At present, brick walls and concrete stairs are utilized where the middle courtyard steps up 3 feet to the north courtyard. There is no ramp to allow access for those with mobility difficulties.
It is proposed to install non-mortared block walls to achieve the elevation difference, and to integrate steps into wall sections. By making two tiers of walls 18 inches high, the need for safety railings is avoided, a space for plantings would be provided, and the lower wall can serve as a sitting wall.
A ramp is proposed to provide universal access between the north and middle terraces.
The photos show existing walls and stairs, as well as modular block walls and stairs.
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| Existing brick wall & concrete stairs between courtyard levels |
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| Unmortared block wall with cap seating |
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| Stairs set in wall |
FENCES
There are several styles of fencing in the courtyard. Fences combine wood boards and lattice screens and are of different heights. Fences adjacent to decks are subject to rot from contact with the ground, and some tops show signs of decay. Perimeter fences have aluminum rail caps and galvanized flashing along lower board sections.
It is proposed to replace existing fences. New fences would utilize pressure treated posts and red cedar boards and latticework. Fences around decks would be similar in height to existing fences, and perimeter fences would comply with code height requirements for railings. Fences would be constructed with removable panel sections to facilitate future disassembly.
The photos illustrate existing fences and a board and lattice fence design which could be adapted for different courtyard applications.
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| Perimeter board and lattice fence |
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| Cedar board fence with lattice top |
TERRACES & WALKWAYS
Existing terraces and walkways are concrete. There appears to be little or no slope, and water pools in areas of the courtyard. All concrete will require removal to undertake roof slab remediation.
It is proposed to replace concrete terraces and walkways with removable paver slabs set on pedestal supports. This will allow access to the slab and water to flow under the terraces and walkways to carry water from adjacent planted areas to drains. Adjustable pedestal supports will permit slopes on terraces and walkways to eliminate water pooling.
Pavers come in different colours, making it possible to create patterns in the terrace surfaces.
The photos show a section of the existing courtyard paved area, and examples of a courtyard with paver slabs and a pedestal support.
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| Paved section of middle & North courtyard |
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| Courtyard with removable paver slabs |
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| Paver pedestal support system |
There are decks outside the laundry and fitness rooms in the east building and the laundry in the west building. These decks are showing signs of decay.
It is proposed to replace decking with concrete tiles set on pedestal supports. This allows easy decking removal for future access to the roof slab.
The photo shows the existing deck outside the east laundry and fitness room.
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| Deck off East laundry and fitness room |
MODULAR PLANTING
In order to access the roof slab, it will be necessary to remove all plants, soil and planters.
A recent development in green roof technology is planting in modular containers. Low shrubs, ground cover plants and grass are grown in rigid PVC or aluminum trays and placed together on the roof. Trays have drain holes and are constructed with a built-in drain structure or allow for a gravel base layer. A special light weight growing medium is used, and a filter cloth layer prevents soil loss. Different heights of trays are available for ground cover plants and grass and low shrubs. Trays typically sit on a protection board over the roof membrane. The result is a planting system which is lightweight and movable. The photo shows a modular system being installed.
Larger shrubs can be grown in modular planters made of rigid PVC, recycled plastic or pressure treated wood.
Planters have drain holes and a filter cloth layer to prevent soil loss. Planters allow for a greater soil depth, and can be arranged in groups for a mass planting effect. Planters are portable, a major advantage over in-ground shrub planting on a roof deck.
Trees require more soil than shrubs. There are planters available made of rigid PVC, fiberglass and concrete, however, wood planters may be aesthetically preferred. Wood planters with a galvanized metal liner and cedar cladding are an option for the courtyard. Trees can be guyed to the planter if required. Planters have drain holes and a filter cloth layer to prevent soil loss. As with modular trays, tree and shrub planters can use lightweight soils. The photos show the components of a green roof system and examples of planters and tray systems.
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| Roof deck with modular planting system |
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| Ground covers grown in modular trays |
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| Shrubs in recycled plastic containers |
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| Trees in wooden planters |
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| Conventional and lightweight green roof system |
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| Basic components of a green roof system |
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| Modular trays for grass |
PLANTING
The existing plantings in the courtyard are a major amenity. With new plantings in the courtyard, there would be an opportunity to improve growing conditions and reduce maintenance. A growing medium comprising a mixture of organic matter, sand and perlite would improve soil drainage and fertility. Plants selected for minimal pruning and low water use would reduce maintenance requirements.
Small trees can be grown in courtyard planters situated over roof support columns. Shrubs can be grown in planters along edges of the courtyard and between retaining walls. The majority of plantings can be ground cover plants grown in trays. The intent with shrub and ground cover plantings is to mass plants for visual effect throughout the year. A mulch layer would deter weed growth during the establishment period.
Examples of some potential trees, shrubs and ground cover plants are shown.
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| Magnolia |
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| Japanese Maple |
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| Rhododendrons & Skimmias |
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| Strawberry Tree |
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| Azaleas |
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| Lavender |
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| Kinnikinnick |
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| Pachysandra |
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| California Lilac |
SITE AMENITIES
Wood on the existing benches and pergola in the courtyard shows signs of decay. There is also an opportunity to replace the large pools with a small courtyard fountain and add new amenities such as a gazebo. All new structures need to be removable to provide access to the roof deck. This can be achieved by ensuring that benches and wood structures are bolted to footings, and that large components can be taken apart and moved in sections.
The selection of decay-resistant woods and durable finishes would extend the life of structures and minimize maintenance.
Examples of a bench, gazebo, pergola and small fountain are shown.
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| Wood bench |
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| Timber gazebo with metal roof |
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| Pergola Design |
WATER & POWER CONSERVATION
There are aspects of the existing courtyard which result in considerable maintenance. There are extensive grass areas, a long perimeter of planted edges, and many shrubs which require pruning.
Modular trays and planters would contain plants. A layer of mulch over planting beds would minimize weeding. Massing in ground covers and shrubs would improve aesthetics and plants could be selected that do not require pruning. Automatic underground irrigation systems simplify watering.
A major factor affecting maintenance is the amount and shape of grass areas. Limited rectangular areas are easier to mow and more usable for grass activities.
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| Low volume spray head |
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| Drip system waters roots |
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| Low water irrigation system |
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
There are aspects of the existing courtyard which result in considerable maintenance. There are extensive grass areas, a long perimeter of planted edges, and many shrubs which require pruning.
Modular trays and planters would contain plants. A layer of mulch over planting beds would minimize weeding. Massing in ground covers and shrubs would improve aesthetics and plants could be selected that do not require pruning. Automatic underground irrigation systems simplify watering.
A major factor affecting maintenance is the amount and shape of grass areas. Limited rectangular areas are easier to mow and more usable for grass activities.
Major water features can increase maintenance, and paved areas can reduce maintenance.
The photos show a portion of the existing Stadacona courtyard and a low-maintenance courtyard.
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| Portion of Stadacona North and middle courtyard |
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| Low-maintenance courtyard |
