There exists in nature a curious group of plants called epiphytes. They live in the forest canopy, disconnected from the ground. They derive moisture and nutrients from the air. And, as they grow on the branches and trunks of trees, so will they grow on buildings. This copper platform roof supports a living ecosystem of epiphytes from the canopy of the ancient forest. The living roof is light. With no soil, the roof supports only the weight of the vegetation. Dozens of species of native moss, liverworts, lichen, and ferns thrive on the surface of the roof in three distinct layers. Ferns dominate the upper layer, growing to a height of two feet. Below, a living mat of moss and liverworts provides a substrate for the ferns. Lichen grow on the moss where they absorb nitrogen from the air and deposit it into the rooftop ecosystem. The third layer consists of pendant species that hang from the edge of the roof as living curtains. All are adapted to winter snows and summer droughts. The layer of epiphytes is essentially maintenance free.