Our Company’s Journey into LECA Green Roofs 🌱
As part of our commitment to continuous professional development, our entire team recently attended a CPD session on LECA green roof systems. It was an eye-opening experience that gave everyone in the company, from design to project management and support, a deeper understanding of how sustainable building practices can shape the future of architecture.
What We Learned 🏗️
The session provided a comprehensive understanding of LECA: how it is made, its unique lightweight and porous structure, and its excellent durability and insulation properties. For Architecture North, the key takeaway was realizing how this material allows us to design green roofs that are structurally safe, environmentally responsible, and visually dynamic.
We also explored the technical side of LECA green roofs, including:
Water management: How LECA supports drainage, retention, and detention, and how the calculation tools help us plan efficient systems.
Sustainability benefits: How green roofs can reduce urban heat, enhance biodiversity, and improve building performance.
Practical integration: Installation methods and design considerations for residential, commercial, and recreational rooftops.
Key Takeaways for Architecture North 🌿
Attending the session as a full company helped us align on several important lessons:
Collaboration Across Teams: Understanding LECA is not just for architects. Project managers and support staff also now have insight into material performance, making collaboration smoother and more informed.
Design Freedom with Confidence: LECA’s lightweight nature and drainage capabilities give us the confidence to push the boundaries of rooftop design without compromising safety.
Sustainability in Action: Seeing how LECA green roofs manage water and support ecosystems reinforced our belief that sustainable design is achievable and practical, not just aspirational.
Future Projects Inspiration: The session inspired us to consider green roofs more strategically in upcoming projects, whether for enhancing aesthetics, improving environmental performance, or creating multi-functional spaces.
From Theory to Practice 🌍
The session also highlighted examples of real-world projects where green roofs have made a tangible difference. From large-scale developments to residential buildings and recreational spaces, the message was clear. Green roofs are not just design features. They are functional, sustainable solutions that bring long-term benefits to communities.
Why It Matters to Us ✨
For us as architects, LECA is more than a material; it is a tool that opens up new design possibilities. By understanding its properties and applications, we can:
Integrate green roofs into projects more confidently
Deliver innovative, sustainable solutions for clients
Collaborate across teams with shared knowledge about materials and performance
By attending the CPD as a whole company, everyone, from design to project management, gained insight into how LECA systems can shape better, more sustainable architecture.
Looking Ahead 🌿
LECA represents a step forward in sustainable urban design. Its lightweight strength, water management capabilities, and long-term durability align perfectly with Architecture North’s commitment to creating innovative, environmentally responsible buildings.
This CPD session reinforced our shared vision for architecture that is creative, sustainable, and functional, and Architecture North looks forward to applying these insights to future projects.
👉 See how sustainable design comes to life. Explore our recent projects to see how we integrate LECA green roofs and innovative solutions into inspiring, functional spaces.
👉 Ready to create a greener, more resilient building? Reach out to discuss your project and see how we can turn your ideas into reality.