUN NATURE ROOF

Often called a “biodiverse roof” this type of specification would be used where a greater level of biodiversity and habitat creation is required.

Vegetation will typically be native wildflowers, grasses and annuals. Sedums can also be included as part of the mix to provide winter leaf colour when other plant species are dormant.

It's also possible to create habitats for insects, birds and invertebrates by introducing additional features such as bird boxes, insect hotels and sand or cobble areas.

 

Through this type of planting a d habitat creation it's possible to achieve a higher ecological value, particularly useful for the BREEAM rating of the building.

 

  • OPTIGRUN GARDEN ROOF

Although the needs of this type of roof are a little different the basic modular construction of the roof remains the same. i.e. protection fleece if required, drainage/reservoir board and substrate layers.

The vegetation can be quite varied from perennials through to shrubs and trees as well as recreational and ornamental lawns and will normally require an irrigation system.


  • OPTIGRUN PITCHED GREEN ROOF

It is possible to install green roofs on pitched, curved or waveform roofs as long as they are continuously waterproofed and have a flat and level roof surface. The pitch can be as much as 45 degrees.

The right solution will depend on the following-:

 

•      Roof configuration (i.e. mono pitch, duo pitch, curved hips, valleys)

•      Roof pitch

•      Length of slope/s

•      Perimeter detailing

•      Proposed vegetation


  • OPTIGRUN WATER RETENTION (BLUE) ROOF

Referred to as a “blue roof”.

Works by replacing the normal drainage and reservoir board with a retention board, often referred to as a storage void.

This storage facility will work in conjunction with a restricted or adjustable outlet arrangement. The whole arrangement will be optimised for each individual project and will generally provide temporary and permanent water storage.

 

The temporary storage will typically drain away over 24 hours, the permanent water stored will be used by the vegetation


  • OPTIGRUN SOLAR GREEN ROOF

With this system the solar panel supports are secured by the superimposed load of the green roof build up. There are no fixings through the roof surface.

 

The solar supports are specially designed with a profiled base plate that works on the same principle as a typical drainage and reservoir board.

 

This solution allows vegetation to grow under the PV panels as well as around them so maximising the green roof area.

 

Suitable for sedum or wildflower vegetation the plants themselves will naturalise and shade loving species will thrive under the panels themselves.

 

The solution can be used where panel inclinations of between 10 and 20  degrees are required. Each project will require a layout to be prepared alongside a wind loading calculation to ensure that the dry weight of the green roof build up will be sufficient as ballast for the supports

An additional benefit of a solar green roof is that the local cooling effect of a green roof can increase the output of PV panels by up to 5% during hotter weather as it maintains a more ideal operating temperature for the panels


Optigrun provides dedicated customer service and technical expertise to assist with all aspects of your green roof projects:


CONSULTING

·       CPD Seminars 

·       System proposals

·       Product application support

·       Site visits 


PLANNING

·       Optimising site procedures

·       Planning of multi-layer structures & systems

·       Installation training courses

·       Aftercare recommendations


CALCULATIONS

·       Load calculations

·       Uplift resistance (wind suction)

·       Rainwater storage & discharge (blue roofs)

·       Shear loads on pitched roofs

·       Drainage requirements  


DOCUMENTATION

·       Data sheets for all products

·       Specifications for all systems

·       Vegetation and plant lists 

·       CAD Drawings

·       BIM models 



 

CPD material

Blue Roofs: What are they and how are they used

Optigreen Ltd

Blue Roofs: What are they and how are they used

Sustainable architecture

Understanding Blue Roofs - From design to application

Optigreen Ltd

Understanding Blue Roofs - From design to application

Design, construction and technology, Sustainable architecture

Green Roofs in Practice

Optigreen Ltd

Green Roofs in Practice

Design, construction and technology, Sustainable architecture

Achieving a Biosolar Specification

Optigreen Ltd

Achieving a Biosolar Specification

Sustainable architecture, Design, construction and technology