Dakhelling: The Ultimate Guide to an Efficient, Sustainable, and Innovative Roof Solution
If you are looking for an innovative and sustainable roof solution, then a dakhelling is an excellent option to consider. A dakhelling is a rooftop garden that provides both aesthetic beauty and numerous environmental benefits. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about dakhelling, from what it is, its history, the benefits it provides, the types of plants that can be grown, and the factors to consider before constructing one, among others.
What is a Dakhelling, and How Does it Work?
A dakhelling, also known as a rooftop garden, is a green space that is constructed on the rooftop of a building. Dakhelling comprises various layers that include a waterproofing layer, drainage layer, growing medium, and the plants themselves. The waterproofing layer ensures that the rooftop does not leak water into the building, while the drainage layer ensures the excess water drains away and does not stagnate. The growing medium is where the plants are placed, while the plants provide aesthetic beauty and environmental benefits.
How Did Dakhelling Emerge?
Dakhelling is not a new concept as it has been used for centuries. The ancient Mesopotamians and Babylonians constructed rooftop terraces and gardens to escape the heat during summer and to cool-down during the evenings. Similarly, in the 6th century B.C., Nebuchadnezzar constructed the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
In recent years, dakhelling has become more popular due to various factors, such as rapid urbanization, increased pollution, and awareness of the need for sustainable and eco-friendly buildings.
Benefits of Dakhelling
Dakhelling provides numerous benefits, both environmental and economical. Firstly, dakhelling acts as an air filter, reducing the amount of pollution in the atmosphere and providing fresher air. Secondly, it helps to regulate the temperature by reducing heat absorption, conserve energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Thirdly, dakhelling acts as an insulation layer, which helps to regulate internal temperature during summer and winter. Fourthly, it helps to reduce the heat island effect, which is a phenomenon where urban areas are warmer than their surrounding rural areas. Fifthly, dakhelling provides food, which is sustainable, eco-friendly, and reduces the carbon footprint. Lastly, it provides aesthetic beauty, which contributes to the well-being of the occupants.
Types of Plants that can be Grown on Dakhelling
There are various types of plants that can be grown on dakhelling. Generally, vegetation that requires less maintenance is preferred. Some vegetation that can be grown includes herbs, vegetables, fruits, mosses, grasses, and flowers. The selection of the vegetation to grow largely depends on various factors, such as climate, maintenance needs, aesthetic preferences, and the reason for the dakhelling construction.
Factors to Consider When Constructing a Dakhelling
There are various factors to consider before constructing a dakhelling, such as structural capacity, access, irrigation system, drainage system, wind conditions, and maintenance requirements. Firstly, the structural capacity of the building must be strong enough to support the weight of the dakhelling. Secondly, access to the dakhelling must be provided for maintenance purposes. Thirdly, an irrigation system must be put in place to ensure the plants receive adequate water supply. Fourthly, a drainage system must be provided to prevent water stagnation that may be harmful to the plants and the building structure. Fifthly, the wind conditions must be considered to avoid damage to the plants. Lastly, the maintenance requirements of the dakhelling must be considered, as it requires regular maintenance, such as pruning, weeding, pest control, among others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dakhelling is an excellent sustainable and eco-friendly roof solution that provides numerous benefits, both environmental and economical. Dakhelling provides aesthetic beauty, air purification, temperature control, insulation, food, and carbon footprint reduction, among others. To construct a dakhelling, various factors must be considered, such as structural capacity, access, irrigation system, drainage system, wind conditions, and maintenance requirements. Dakhelling is an innovative solution that can be adopted by many buildings to enhance sustainability and contribute to a green future.
FAQs
Q1: What is the meaning of dakhelling?
A1: Dakhelling means a rooftop garden or green space constructed on top of a building.
Q2: What are the benefits of dakhelling?
A2: Dakhelling provides numerous benefits, both environmental and economical, such as air purification, temperature control, insulation, food, carbon footprint reduction, aesthetic beauty, among others.
Q3: What types of plants can be grown on dakhelling?
A3: Different types of plants can be grown on dakhelling, including herbs, vegetables, fruits, mosses, grasses, and flowers.
Q4: What factors should be considered before constructing a dakhelling?
A4: Various factors should be considered before constructing a dakhelling, such as structural capacity, access, irrigation system, drainage system, wind conditions, and maintenance requirements.
Q5: Is dakhelling a new concept?
A5: No, dakhelling is not a new concept as it has been used for centuries. The ancient Mesopotamians and Babylonians constructed rooftop terraces and gardens to escape the heat during summer and to cool-down during the evenings.