GreenRoofers — Living Roofs & Vertical Gardens in Milan

About GreenRoofers

GreenRoofers was formed by architects, horticulturalists and civil engineers to address the growing need for high-quality, ecologically rich green infrastructure in dense cities. Our core expertise encompasses structural rooftop assessment, lightweight substrate specification, plant palette selection for Mediterranean climates, and irrigation systems that prioritize rainwater harvesting and minimal potable water use.

We work across project scales: intimate residential sedum roofs, large commercial biodiverse rooftop ecosystems and living façades on heritage or contemporary buildings. Our design process starts with an analytical assessment — roof load capacity, existing membrane condition, local microclimate, solar exposure and wind profile — followed by a planting and irrigation plan that balances seasonal dynamics with maintenance capacity.

Our horticultural selections favor native and regionally adapted species where possible because they demonstrate resilience to local pests, climatic extremes and require less input once established. We also design for habitat: layered heights, flowering sequences and nesting features to support pollinators, birds and beneficial insects in the cityscape.

Installation team fitting modular green roof trays

Advantages of living roofs & vertical gardens

Thermal performance & energy savings

Vegetation and substrate layers buffer roof surfaces from direct solar gain, reducing peak cooling loads in summer and adding insulation value that moderates heat loss in winter. These thermal benefits can reduce HVAC use and improve occupant comfort, which translates into operational energy savings for buildings.

Stormwater attenuation & runoff management

Green roofs retain a significant portion of rainfall in substrate and plant biomass, slowing runoff and reducing pressure on urban drainage systems during storms. Paired with rainwater harvesting, roofs can supply irrigation needs and reduce potable water demand.

Biodiversity & urban habitat creation

By designing plant communities that include nectar-rich flowers, seed-bearing perennials and structural variety, living roofs provide resources for pollinators and birds, enriching urban biodiversity and reconnecting human environments with local ecologies.

Amenity value & wellbeing

Accessible green roofs create quiet outdoor amenity spaces for occupants, offering restorative views, opportunities for social interaction, gardening programs and urban agriculture plots in some installations. Research links access to nature with reduced stress and improved cognitive performance, making rooftop greening a human-centric investment as much as an ecological one.

Services — design, installation and long-term care

Technical Survey & Structural Assessment

Our engineers assess load capacity, drainage, membrane condition and required penetrations. We provide retrofit strategies for limited-load roofs using modular trays and lightweight engineered substrates that keep dead loads within safe limits while delivering ecological function.

Design & Planting Plans

We prepare planting palettes tailored to microclimates, exposure, and maintenance preferences. Design deliverables include species lists, substrate depths, irrigation zoning and a phased planting schedule to ensure establishment success.

Modular & System Installations

For fast turnarounds and reduced roof traffic we install modular tray systems pre-planted in nursery conditions. For bespoke biodiverse roofs we install engineered layers in situ with careful sequencing to protect membranes and ensure even substrate compaction and drainage.

Irrigation & Rainwater Integration

Our irrigation systems are designed for water efficiency — drip lines, moisture sensors and rainwater capture where feasible. We configure controllers for seasonal adjustments and low-water regimes for established plantings.

Vertical Garden & Greenwall Systems

We design living walls using modular panels, felt systems or tray-based hydroponic walls depending on aesthetic and maintenance needs. Vertical systems include integrated irrigation, nutrient delivery and access provisions for maintenance.

Maintenance & Seasonal Care

We provide maintenance contracts ranging from annual inspections to full-season care that includes weeding, irrigation tuning, plant replacement and performance reporting. Maintenance is essential for biodiversity outcomes — we monitor plant health and soil moisture and adjust plans to ensure long-term resilience.

Green roofs and living walls crafted for Milan's climate