STOCKWELL

Urban Rooftop Escape

BRIEF

This was a new-build penthouse apartment with a wrap-around roof terrace. Composite deck had been installed by the developer and our client wanted a planting scheme that would feel lush and soft, with denser areas to screen unsightly views and transparent, low planting to make the most of city views. Ornamental plants were required in the seating areas, whilst a section of the terrace was devoted to bespoke planters to accommodate vegetable growing, herbs and salads. An outdoor shower area and upgrade of screening were also required.

SOLUTION

The roof was divided into three main areas; kitchen garden, lounge and shower area, creating breaks in the journey through the garden. We achieved this by introducing archways and ‘pinch points’ using varying shapes and sizes of planters. This allows for a balanced mix of structural evergreens and a succession of colour throughout the year. A selection of plants were chosen to provide a delicate appearance, whilst being able to cope with exposed rooftop conditions.

A secluded area was chosen to accommodate the outdoor shower and basic screens were upgraded using hardwood in a contemporary vertical finish. Soft lighting adds warmth to the space, whilst not interfering with the city night scape. Screening was also used to break the wind around the lounge seating area.

OUTCOME

The roof top has been transformed into a garden overflowing with flowers and foliage and each area has a slightly different feel, despite keeping materials and colours to a minimum to increase the feeling of space. The vegetable garden is very productive and has shown what can be achieved in a very small area. The lounge area accommodates generous sized furniture, for maximum comfort without feeling cramped and on hot summer days the shower is a godsend. This is a special place to enjoy evenings after work and weekends tending to the kitchen garden.