Wow - what sort of grass are you thinking of??
I'd be amazed if you find anyone who's tried anything remotely like that, but good luck - I'd be interested in hearing how the project develops.
In theory many species would do well as they have developed in such hostile conditions - full sun and minimal nutrients/water - certainly I'd expect the more succulent species to survive (saltbushes, noon flower, pigface).
Other hardy ones that seem to survive better than most are most of the grasses, esp danthonias, lomandras, Chrysocephalum apiculatum, wahlenbergias, Linum marginale, myoporums (how big is the container going to be? - these can get big) solanums is kept moist (small tree but tube stock could be used), dianellas, brachyscomes, bulbine lily, Nicotiana suaveolens, pelargonium rodneyanum and convolvulus erubescens.
If you're using hydroponics, some of the more moisture-loving plants may actually do better than those that do well in dry outdoors tho, as the latter don't like having their feet constantly wet.
A friend suggested you consult the team at Melb Uni (Burnley) who have been researching species suitable for roof-top gardens.
See: http://www.landfood.unimelb.edu.au/green/attachments/Attachment11.pdf

Hi Penny,

My first thoughts are that you will be struggling to get some species to thrive without the wind and air movemement that many of the grassland species are adapted to. Many species are very prone to fungal attack when grown in less open areas outside. I'd rule out the species with hairy leaves and grey indumentum- eg. Chryscephalums, Pycnosorus, Kennedia prostrata.

I concur with jcanaway about the value of asking the Universities but would suggest that greenhouse trials will provide more relevant information. Some of the native grasses will have been subject to greenhouse trials in agricultural studies. The indigenous nurseries will have had experience in forcing native grasses in greenhouses. VINC and Western Plains flora may be able to help with the issues involved.

I reckon Kangaroo grass might be OK to give you the basic structure if it is sufficiently warm and bright, it hates cold temperatures and will certainly rot away if the installation is too cold. The plants could looks a bit funny in these conditions. During a visit to Kew Gardens in 2008 it was difficult to recognise some of the indigenous wattles in their 'Temperate' greenhouse since these were not being pruned by insects and were so weak stemmed they were grown up strings like climbing beans!

For what its worth, my instinct is that the following species that grow in more sheltered areas amid rocks in grassland and in my backyard, may be candidates for your project and will be consistent with achieving a'General' grassland appearance.
Microlaena stipoides, Austrodanthonia racemosa, Acaena ovina, Arthropodium strictum (I have succesfully grown these in an uncovered fishtank in a sheltered outside position) Arthropodium milleflorum, Wahlenbergia communis (so tough it might just make it although prone to fungal/mite attack), Asperula conferta, Veronica gracilis, Poa labillardierei, Dichondra repens. Linum marginale could well grow in these conditions- it doesn't mind wet feet. Brachyscome basaltica and Wiry Buttons, Leptorhyncos tenuifolius might work as they are a gilgai species that live with wet feet. These two may give you representatives of the important Daisy family.

Hope this helps, very interested in what you find out

Re

Hi Penny, I have thought of a similar installation using grasses and coastal plants in pots beneath sand for a 'mini dune' effect. If contained in an enclosure it would need a fan with lots of ventilation. I think you would only need to run the lights 10-12 hours during the day. Please contact me if you would like any help setting it up!
Toby