Evergreen Infrastructure Leads the Way in Urban Revitalisation with Visionary Green Roof Installation at Federation Square

About the project

The Greenline Project will feature five inter-connected precincts – Birrarung Marr, The Falls, River Park, Maritime, and Saltwater Wharf – each celebrating the area’s rich Indigenous history. The initiative aims to create a vibrant, sustainable environment that enhances the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors, improve the ecological health of the river, and secure the city’s future prosperity.

Much like New York City’s celebrated Highline, which has rejuvenated its surrounding areas by turning an old rail line into a lush, elevated park, the Greenline Project promises to deliver transformative effects for Melbourne. Projects like the Highline have been instrumental in creating vibrant public spaces that foster community engagement, promote sustainable urban living and enhance local economies. By offering a continuous green journey along the Yarra River, the Greenline Project will not only elevate Melbourne’s public spaces but also provide recreational opportunities, encourage outdoor activities, and contribute to the city’s ecological resilience. Similar urban green initiatives, such as Paris’s Promenade Plantée, have demonstrated how well-designed public spaces can become cultural landmarks, drive tourism, and improve overall quality of life for residents.

Established in 2011, Evergreen Infrastructure has cemented its status as a pioneer in green infrastructure solutions, specialising in sustainable design and implementation. Their mission centers on creating nature-based solutions that blend seamlessly into urban landscapes, enhancing both their functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Evergreen Infrastructure was appointed by Modscape, a leader in offsite construction, and the City Of Melbourne to design and commission a green roof for the Greenline hub at Federation Square. This hub serves as a crucial component of the Greenline Project, providing the public with vital information about the project’s goals and the benefits it aims to deliver.

Evergreen Infrastructure, in collaboration with The Greenwall Company, specified and designed a lightweight green roof solution to address the engineering constraints of the modular building. The Greenwall Company’s patented Eco Pillows were a suitable solution for the tight building restrictions, while Evergreen Infrastructure oversaw the design and implementation process, ensuring that the final product met the stringent requirements of the project.

Innovative Design and Technology

The green roof features a unique mixture of Australian native and endemic plant species, including pre-colonial plants, with a small 20% mix of exotic species. This blend was carefully selected to comply with the City of Melbourne’s request for a 90/10 native to exotic plant mix. Evergreen Infrastructure proposed an 80/20 mix to allow better establishment rates of the native species. The exotic plants provide initial protection for the untested native plants, which will be gradually phased out as the native species establish themselves.

“Our approach was to create a sustainable, beautiful green roof that not only meets the technical requirements but also supports biodiversity and offers a unique environment for native plant species,” said Michael Casey, Evergreen Infrastructure. “We will be sharing our findings with industry and academic sectors, which will allow for a much more robust native plant program going forward.”

Environmental and Community Benefits

The green roof at Federation Square offers numerous environmental benefits, including improved air quality and enhanced biodiversity. By incorporating a variety of plant species, the green roof supports local wildlife and contributes to the overall health of the urban ecosystem.

The information hub at Federation Square also serves as a central point for residents and visitors to learn about the Greenline Project, the importance of urban greening and green infrastructure solutions, and the benefits of sustainable urban design.

“The information hub will be a fantastic, central resource for the community to learn more about the Greenline Project and the benefits it will bring to the city,” said City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece.

“I’m sure this innovative green roof will pique the public’s interest and get them excited about green infrastructure in an urban environment.”

Future Implications

Over the next three years, the green roof will provide valuable data on the performance of native plants in green roof environments. This information will be shared with industry and academic sectors, contributing to the broader knowledge base of sustainable urban design and green infrastructure.

“We’re excited to see how this project will play a key role in building greener, healthier cities.” commented Brendan Williamson, Modscape Project Manager.

Drew Burns from Evergreen Infrastructure commented, “This project is a testament to the power of innovative design and strategic collaboration in driving sustainable urban development. With a reused building and the challenging weight requirements, understanding the market, and the vast array of Green Infrastructure products was crucial in delivering this outcome.”

The Greenline Project is not merely an exercise in urban beautification; it represents a holistic approach to urban planning that prioritises environmental sustainability and community wellbeing. By creating green spaces that foster biodiversity and offer residents a respite from the concrete jungle, Evergreen Infrastructure is setting a new standard for urban development.

As Melbourne prepares for construction to begin on the Greenline Project, the city stands at the forefront of a global movement towards greener, more sustainable urban environments. With Evergreen Infrastructure leading the charge, the future of urban revitalisation looks not just promising, but profoundly inspiring.