St Mary’s Road, Peckham

A one-storey residential home in Peckham, south-east London, now features Axter’s Biosolar PV system — a pioneering approach that combines renewable energy generation with the biodiversity and aesthetic value of a living roof. This project demonstrates the effectiveness of a well-designed, integrated system that generates green energy, creates a thriving ecosystem, and delivers long-term performance benefits while meeting the necessary planning requirements.

Project overview

Working with our client Northstar 2000, a leading firm in the new build and redevelopment sector, Axter provided a complete roofing solution for this new-build residential property. As a framework client, Northstar 2000 works with Axter exclusively to meet the roofing needs of its projects, in a trusted, long-standing partnership.

The project included:

• Cityflor® waterproofing system
• Force 4000 Trafic Capsheet
• A warm green roof system
• A biodiverse green roof
• A fully integrated solar PV system, including mounting frames, panels, and inverters

The complete Biosolar PV system was engineered, designed, and supplied by Axter, and installed by Axter accredited contractors, to ensure compliance with our rigorous quality assurance procedures.

Learn more about Biosolar PV, an innovative system where two sustainable technologies – a living roof and solar PV – are combined to create a thriving ecosystem that also produces green energy.

Collaboration and execution

Axter worked closely with accredited contractor Henley’s Roofing, who installed the waterproofing, while the green roof was fitted by Axter’s supply chain partners. The solar PV system was installed by Envirolec Smart Energy Solutions, one of Axter’s approved solar installers.

Careful coordination was essential across these teams to ensure smooth sequencing — from waterproofing to green roof installation and PV commissioning. This comprehensive project management was handled by Axter as part of its service offering.

Axter’s accredited installer network connects clients with thoroughly vetted contractors, ensuring quality, reliability, and technical expertise. Learn more about the Axter service and the importance of choosing the right partner for your flat roofing project.

The benefits of a true biosolar roof

Initially, the project was set to feature solar PV with a minimal green roof area around the edges. However, Axter advised a more effective approach — using biosolar frames and a seeded system that allows shade tolerant vegetation to flourish beneath the solar panels.

The solar panels benefit from a cooler ambient temperature, due to the evapotranspiration effect of the living roof. This elevates the performance of the panels, enhancing their energy production, while reducing the urban heat island effect — where urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas.

This approach maximised both the green coverage and renewable energy potential, making better use of the roof space.

Performance and Environmental Impact

The installation included ten solar PV modules across the roof’s surface, with two plots providing a combined maximum output of 4.4 kWp (kilowatt-peak):

• Plot one (six PV modules): 2.64 kWp, achieving 24.1% self-sufficiency
• Plot two (four PV modules): 1.76 kWp, achieving 16.8% self-sufficiency

This system helps reduce the property’s carbon footprint, avoiding approximately 995kg of CO₂ emissions per year. Over time, this equates to a considerable environmental benefit while also lowering energy costs for the future homeowner.

Peace of mind

Amidst a competitive market, Axter’s Biosolar PV service is designed to deliver complete consumer confidence. The roof waterproofing system is guaranteed with a service life exceeding 30 years, as per the BBA Certificate 15/5222 P2).

The Axter Biosolar PV system also comes with a comprehensive project-specific design and construction portfolio, which includes 3D site models, generation/yield calculations, wind load calculations, technical drawings, system specifications and installation guides.

This complete documentation ensures that each project is executed with clarity and precision, offering clients peace of mind from start to finish.

Learn more about what sets Axter apart; discover five key considerations when choosing a provider for your roofing project.

The Axter approach

We provide clients with a full service, from concept and technical design to completion and handover.

Our approach to each project is personalised. We listen carefully to both specifiers and clients, gaining valuable insights into their requirements, which allows us to create clear and accurate specifications for projects. And, as our specification, survey, and design services come included in the price, we offer an excellent value solution compared to other providers who do not offer the same level of support.

The St Mary’s Road, Peckham project showcases our dedication to delivering efficient and sustainable roofing solutions that benefit both the environment and the people who use these spaces, while meeting all necessary planning requirements.

For more information on how Axter's roofing systems can benefit your next project, please contact our team.