Dirt has long been known as a versatile building material. It was used by early settlers and homesteaders to build sod homes, as well as insulate the roofs of rural Scandinavian houses up until the late 19th century.
Now, Lace Elementary School in Darien School District 61 is about to experience the benefits of organic building materials as it nears the completion of a green roof, the first one on a school in DuPage County.

The Green Roof, engineered by Wight and Company, will have about four inches of a soil-like medium for the roots of the sedum plant to grow. The plants will take root over moisture barriers and a water retention mat. A “cellular confinement grid,” will keep the soil from washing off the sloped roof. Workers were installing the roof last weekend it should be finished by early next week.

“I’m excited to really see the educational opportunities come to life in our district,” said District 61 Superintendent Chip Johnson. “It’s truly exciting for the kids, the teaching staff and the community that we can participate in the greening of America.”
 The 3,000-square-foot roof is designed to regulate temperatures, deaden sound and manage storm water. It’s going in above the entryway to the school, near 75th Street. The project was made possible by a grant from the DuPage County Stormwater Management Division, which will foot the $90,000 bill.

“Lace is a pioneer for public schools in DuPage County,” Chip Johnson said. “It’s really going to be a showcase for Darien.”
Johnson said several teachers will incorporate the roof into their curriculum this coming year.

“Bob Johnson, the fifth grade science teacher, really pushed for the roof and I know he has a full curriculum planned around environmental things,” Chip Johnson said. “The Green Roof will be a great way to illustrate that.”

Principal Marty Casey said the roof is a great symbol of the growing environmental trend.

“It’s not only a good symbol for kids here, but the teachers are excited as well. They’re excited for the teaching opportunities that this will bring to the school environment,” Casey said. “I’ve received numerous phone calls from people in the community, and they’re all very interested in seeing the completion.”