The School & Corporate Campus Issue of Landscape Architect & Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. This project was not chosen for a Feature in the issue, but we at LandscapeArchitect.com thought the project deserved to be showcased online . . .

With the rise in popularity of rooftop social gathering spaces, one of the most remarkable features of the recently transformed Morgan Post Office by developer Tishman Speyer is its rooftop recreational greenspace park. Located in Manhattan's hip Chelsea District, the rooftop park's network of pathways and outdoor social gathering spaces feature Mirage Porcelain Pavers by Belgard.

Rising seven floors above the bustle of city traffic, the two-acre rooftop park represents the largest green roof in Manhattan. Design materials played a significant role in helping the landscape architects at HMWhite create an extraordinary greenspace within the concrete jungle seven stories up, using the Mirage pavers and its proprietary EDECK pedestal system to connect the spaces.

 

"For the rooftop park, sustainability was a critical aspect of the project," explains Hank White, Founding Principal of HMWhite, the project's landscape architectural firm. "Natural materials were very important and the overall commitment to sustainability resulted in the Morgan North achieving LEED Gold Certification."

The HMWhite team selected the natural porcelain pavers, which were installed over Mirage's proprietary EDECK system. This raised pedestal support system solves many issues for rooftops that are typically not completely flat, as they adjust in height. White says this feature significantly streamlined the installation process, as it eliminated the need for grout, adhesives, or specialized workers.

White says, "Durability was especially important to Tishman Speyer in busy Manhattan. Another great benefit is that the pavers are resistant to stains and easy to clean. Porcelain is one of the hardest materials around, comfortable to walk on and ADA compliant. The pavers' load bearing of up to 2,000 lbs. made them the ideal choice for the expansive pathway and entertainment areas."

Providing access and leisure space on the largest living green roof in Manhattan, the pavers played an integral role in the project's success. For Landscape Architects and designers, the Morgan North rooftop landscape serves as an inspiring example of outdoor design and sustainability.

Landscape Architect: HMWhite
Developer: Tishman Speyer

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