John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford

Client: NHS
Specifier: GBS Architects, Oxford

A sensory roof garden, especially designed for use by recovering patients at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, has proved to be a massive success both as a major amenity and in helping the sick back to full health.

The original existing hospital roof consisted of concrete paving slabs on a bed of asphalt. Now, the roof garden, developed using DIADEM^® components from ICB (International Construction Bureau) Ltd, provides shaded areas and comfortable seating, ideal for patients who want some fresh air and rest outside of the ward environment.

DIADEM^® components were used extensively over the 300m2 of roof garden designed by GBS Architects and installed by Landscapers Hickman Brothers. It incorporates a wide variety of surfaces and plants, including rosemary which provides a delicate aroma and a mix of intensive, extensive and hard landscaping areas.

As well as the environmental benefits, now installed, the DIADEM^® garden has instantly extended the life of a roof by offering greater protection to the waterproof membrane from thermal shock and the English weather. The roof garden also acts as a highly effective insulator, helping to reduce heating and air conditioning costs.