This awe-inspiring Roldan Public School and Primary (CEIP) keeps kids cool and green in Spain. Huma Arquitectura was commissioned to design a school that fosters a love of nature, but the firm did not have a massive budget, and they had to create a structure that could easily accommodate projected population growth. The design response? Wrap not just the roof or the walls, but the whole school in Astroturf. Although fake grass is not quite as exciting as real vegetation, the turf keeps the building cool and needs no water or maintenance.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. I appreciate the project’s constrictions, however Astroturf lends itself more to the “kitsch” variety, rather than “beautiful”. While I would consider myself a purveyor of kitsch, this still lacks … something.
I get the whole “less maintenance and watering” … but what I’m really interested in is the life cycle analysis here. Both water and an immense amount of energy went into that “grass” before it will even arrive on site. Plastic’s oil-based origination is enough to grate my nerves.
Maintenance here does include periodic disinfection as Astroturf is not able to naturally break down pathogens as real grass does. So you’re looking at a good washing and a routine spray down of a cleanser (which care should be taken into what chemicals are applied, since it is a school) Also, Green Roofs and Living Walls are all about the initial installation, after install, maintenance is minimal, there’s no need for “mowing the lawn” or any such action. About the only thing you need to watch for are invasive plants which may take root. And those, you just pull out.
Water can be maintained sustainably as well. It’s all about the cycle, which most likely this school may not have been able to afford. However, a simple rain water cache could go a long way.