Synthetic Turf Landscape for the IOC in Sochi

The recent advances in synthetic grass technology and design have given rise to a host of new residential and commercial landscape turf applications. Residential lawns, roadway medians, rooftop gardens, playground areas, and pet care facilities can now all enjoy the same comfort, natural looks, and low maintenance as the average synthetic sports turf surface. And, because many of these consumers reside in drought stricken areas, the synthetic landscape turf also serves to conserve valuable water and money.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has a new head office in Sochi. What’s most striking is the fact that the roof is fitted with solar cells and a synthetic grass field.

Last year the 22nd Winter Olympics were staged from 7 to 23 February 2014 at the Russian town of Sochi. Numerous offices and sports facilities were built, as well as accommodation for sports men and women, supervisors, the press and various organizations. The higher floors of a number of these office buildings overlook the flat green roof of the new IOC head office. 

Initially, the roof of the IOC headquarters was decked in natural grass. However, the landscape architect came to the conclusion that preserving the beautiful green of natural grass would be very expensive and practically impossible due to harsh weather conditions in Sochi. An eye-catcher of this kind must look perfect. The Russian distributor synthetic turf came up with an alternative: synthetic grass. The choice fell on a V-shaped synthetic grass, 35 mm high and with a natural colour of summer green. The V-shape, which is characteristic of ‘real’ blades of grass, ensures sturdiness, which means these grass fibres remain upright longer than other types. Recovery capacity is also retained longer. The installation was carried out quickly and competently. The synthetic grass field measures 2800 m2 – a large surface area for a landscape application. ‘Unlike those in the sports sector, the projects in this market are much smaller, varying from 40 m2 for a garden to a unique project of this kind.