Mixing traditions: Nunavut fur designer installs sod roof in Iqaluit

A well-known Nunavut fur designer is bringing a little bit of her North Atlantic homeland to hernew store in Iqaluit.

"In celebration of 1000 years of trade between Vikings and Inuit here on South Baffin, I have put sod on my roof," saidRannva Erlingsdottir Simonsen.

A cherished piece of history

ErlingsdottirSimonsenis originallyfrom theFaroeIslands, a remote archipelago situated in the heart of the North Atlantic'sGulf Stream, abouthalfway between Norway and Icelanda self governing region of the Kingdom of Denmark.

The islands arewell-known for their arresting landscapesteepsheer cliffs, highmountains,and sunken valleys make for unforgettable vistas.

But the islands are equally well-known fortheir unique architectural heritage, in particular, the cherished grass roofs that top both old and new buildings in every direction.

While green roofs have grown into a symbol for the region, they started out as an efficient andpractical solution to protect against rain and provide thermal insulation.

In the summer, green roofs protectbuildings from direct solar heat, and in the winter they minimizeheat loss through added insulation.

Though the roof itself does retain some rainwater, returning a portion to the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration, it is typically installed on top of a waterproof membrane that is also rot and root resistant.

It typically requires some extra upkeep as a result particularly to guard against leaks.

A green roof, tundra style

Simonsen says the decision to top her own downtown business with sod goes beyond the functional benefits.

"I think nature is really important, and green in the city, I think, is hugely important."

But don't expect her newroof tolook exactly like the green, grassy turf that tops the buildings of her homeland.

"I believe in using local resources... and local tradition and local craftsmanship," she said."That is reflected in this sod roof which is tundra, and it's probably going to thrive well."