Concrete is the structural material of choice for vegetated roofs because it provides a continuous load-bearing surface for the potentially moist growing trees and plants. Vegetative roofs are used in residential buildings, office buildings, hospitals, schools, recreational facilities, shopping centers and airports. In fact, the Green Roof Bylaw in Toronto governs the construction of green roofs on new development. Click here to read about the process of installing soil on a green roof. 

 

Concrete is used to provide prolonged building benefits by functioning as thermal mass, acoustical barrier and durable structure. A great example of using concrete in building design is St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, QC – Canada’s largest church. The exterior features 283 concrete steps leading up to the entrance of the basilica. The interior design is inspired by Art Deco style with a focus on the large scale, simple patterns, and streamlined forms. The concrete interior walls provide a barrier between the outdoor noise and the indoor environment in the church.