Fay Jones School of Architecture

Ozark Green Roofs partnered with the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas to support the installation of a living roof that serves both environmental and educational purposes. Located atop the Steven L. Anderson Design Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the green roof functions as a hands-on learning environment where students can experience sustainable design beyond the classroom.

During the installation, Ozark Green Roofs owner Lee Porter met with architecture students on-site to discuss the principles behind green roof systems, including plant selection, growing media, drainage layers, and long-term ecological performance. The visit provided students with a firsthand look at how green infrastructure is designed and implemented in real-world projects.

Students participated directly in the planting process, helping install a diverse mix of hardy plant species suited for rooftop environments. This collaborative effort transformed the roof into a living landscape that will continue to evolve over time while demonstrating the role vegetation can play in modern building design.

The completed green roof contributes to improved stormwater management, reduced rooftop heat gain, and increased biodiversity in the urban environment. More importantly, it provides an ongoing educational resource, allowing future architects and designers to observe how sustainable systems function in practice.

Projects like this highlight Ozark Green Roofs’ commitment to advancing green infrastructure while supporting the next generation of design professionals.