Green inverted roof in unique and energy-neutral housing project

't Eemgoed in Almere: a unique housing project by architecture firm cepezed with 82 homes where a new way of life, contact with nature and energy neutrality are central. The project is characterized by its structure of longhouses - linked bungalows over which the landscape runs - with various landscape rooms in between intended for, among other things, vegetable gardens and playgrounds. The developers/initiators 2Open and cepezedprojects chose homes with a green inverted roof by Jackon Insulation to reinforce the sustainable character. The realization was done in cooperation with Quality Roofing Systems and Roof Protection.

The spatial habitat of this project is exceptional. In fact, the landscape runs over the houses. The back of the longhouses consists of a layer of earth overgrown with grasses and flowers. Underneath is the roof structure of the houses and in between is the roof insulation. Because the houses are largely prefabricated, the choice of an inverted roof with the Jackon XPS insulation boards was the most logical move. This is because their light weight limits the pressure on the structure. "Installing an inverted roof minimizes moisture damage. The JACKODUR® XPS insulation boards do not absorb moisture, but drain it. Via a moisture-wicking filter fabric (JACKODUR® WA), the entire roof structure is protected," emphasizes Sjoerd van de Werf of Quality Roofing Systems. 

For the project developers, sustainability is the common thread in the project. JACKODUR® products also fit into this picture and were put forward by the roofing contractor as an ideal product. It is a system that retains its insulation values, does not lose strength, has a long lifespan and is also easy to install. "JACKODUR® PLUS XPS insulation boards, despite their small thickness, have the best Lambda value (0.027 W/(m.k)) available. They have excellent insulating capacity, which was a decisive factor in this unique project. The thickness of the roof structure is also lower, reducing the overall volume required. This in turn has a favorable effect on the price tag. The lower weight allows for quick and easy installation. An added value for the roof structure and the roofers," said Van de Werf. 

The project was on a tight schedule. Some 7,500 m² of material was used, a very large volume in terms of logistics. So it was important to make clear agreements between the various parties to bring the project to a successful conclusion. "We have been working with Quality Roofing Systems for several years. They know our products very well. Together with Roof Protection, we advised the project developers and architects on the best choice for the construction of the roof. The result is a unique and energy-neutral residential project with green inverted roofs, to which Jackon did its ecological part," said Marco Duivelaar of Jackon Insulation Netherlands.

In inverted roofs, the insulation layer is placed on top of the waterproofing. This inverted construction offers many advantages because the insulation protects the waterproofing from a variety of weather conditions such as temperature fluctuations and UV radiation. Mechanical damage is also avoided. The service life of the waterproofing is thus significantly extended.  

JACKODUR® PLUS 300 in a nutshell:
- Particularly high compressive strength of 300 kPa;
- With λD = 0.027 W/(m-K) the best lambda value at low insulation thickness;
- Insulation thicknesses from 50 mm to 320 mm;
- Dimensionally stable, moisture-resistant and rot-proof;
- 25% more insulating capacity compared to other insulation materials;
- Placement in a single layer up to 320 mm;
- Time- and cost-effective to install.