Canadian War Museum Rooftop Garden

Perhaps the Museum’s most interesting environmental feature is its 10,684 square metre green roof — at the time of its construction, it was one of the largest of its kind in North America. Covered in the same tall-grass species that grow along the Ottawa River, the roof is actually a self-sustaining ecosystem that requires minimal maintenance. The plants help “clean” the air of smog and air pollution. The roof includes a 300 millimetre mix of soil and retention board that can hold up to 720,000 litres of storm water. The combined green roof features help provide additional insulation to reduce energy loss while moderating any urban heat island effect as the plants help cool and clean the air above the building.

Designed to function as an ecosystem, it blends architecture with nature. A must visit to experience nature being integrated into urban settings.