The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) was founded in the 17th century as a physic garden, growing medicinal plants. This first Garden was in St Anne's Yard; part of the Holyrood Palace grounds, and occupied an area the size of a tennis court. Now it extends over four Gardens boasting a rich living collection of plants, and is a world-renowned center for plant science and education.

Since the 19th century it has received public funding, and it is now sponsored by the Scottish Government's Rural and Environmental Research and Analysis Directorate (RERAD).

The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh has extended its 70 acres of spectacular greenery with 1400m² of plants expertly installed at roof level - the crowning glory for a new visitor centre.

The project was completed using the versatile green roofing system and single ply waterproofing membranes. Completed in June 2009, it offers a long lasting and eco-friendly cover for the £15.7 million development.

Being hardy and requiring little attention, sedum was chosen for planting on the roof. Pre-grown in a medium of crushed brick, expanded clay, pumice and compost, it was easy to lay and meant that the centre could benefit from its good looks immediately.

The aesthetic of the roof is of particular importance, given that the Visitor Centre, the John Hope Gateway, is designed to integrate into the delicate landscape of the wider gardens. Sharing space with the nearby Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden as well as special plants including the towering Sierra Redwood, the sedum will prove a restrained yet attractive addition to the grounds.

Whilst pleasing to the eye and in keeping with its surroundings, the rooftop will also contribute to the environment. This was especially important to managers of the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, who intend to use the building as a popular tourist attraction, serving to educate the public on ecological issues.

The Gateways’ roof will aid the environment in a variety of ways, stimulating local biodiversity and oxygenating the air. It will also help to combat climate change by providing natural air conditioning - the earth roof cools the building in summer and provides high grade insulation in winter. This also lessens the impact of thermal shock on the structure and other forms of stress on the roof.

As well as controlling temperature, the soil reduces the need for drainage by absorbing rainwater, minimising harmful runoff and limiting the risk of water damage to the building.

The roof is further protected by the high performance single ply waterproofing membrane, which is root resistant and has a life expectancy of over twenty-five years.

And as the green roofing system contains as many recycled materials as possible and avoids harmful plasticisers, in tune with the garden’s environmentally friendly philosophy, it makes it the perfect choice for the Gardens.

From plant containers to drainage supplied irrigators it can be tailored to fit any needs, from commercial projects to private homes. Used with single ply roofing membranes, it provides a cost effective, environmentally friendly and durable rooftop for any structure.