The new addition to a home on Woodland Ave. in Takoma Park includes a green roof. Not only is the green roof absorbing stormwater runoff and protecting Sligo Creek, but it also helps create a beautiful and usable outdoor space to relax. According to the owner, "it works beautifully."

A home is being renovated on Holly Ave. in Takoma Park that will eventually include living roofs (400 square feet), a permeable drive way and patio, rain barrels, rain garden, and a pond/bog garden to control stormwater runoff. These features are part of an overall ecological renovation - including a straw-bale home addition - by architect Bill Hutchins with Helicon Works.

The newly planted living small roof over the bay windows. Over time the green roof plants will grow and spread over the roof. A living roof has also been installed on the upper main roof.

A permeable patio that allows rain water to soak through into the ground.

An addition to a home on Sherman Avenue features a green roof.
The south-facing roof overhang uses a passive solar design to shade summer sunlight
and allows the lower winter sun to heat the room.

The Sherman Avenue green roof, designed by local architect Alan Abrams, has a tiered structure.

One large exposed beam inside the addition supports the weight of the green roof.