One of the unique and proven advantages of the BeneCent building system is its exceptional structural load-bearing capacity, which enables innovative and sustainable design solutions that are not feasible with many conventional systems.
Proven Structural Load Capacity
Based on more than 30 years of practical experience and multiple field load tests, BeneCent structures have demonstrated the ability to safely support dead and gravity loads of approximately 1 ton per square meter. This high load-bearing performance is a direct result of the system’s optimized lightweight concrete materials and efficient structural configuration.
This proven capability inspired the BeneCent engineering team to introduce an advanced architectural and environmental concept: the Upper Yard (Green Roof) System.
The Upper Yard Concept, Green Roof
The Upper Yard concept transforms the roof into a functional, environmentally friendly landscaped surface. The proposed system includes:
- Filling the roof slab with lightweight concrete materials such as pumice or recycled AAC (thermostone) block waste to a level approximately one foot below the final roof elevation.
- Installing a robust waterproofing and impermeable membrane system.
- Adding a layer of agricultural soil.
- Planting grass or small shrubs, creating a usable green surface
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This approach converts the roof into,
- Productive ecological zone rather than an unused structural element.
- Integrated Water Management System.
- Enhance sustainability and operational efficiency, the Upper Yard system incorporates a rainwater collection and reuse strategy, including:
- A perforated pipe network is installed between the impermeable layer and the vegetation layer.
- Collection of rainwater into a mini storage tank located at the roof level.
- A sprinkler irrigation system designed to water the upper yard.
- Transfer of excess water to an underground storage tank, where it can be reused for irrigating front or back yards and other landscape areas.
This closed-loop system significantly reduces potable water consumption while maintaining healthy vegetation.
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Enhanced Thermal Insulation Performance: The combination of soil, vegetation, and lightweight concrete provides a powerful natural insulation layer. This system:
- Reduces heat transfer through the roof
- Improves indoor thermal stability
- Lowers heating and cooling energy demand
- Enhances occupant comfort year-round
Together, these layers function as a high-performance insulation system using natural and recycled materials.
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Stormwater Runoff Reduction and Municipal Compliance
The Upper Yard system offers major advantages in stormwater management:
- Reduces roof runoff volumes by at least 30%
- Increases the time of concentration, lowering peak runoff intensity entering municipal drainage systems
- Helps control the runoff discharge rate (Q), ensuring compliance with municipal limits
When runoff volumes exceed allowable limits, developers are often required to allocate valuable land for stormwater retention or collection ponds. By reducing both runoff volume and peak discharge, the BeneCent Upper Yard system
- Minimizes the size of these ponds required.
- Increased Land-Use Efficiency and Economic Value
- Reducing or eliminating the need for large runoff collection ponds allows developers to:
- Free up usable land area.
- Increase commercial or functional building space.
- Improve project economics and return on investment.
This makes the BeneCent Upper Yard concept not only an environmental solution, but also a strategic planning and economic advantage. A Structural System That Enables Sustainable Innovation
BeneCent building system does more than support buildings—it enables forward-thinking, sustainable design solutions grounded in proven engineering performance. The Upper Yard concept demonstrates how high structural capacity, environmental responsibility, water management, and economic efficiency can be integrated into a single building solution.
