This is the first of a recent plethora of books dedicated to the topic of green roofs and walls that investigate and address the specifics of our Australasian industry and environments. It has been structured in a way that provides a range of case studies interspersed with technical details and core principles.

The early chapters provide a relevant contextual framework to the history of green roofs and walls and discuss the challenges we face in the Southern Hemisphere in adapting the predominantly northern European techniques and research to our unique Australian and New Zealand environments – social, economic and environmental. Interspersed throughout the general discussion are examples of particular projects which provide insight into the current status of the industry in Australasia and inspiration for design approaches. These case studies are interesting in their variety and are particularly appealing due to their relevance for designers in this part of the world.

Numerous colour photographs of particular projects are softened and made relevant by appealing hand-drawn sketches to illustrate the key principles being discussed. These drawings are a key feature that differentiates this book from those that focus purely on photography and in so doing it creates an accessible textbook-style guide for designers.  

The only issue with a book based on case studies in a design field which is growing exponentially, is that the data will quickly become outdated, as evidenced by the selected plant lists (as new species are being continually trialled). However as a snapshot of the current scenario in New Zealand and Australia, this book delivers. Irrespective of new innovations and technology that may develop, many of the projects featured are sure to have relevance into the future, as evidenced by the historical green roofs in northern Europe, that can and do survive for decades (and longer).

This is a very detailed and comprehensive summary of the burgeoning green roof and wall industry in Australia and New Zealand and an easily accessible and useful source book. It provides inspiration, technical details and a range of considerations which will be useful to any professional interested in exploring the possibilities of this specialised field of design.