The tiles were first shipped from Japan. Several test grows were done first to determine the right type of soil depth and mixture for each tile.

– Desirae Wood, Project Manager, Assistant to the Garden Curator

It is an impressive undertaking that has been in the works for more than a year. This week, crews have started laying more than three thousand tiles of sedums – as part of our LEED living roofs within the new Cultural Village. Commonly known as stonecrops, about 10 different types of sedums have been grown off-site at nearby Teufel Holly Farms Inc.

The tiles were recently brought back to the Garden and crews have started installing them, first on the roof of the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. “It’s a process that will last for several weeks as crews work to fine tune and fasten the tiles safely into place. The tiles will need to be fastened with a stainless steel mesh grid to hold them down,” said Project Manager, Assistant to the Garden Curator, Desi Wood.

The tiles were first shipped from Japan. Then, Wood said several test grows were done first to determine the right type of soil depth and mixture for each tile. The sedums have water-storing leaves, Wood said. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) has become synonymous with “green” building practices. For the Cultural Crossing expansion, it was critical that the Portland Japanese Garden have LEED-level standards.

To do this, the Garden is using the LEED rating systems for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of three new buildings, which includes a gallery space, a new tea cafe, and a gift shop. The buildings must earn a certain number of “credits” in each category to get LEED Gold Certification. There are credits for all aspects of construction: for building with sustainable materials, the living rooftops, installing windows with special “green” glass, and using temperature controls that learn and give users feedback on their usage.

Every aspect of construction is being closely monitored, to ensure that the new buildings adhere to LEED guidelines.