How to create a stunning roof terrace, safely, to impress family & friends
Patricia Fox of Aralia Landscape Architects shares her top ten tips…
1. Entertaining Outside
Roof terraces make great entertaining spots, consider installing an Outdoor Kitchen or at the very least somewhere to cook food. If the terrace is a fair walk from your kitchen it’s a great idea to install a sink and mini fridge. You can spend more time with your guests rather than running back and forth.
2. Safety first
Don’t put planters immediately adjacent to balustrade/fencing. You need to maintain a minimum height of 1.1m from ground level (or top of planter if placed adjacent to) to the top of the balustrade. This is a legal requirement, and for very good safety reasons.
3. Access and Entrance
If you fancy some really dramatic large trees creating an entrance on your terrace, don’t forget that you need to get them up there! You need to consider whether you can carry them? If they will bend round the interior corners available? Or if they will fit in the access lift? Or you may need to consider some other method, at this point I would bring in the experts.
4. Lighting up the sky
If your budget will stretch make sure you get a professional in to design and install your rooftop lighting. You can create some beautiful, illusive effects with lighting, and on a Roof Terrace the glow and effect on the night sky can be amazing. Well worth the money!
5. Drainage
Often overlooked but so so important. If you are introducing planters with live plants you will need to consider how the water will wash away from the planter, and if the dirty colour liquid will stain your lovely light colour stone paving? Rainwater will also need to find its way down a drainpipe, so make sure you don’t cover these up.
6. Seating
Carefully position outdoor seating or dining areas in the most sheltered spots, protected from the wind as it can get awfully windy & cold on roof terraces. Choose furniture that is sturdy and will not blow away, as well as highly durable furniture pieces that will withstand the strong climatic conditions of a Roof Terrace.
7. Ambiance & Warmth
As mentioned earlier, lighting is a great addition to a roof terrace and can really enhance a scheme. Introducing a fire pit or outdoor fireplace will provide you with amazing lighting effects, as well as keepin you warm and providing a lovely focal point for your garden.
8. Screening
Use screening to your advantage by layering planting or lovely contemporary slatted trellis to hide poor views. Frame good views by positioning planting either side of views that you wish to emphasise. But make sure not to use solid boundaries above 1.1m, as they will create an unwanted wind tunnel!
9. Plan your Planting!
Select plants that will withstand the harsh climate of a British roof terrace. Plants that are suitable for Coastal conditions are generally very good for Roof Terraces, since they are good in windy, drier conditions. Ideally install an irrigation system
10. Strength and Support
There are important issues that you need to be aware of for roof terraces. Weight loading is critical and you need to be sure that your roof can support what you plan to do. Even a planter can become incredibly heavy when full of very wet soil. Speak to a structural engineer or Garden Designer for some advice about this if you’re unsure.
Patricia Fox
Aralia Landscape Architects
t. 01279 721 461 e. info@aralia.org.uk
