Residential Rooftop Farm
Cambridge, MA
Residential Rooftop Farm
Location
Cambridge, MA
Size
1200 sq. ft.
Project Completion
July 2023
AWARD WINNER
2024 Living Architecture Monitor Award of Excellence - Urban Agriculture
GREEN ROOF AND VEGETABLE GARDEN
Tucked between multiple neighbors, this inviting urban rooftop farm has dramatically transformed the visual aesthetic for nearby residents. What was once an underutilized black rubber roof on top of the garage has been converted into a fully accessible vegetable and perennial garden, boosting curb appeal and earning a spot on the Secret Gardens of Cambridge Tour.
To support the installation of the rooftop garden and deck, our team worked with architect Anthony Sanchez, Cowen Associates Structural Engineers, and Justin Kelly Contracting to design and rebuild the garage structure. We partnered with Conservation Technology and Earthwater Design Solutions to design and install a rainwater harvest system to meet the irrigation needs of the rooftop garden. This water drains into the cistern and is pumped back up to irrigate the garden. Overflow rainwater is directed through a perforated pipe to a rain garden on the property.
To enhance accessibility, a catwalk was built to connect the second-story kitchen directly to the roof garden, making it easier to use the space and harvest the produce. The homeowner generously supports local students by providing seedlings and educational opportunities for growing vegetables. To learn more about this project from start to finish, visit the homeowner’s website here.
Featured in The Boston Globe and on Boston.com: Cambridge woman turns garage roof into green oasis followed by an interview with James Rojas at WBZNewsRadio and video footage by CBS News.
PROJECT INFORMATION
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Homeowner
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Extensive + Rooftop Agriculture
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Extensive green roof area:
Emory Knolls Mixed Flat Plugs: Semi shade blend/Semi-shade biodiversity blendRooftop agriculture areas:
Fruit and vegetable plantings by the client -
Anthony Sanchez, AIA
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Recover Green Roofs
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Recover Green Roofs
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Justin Kelly Contracting
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Cowen Associates
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Recover Green Roofs
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Justin Kelly Contractors
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Growing Medium:
Naturcycle Intensive Agricultural Blend
Drainage System:
Optigreen 25mm Drainage PlateIrrigation:
Hunter X2 6 station controller
Rain Sensor, Cistern Connections -
EPDM
