Mark Liebman’s new shed with its green roof (Photo: Lis Bastian)
Inspired by Norwegian sod roofs, Blackheath engineer Mark Liebman built a green roof on his shed. This innovative design significantly reduced stormwater runoff during 2024’s heavy rains, potentially by 65 per cent, while also providing excellent insulation and attracting wildlife. The family now fondly refers to their shed as their mini Viking Long House!
Key Points:
Inspired by sod roofs in Norway, Blackheath engineer Mark Liebman built a green roof on his garden shed to manage stormwater runoff and provide insulation.
The green roof significantly reduced stormwater damage during heavy rains in 2024 (potentially by 65 per cent), attracts wildlife, and provides excellent insulation (R6), creating a comfortable space year-round.
Building a green roof requires careful planning and structural engineering due to the substantial weight of the soil, water, and even potential snow load.
On his honeymoon to Norway many years ago, Blackheath engineer Mark Liebman was inspired by the cabins he saw, built with green ‘sod’ roofs. These roofs had been providing insulation for centuries in a very cold climate.
As a civil engineer specialising in water management, Mark was particularly interested in how a green roof could also reduce the impact of heavy rains on hard surfaces and potentially reduce stormwater runoff.
When the opportunity arose to rebuild his garden shed last year, he decided to explore recreating what he’d seen in Norway. Visiting him recently it was clear that he couldn’t be happier with the result.
Mark Liebman sitting on his green roof. (Photo: Lis Bastian)
By every count the green roof has met and exceeded his hopes and expectations.
Not only did the roof survive the multiple, severe downpours that caused so much damage throughout 2024, including reducing stormwater damage to the rest of his yard (possibly by as much as 65 per cent, according to research into green roofs), it is also now teeming with life, as insects, birds, and his family, flock to spend time in this elevated garden.
The irrigation of the roof garden increases cooling in Summer (Photos: Mark Liebman)
The shed’s roof provides the equivalent of R6 insulation, and, with evaporation of the garden’s irrigated water in summer, is probably creating even more cooling. This helps save money on heating and cooling and makes spending time in the shed very comfortable, even in extreme weather.
It has now become the central feature of his family’s compact garden: “We call it the mini Viking Long House,” Mark said.
The roof has 150mm of soil (Photo: Mark Liebman)
So how do you build a green roof?
Even as a civil engineer, Mark is clear that you cannot simply add a green roof to an existing structure because its huge weight: a combination of the timbers, pond liner, soil, water when saturated, the weight of up to two people on the roof doing maintenance, and potentially even snow that could build up on the roof in winter in Blackheath.
He estimated that the 150mm depth of soil he put on the roof probably weighs between 1.3 and 1.4 tonnes per cubic metre. This could become completely saturated with 150mm depth of water as well.
Mark sought the advice of a structural engineer as he rebuilt his shed from scratch so that it would be strong enough to support the roof garden.
To increase the insulating capacity of his roof, Mark laid R4 Kingspan solid board insulation on top of (rather than under) the external marine ply layer of his ceiling. It is protected by multiple layers above.
10 steps
1. The shed’s timber framework was initially covered with 20mm marine plywood roof sheets.
2. Looking up at the marine plywood roof supported by very strong beams.
3. The plywood was covered by two sheets of builder’s plastic.
4. Kingspan solid board insulation was then added. There was a gap created between the eave and the edge of the Kingspan board, creating a trough for subsoil drainage. The builder’s plastic and insulation board were then covered by geofabric.
5. Waterproof pondliner was then pulled across the roof over the geofabric. The trough was filled with gravel for subsoil drainage. Water flows along the trough to the drainpipe at one end.
6. Atlantis drainage cells were added on top of the pondliner.
7. The roof was then partitioned into three segments and covered with another layer of geofabric. These segments acted as ribs to stop the soil washing down. Soil was then added.
8. The roof covered in top soil.
9. Drip irrigation lines were laid in place, then covered with open weave jute mesh to help hold the soil in place.
10. Immediately after the first planting.
More resources for green roof construction:
North Sydney Council Green Roof and Wall Resource Manual:
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
Join us at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on the first Saturday of every month for Skill Share Saturdays!
Our July program includes: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Eating for Earth - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion upcycling and clothing reuse workshop - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
If you have a skill that you want to share, or any questions or queries, please contact [email protected]
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place.
Join Andy Mann, a 23 year old Lawson local, for their Eating for Earth session 🌏
Eating for Earth is a judgement-free plant-based educational workshop that all types of eaters are encouraged to attend. There will be a presentation about the environmental impact of diets, a discussion section, and best of all, food! The food will be fully plant-based.
Andy wants to help inform our passionate community about how we can better reduce dietary environmental impact.
The session will run from 11AM - 12PM on Saturday 4th July.
Other sessions include: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains Climate - Fashion Upcycling - Tai Chi and Qigong - Bushcare on the Planetary Health site - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
To register your place, visit our website: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
We’re excited to announce the second Blue Mountains Food Security Fair, taking place in Katoomba in October 2026.
This annual event will bring together growers, thinkers, makers, and community members to explore one of the most important challenges of our time: how we grow, share, and sustain food in a changing world.
