Project Name: Hobbit House
Project Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Photo courtesy of Lawn Butler
Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, the “Hobbit House” is a unique residential project that blends sustainability with imaginative architecture. Built into the landscape, the structure features a dome-like roof that slopes all the way to the ground, creating a challenging surface for a vegetated roof system. To install sod and prevent erosion, the homeowners needed a stable, consistent structure that could withstand steep grades and provide lasting soil stabilization.
The Challenge: Designing a Roof for Steep Slopes and Vegetation
The Hobbit House’s roof design presented a significant engineering challenge. Since it sloped off in all directions reaching near-vertical pitches in some areas, the roof required a system that could effectively confine and stabilize the soil and promote vegetation. Traditional methods were not viable due to the steep geometry and risk of erosion. The project required a lightweight, flexible, and secure solution to ensure the success of the vegetated green roof.
The Solution: Using GEOWEB® Geocells for Green Roof Support
To meet these demands, the GEOWEB® Geocells were selected for their proven performance on challenging slopes. The GEOWEB System confines and stabilizes soil, making it well-suited for areas with complex geometry and risk of erosion. Jen-Hill Construction Materials, a trusted distributor of Presto Geosystems, supplied the materials for the project, and Lawn Butler skillfully handled the installation. Combined with the ATRA® Keys, tendons, and ATRA Tendon Clips, the system provided secure anchorage and reliable support for the vegetated roof.
Approximately 6,000 square feet of the GEOWEB System was installed across the surface of the roof. The geocell panels were connected with the ATRA Keys and anchored with ATRA Tendon Clips to resist sliding forces and manage the gravitational forces of steep inclines. The system created a stable structure for the soil, enabling long-term vegetation while effectively preventing erosion and maintaining soil stability.
Project Results
The GEOWEB System made it possible to turn a steep, complex roof into a stable and functional green space. It provided the soil stability needed for the sod to take root and thrive while supporting the long-term success of the vegetated roof. The finished project met the homeowners’ goals for a sustainable, low-maintenance solution and added natural insulation along with a unique visual element that fit the character of the Hobbit House.
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