Can artificial grass and green roofs work together?

There is no single solution for every project is the right answer. This is because today's roofs often need to perform multiple functions, by providing environmental benefits while also creating safe, attractive spaces for people to work, relax and socialise. The most successful designs recognise that different roof areas have different purposes and specify the most appropriate surface finish for each.

We have therefore, to recognise that not all green roofs are the same. Extensive green roofs are primarily designed to maximise biodiversity and environmental performance. Typically planted with sedum, wildflowers or low-maintenance vegetation, they are intended to support wildlife, improve Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and enhance the environmental credentials of a building. They are generally not designed to accommodate regular pedestrian traffic.

Intensive green roofs, on the other hand, are designed as accessible landscaped spaces. They can support lawns, shrubs, mature planting and even trees, allowing them to function as rooftop gardens or public amenity spaces with full pedestrian access.

However, these benefits come at a cost. Intensive green roofs require significantly greater structural capacity, deeper growing media, increased roof build-up, higher upstands and more complex drainage and irrigation systems, along with a programme of regular intensive maintenance once in service. Unless these additional loads and depths are considered during the early stages of building design, incorporating an intensive green roof may not be practical or economically viable.

Hard Landscaping Still Has an Important Role

Where regular pedestrian traffic is expected, hard landscaping continues to provide an excellent solution. Concrete paving, resin-bonded paving systems and porcelain tiles are widely used to create roof terraces, circulation routes, seating areas and communal spaces. These finishes are durable, low maintenance and well suited to heavily trafficked environments.

Rather than viewing roof design as a choice between green roofs and hard landscaping, architects are increasingly adopting a zoned approach, allowing each area of the roof to perform differently – which is why artificial grass is increasingly seen as an alternative solution.

Where Artificial Grass Fits

It provides designers with another surface finish that can complement both planted areas and hard landscaping. Artificial grass systems create a softer, more natural aesthetic than traditional paving while providing a durable surface for pedestrian use.

This can be particularly beneficial on roof terraces adjoining residential developments, offices, healthcare facilities, schools and hospitality venues, where creating an attractive outdoor environment is just as important as delivering practical performance.

By directing foot traffic onto durable artificial grass or hard landscaped areas, planted zones are protected from excessive wear while continuing to deliver their environmental benefits.

Ideal Aesthetic for Smaller Roof Areas

Artificial grass can also solve a challenge that is often overlooked. Current fire regulations require green roofs to incorporate a perimeter fire break, typically comprising a 300–500 mm border of cobbles around the planted area. On narrow or relatively small roofs, this fire break can occupy a significant proportion of the available roof space, leaving very little room for meaningful living roof finishes or planting.

In these situations, Evergreens® UK EverRoof® artificial grass provides an attractive, softer alternative that delivers the desired visual appearance without sacrificing valuable usable space.

Similarly, some roof areas are simply unsuitable for living vegetation for other reasons including aspect and exposure. Rather than specifying planting that may be inappropriate, artificial grass offers a practical solution where a softer landscaped appearance is still required.

A Complete Fire-Tested Roofing System

Whatever surface finish is selected, system design is critical. Modern architects, principal contractors and warranty providers increasingly specify complete roofing systems rather than assembling individual components from multiple manufacturers. This approach provides confidence that every element of the roof has been designed, tested and certified to work together.

Recognising the growing demand for multifunctional roof spaces, Proteus Waterproofing has worked with Evergreens® UK to develop fully tested roofing systems that combine EverRoof® artificial grass with the Proteus Pro-BW® waterproofing and insulation system. Together, these systems have achieved BROOF(t4) classification, the highest European standard for external fire performance of roofing systems.

Importantly, BROOF(t4) certification applies to the complete roof build-up and not just individual products tested in isolation. For architects and major building contractors delivering new-build projects, this provides confidence that the waterproofing, insulation, artificial grass and associated components have been tested together as a complete roofing system.

Attempting to combine individually tested products from different manufacturers to reduce cost introduces unnecessary technical risk and is not considered best practice on major construction projects.

We can see therefore, that some projects will benefit from intensive green roofs with mature planting and full public access. Others will combine extensive biodiverse roofs with paved circulation routes and seating areas. Smaller or narrower roofs may benefit aesthetically from artificial grass where fire break requirements or other limitations make traditional planting impractical.

The key is selecting the right solution for each part of the roof. By combining Proteus Pro-BW® with Evergreens UK's tested artificial grass systems as part of a complete BROOF(t4)-certified roofing system, architects can confidently create roofscapes that successfully balance environmental performance, fire safety, aesthetics and long-term usability.