Across the weekend, we’ll be exploring themes including: - Healthy soil and regenerative systems - Food and human health - Plant-based food futures - Home and community food resilience - Water-sensitive and climate-adapted growing - Indigenous food knowledge and systems - School food systems - Australia’s food procurement - Global food security challenges Expect a dynamic program of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and hands-on experiences designed to leave you informed, empowered, and connected.
Key information Date: Weekend of 10th October 2026 Location: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba, NSW We’ll be announcing speakers and program details soon.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program, host workshops, run a stall or partner with us.
Do you struggle making the most of your veggie garden all year round?
Join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture on Saturday 4th July for her Permaculture Workshop: Learn how to grow WITH the Upper Blue Mountains seasons, rather than battling against them.
During the two-hour session, you`ll cover crop selection for different seasons, what to grow from seeds vs seedlings, frost and wind protection, and nurturing your soil with a seasonal cycle.
Register for this and other sessions as part of our Skill Share Saturdays program via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
From Saturday 4 July, we are opening up the Planetary Health Centre for our monthly Skill Share Saturdays program: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Throughout each day, you can expect to find a variety of sessions focused on restoring the health of the planet, in terms of the environment, community and economy.
Sessions at the first event include:
- What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Plant-based eating - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion Upcycling and clothing reuse workshop
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Registrations essential.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program - please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!...
🍃Volunteer weekly at the Planetary Health Centre 🍃
From next week, Tuesday 28th April, come and join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture from 10am - 12pm, to help with the management of the Planetary Health veggie gardens, where any surplus produce can be shared!
The gardening session will be followed by a complimentary tea or coffee in the Planetary Health cafe.
📆Day: Every Tuesday 🕙Time: 10AM - 12PM
📍Where: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre 33-39 Acacia Street Katoomba (follow the pathways at each side of the building, round to the terrace and gardens).
What shall I bring? All you need to bring is water, gardening gloves and a hat.
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the first year Medical students from @notredamesyd for their Rural and Indigenous Immersion trip across Katoomba and Lithgow. Across two days, 150 students learnt about the link between human health and a healthy environment, the work of the @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth Initiative and the @bluemountainscitycouncil to create climate resilient communities, and got to explore our site using heat mapping tools....
Join Rotarians for Planetary Health on International Women`s Day, from 2.30-4pm Sun 8 March, for the opening of a portrait display to celebrate local women who have made a meaningful impact on protecting animals and nature. The photographs by Sue Lightfoot and others are part of a long-term initiative to build a living, community-driven database of women working to protect animals and the natural world.
The display will be open until 1 April, Thursday to Saturday, 9.30am–3.30pm at the Junction 142 Village markets (church space). As the project develops, community members will be invited to nominate women whose work deserves recognition.
The launch follows the Uniting Church and Plant Inspired`s monthly community luncheon from 12-2pm, which this month features the Older Women`s Network Blue Mountains. For more information contact 0434 691 496 (Teya)
In a world being threatened by war, greed, cruelty and selfishness, the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend will close with a gathering of people who have faith that kindness, generosity, love, creativity and community, and the healing of our land, are a better way forward. We`re thrilled that harpist Dawn Egan will be performing at this inspiring event in the Planetary Health exhibition space. Afternoon tea will be provided. Register to attend here (link in profile under Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Had lunch yet? Head over to the Planetary Health Centre for these delicious offerings from @8thingskatoomba today (Sat 28 Feb): South Indian dosa, Korean bao, NY Cheese burger, Bali nasi, Mullum tofu fries, shoestring fires & red bean mochi!
Don`t miss hearing Andrew Skeoch at 2pm today at the Planetary Health Centre! He`s an acoustic ecologist and author of `Deep Listening to Nature` and uses technology to help identify the different `conversations` happening in the world around us. His presentations are a revelation! Reserve your spot here (link in profile under Planetary Health Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Experience the joy and sense of purpose that connecting to community, nature, and your own creativity can provide this weekend at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend. There will be delicious food and coffee, music, art, workshops, nature walks, talks, an Interfaith Gathering and the following stalls:
Food vendor: @8thingskatoomba Zensational Coffee Cart @blue_mts_conservation_society Blue Mountains Wildplant Rescue Blue Mountains Women`s Health & Resource Centre (BMWHRC) Greater Blue Mountains Rotary @permaculturematters Acoustic Ecologist and author of ‘Deep Listening to Nature’, Andrew Skeoch @lacebrookstitchery Sustainable death care BMCC Sustainability and Waste team BMCC Bushcare team View the full program and reserve your spot for a range of activities here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Lis Bastian is the Senior Lead for Blue Mountains City Council’s Planetary Health Initiative. She is the editor of the Local News Platforms and has been a writer, editor, news presenter and teacher/lecturer covering both cultural and environmental issues for over 30 years. She has been pioneering Solutions/Constructive Journalism in Australia since 2012.
The concept of planetary health is rapidly gaining attention globally, as the world increasingly confronts the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and public health crises. But what does the term 'planetary health' really mean, and why does it matter?
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