Of all the innovations coming out of the revitalization of the Ford Rouge Center, nothing has attracted more interest than the living roof now growing on top of the new Dearborn Truck Plant final assembly building. At 454,000 square feet, it is one of the largest living roofs in the world, effectively turning the roof into a 10.4-acre garden.

Cleaner storm water
The living roof’s primary function is to collect and filter rainfall as part of a natural storm water management system. Working together, the living roof, porous pavement, underground storage basins, natural treatment wetlands and vegetated swales significantly reduce the amount of storm water flowing into the Rouge River, while also improving water quality.

Cooler surroundings
Planted with sedum—a drought-resistant perennial groundcover also known as stonecrop—the living roof helps reduce the urban “heat effect” created by acres of tarred and paved surfaces. It also insulates the building, reducing heating and cooling costs by up to 5 percent. The sedum traps air-borne dust and dirt, absorbs carbon dioxide, and creates oxygen, all of which help improve air quality. The living roof also creates habitat for birds, butterflies and insects.

Longer roof life
By protecting the under-lying roof structure from ultraviolet radiation and the thermal shock (expansion and contraction) caused by warm days and cool nights, the living roof is expected to last at least twice as long as a conventional roof. This could save millions of dollars in roof replacement costs.

Lightweight design
Sedum on the living roof is planted in a thin, four-layer, mat-like system instead of loose soil. Even when soaked with water, this innovative vegetation blanket weighs less than 15 pounds per square foot.

Where to view it
During the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, visitors will have the opportunity to see the living roof from an 80-foot observation deck atop the Visitor Center.