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Centre's living roof fulfils green pledge
WHEN work began on the Regional Agricultural Centre in Harrogate, organisers said it would be one of the greenest buildings in the area.
Now as construction nears completion their claim is literally coming to fruition with the installation of a green roof covered with plants.
The roof of the 5.1m centre, being built by Great Yorkshire Show organisers the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, is made from sedum – plants that grow between rocks.
The plants were grown locally at Otley and bosses say that as well as being great insulation they are incredibly beneficial to the environment. Builders rolled out the turf yesterday onto an existing waterproof membrane.
Deputy chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society Heather Parry said: "To see what is one of the final stages in creating something that we believe will be Harrogate's most sustainable building is very exciting and a milestone in taking the Great Yorkshire Showground into the 21st century."
A spokeswoman for Harrogate-based builders Houseman and Falshaw said that the roof would provide a natural habitat for birds and wildlife as well having a longer lifespan than a regular roof.
The centre when completed will include "Fodder", a caf and regional food shop, as well as offices for Yorkshire Agricultural Society staff and other rural not-for-profit organisations.
The Centre has been designed by architects P+HS of Leeds and Stokesley and features a range of sustainable features, including a ground heat recovery system, timber frame, solar thermal panels, sheep's wool insulation and rainwater harvesting. Together with drystone walling, those behind the project say the sedum roof will help the building blend into its surroundings and they emphasise its strong links to agriculture.
Houseman and Falshaw managing director Stuart Falshaw said: "We are delighted to have been involved in what should prove to be a flagship development for this type of building in the region."
Completion is due in time for this year's show which runs from Tuesday July 14 to July 16.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
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