Mount Washington Resort on the verge of completing a $50 million renovation that will make the property a combination of old world elegance and up-to-the-minute luxury, having undergone a process of restoration and refurbishment that will culminate with the opening of the new 25,000 s/f spa and salon, 20,000 s/f conference center and new outdoor pool complex. While the spa and conference center, and reopening of the restored 18-hole Donald Ross-designed Mount Washington Course, have occupied center stage this summer, there are many other interesting and compelling stories unfolding at Mount Washington Resort. One prime example is the new "green roof," called the that will top the new Presidential Wing that houses the new spa and conference center.
A "green roof" is a roof on a building that is partially covered with vegetation and soil, or growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane which may include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage. In addition a "green roof" provides the benefit of energy efficiency by keeping the underlying building cooler during the summer months, and warmer in the winter. It also minimizes storm water run-off by capturing rain for use in irrigation.
Mount Washington Resort's architectural firm based in Boston, TRO Jung | Brannen, came up with the unique concept to depress the building into the hillside and develop a green roof that was an extension of the unique veranda environment that distinguishes The Mount Washington Hotel. Neil Middleton, AIA and the designer of the project, sought to establish an architectural expression that blended in with The Hotel as a natural extension of its unique style
The project team included The Hayter Firm, the Resort's landscape architects and planners, worked closely with Jeff Licht of Botanicals Nursery LLC in Wayland, Mass.
The plantings includes 43 species, of which 20 are indigenous to New Hampshire. At the time of planting, in mid-August of this summer, more than 200 yards of soil were delivered onto the rooftop of the new Presidential Wing.
Licht, through the assistance of Hutter Construction, the firm undertaking the construction of the building and rooftop, engaged the local White Mountains Community College (WMCC), based in Berlin, to explore their interest in providing students with the opportunity to learn about the green roof technology.
With the help of the WMCC professors and students, no fewer than 20,000 two-to five-year-old plants were placed in their new home on the Jewell Terrace.