Green Roofs for Stormwater Management

Featuring: The Rambler

Atlanta, GA | Horizon Roofscapes

Meeting Stormwater Challenges in Midtown Atlanta

In the heart of Midtown Atlanta, The Rambler faced a challenge familiar to many urban developers: meeting strict stormwater code requirements on a dense site with limited space and structural restrictions. Traditional detention systems weren’t feasible, and the rooftop needed to serve double duty—both as an amenity for residents and as part of the stormwater solution. Horizon Roofscapes delivered what others might have called impossible: a green roof that controls more than 3,200 cubic feet of stormwater with just 4.25 inches of soil, while also providing a vibrant rooftop garden residents enjoy every day.

That’s where the LiveRoof® green roof system with RoofBlue® Detain came in. By selecting LiveRoof’s 4.25-inch Standard modules, paired with RoofBlue® technology, the project team was able to exceed stormwater volume requirements, reduce project costs, and keep structural load within safe limits. This innovative system not only managed water efficiently but also created a lush, elevated landscape that residents and neighbors can enjoy.

The Challenge: Stormwater vs. Space

When Atlanta-based landscape architect Chris Lazarek of Ironwood Design Group began planning The Rambler, he needed a way to meet strict stormwater requirements on a challenging site. Soil depth was limited, staging space was nearly nonexistent, and rooftop obstructions such as AC units were not accounted for in the original plans. Even the crane access was restricted due to weather and site conditions. Many installers would have considered this a deal breaker, but Horizon Roofscapes saw an opportunity to innovate.

The Solution: RoofBlue® + LiveRoof® Standard System

Traditionally, designers rely on eight inches or more of soil to provide the stormwater storage capacity needed for projects like this. That approach, however, adds unnecessary weight and cost.

Instead, Horizon paired the LiveRoof® Standard 4.25-inch tray with the RoofBlue® Detain riser. Together, these systems not only exceeded the stormwater requirements but also reduced structural load, cut costs, and created a vibrant green space visible from the residences above.

Installation took just four days, during which the Horizon crew installed 7,470 square feet of LiveRoof® across the seventh-floor terrace. Despite the logistical challenges of a dense urban site, the project was completed on schedule and performed exactly as designed.

Collaboration in Action

The Rambler was a true example of teamwork. Horizon Roofscapes engaged early in the design process, providing a lunch-and-learn session to introduce Ironwood to the full capabilities of LiveRoof. They also reviewed planting plans to recommend species more suited to Atlanta’s intense sun and humidity, ensuring both performance and beauty for the long term. When unexpected rooftop obstacles appeared during site visits, we adjusted the layout to maintain stormwater capacity without sacrificing design intent.

Results That Deliver

The Rambler now manages over 3,200 cubic feet of stormwater while offering a lush rooftop amenity for residents. The project demonstrates how green roofs can be both functional and beautiful, turning one of Atlanta’s most challenging rooftops into a showcase of sustainable design. Its success has already inspired another stormwater project in the city, scheduled for installation in 2026.

This rooftop is more than a terrace—it is proof of what can happen when innovative products meet a dedicated team.

Project Snapshot:

  • Location: The Rambler Atlanta, 736 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA
  • Visionary: Chris Lazarek, Ironwood Design Group
  • General Contractor: JE Dunn
  • Installer: Horizon Roofscapes LLC
  • Completed: April 2025
  • System Size: 7,470 SF | 4.25” Standard LiveRoof Modules
  • Accessories: RoofBlue Detain, 4.25” RoofEdge (black)

If you are planning a project in the southeast that requires cost-effective stormwater management without compromising design, Horizon Roofscapes can help. Contact them at sales@horizonroofscapes.com to learn how LiveRoof® and RoofBlue® can work for you.

About this Piece:

This is the seventh article in our ongoing series: Green Roofs for Stormwater Management. We hope you enjoy following this series throughout the year.

I’m Jodi Griffin, Business Development Manager for LiveRoof® Global. Feel free to reach out to me via email at jodi@liveroof.com.