Building a Home Verandahs & Decks Design Dilemma

Implications of a creating a rooftop terrace above living areas?

8 months ago

I have DA-approved plans for a 2-storey new build, but I just decided I would love to remove the front rooms from the top floor to have a large entertaining terrace to make the most of my amazing outlook. My Building Designer thinks that a terrace above a living area ( the whole top floor is on a concrete slab) is an invitation for waterproofing issues...but I can't get the new design out of my head.

Is it true or is it possible to have a great waterproof entertaining terrace without issues?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Kate
8 months ago
Of course it’s possible. It just needs attention during design and build. Two issues - have somewhere for the water to flow - backup of down pipes or box gutters , and waterproofing - especially around doors. Having a step up into the indoor space helps
siriuskey
8 months ago
Anything is, possible, you need to involve an engineer, plus it would mean going back to council for new approval, ie will you be overlooking anyone. What other rooms are on that floor
Related Discussions
Help! Not sure about house room layout, especially location of kitchen
Q
Comments (17)
Thank you everyone for your comments. We live outside Christchurch, and the house was badly damaged in the quakes here. The post-quake rebuild process could safely be described as slightly chaotic, and the house company I am using are located some distance away (like on the North Island), which is why discussion with the architect has been - em - less than optimal. The architect threw something at me to get me out of my comfort zone I think and this is what's freaking me out! I think the windows on the east side are to come (no reason for them not being there), and probably a skylight in the kitchen roof. The section of land is narrow and steep, (this is a historic port town and with access from the south (where the view is); there is no parking other than on the street (south). Patricia - the laundry doesn't sit right with me either! Looks a bit like it's been glued on the side of the hosue. And it is too small as it is to store coats, shoes etc. This is the access to the back garden - thus the door (also means muddy boots can be dumped when we come in!). Entering a house through a living room is very common over here, especially where space is at a premium (small section, small house footprint).
...See More
Help to make front porch more welcoming
Q
Comments (47)
Thank you so much for your comment after all this time. The colour you have suggested brightens the front door area beautifully and if the two red pots were painted in a tone to match, we think it would look great. Not sure if you can get Crestview doors in New Zealand but there must be something similar. We like the idea of going away from another cedar door - mainly because it would stand out too much while it was weathering. I don't know whether we would have been that brave but the tangerine works so well with the jade green of the joinery. I have re-laid all the stones and put a new wider front step in. The timber colour will soften down in time. I put a big pot in the garden to draw visitors to the front door and have added some colourful bromeliads to the garden alongside the house to make the area a bit more cheerful. We can't make a decision about what to do with a larger 'overhang' to protect the front porch yet - it is a project in progress. Thanks again for your post.
...See More
1940's NZ kitchen - small, awkward-ish layout.
Q
Comments (121)
I would suggest you take out the cabinet that is to the right of the stove and use it elsewhere in the house -- perhaps in the bathroom or dining room with a hutch above it. Then, I would suggest you have someone install a lazy susan cabinet in the corner between the sink counter and the stove, meaning you would move the stove down a bit and have a small cabinet/counter top to the right of the stove. I would suggest you have the cabinets refinished in white and then paint the walls a pastel you like. If you would prefer white walls, then add white-painted crown molding and paint the ceiling a light neutral blue, such as Sherwin Williams Niagara Falls Blue. Then, I would suggest you choose a favorite accent color and use this sparingly in accessories like towels, pot holders, small vases or floral arrangements, and a valence above the triple windows. For a genuine 1940s look, you might have white ceramic square tiles with a rectangular red border installed as a back splash behind and above the stove. If you are replacing counter tops, I would suggest a light color such as white with a beige or light grey vein or striation for some sort of pattern. You might be able to find the same color and design in floor tile OR opt for a wood floor as another poster suggested.
...See More
Bringing this house out of the 90's
Q
Comments (112)
Hi everyone, we have moved in! We didn't manage to paint before we moved and think we will go for a staged approach - above the wood panels first in a warm white then decide on the panels. I'm having a bit of trouble working out what kind of sofa to buy and how at arrange the lounge. All furniture except coffee table temporary in photos and would love some ideas!
...See More
dreamer
8 months ago
Yes it is possible. Ensure the flooring is laid correctly with the slope/gradient to distribute any water to edges into appropriate plumbing. Have an open bottom balustrade. We have a balcony above our front lounge room, for the views. (Our home is double storey double brick with Concrete slab) No difference to your scenario . It’s about preparing the concrete slab with the correct waterproofing and flooring. With having internal rooms below the terrace, the plumbing for water removal will have to be around the edge of space. This needs to be sorted correctly, you obviously can’t have a plumbing duct in the middle of your ground floor room…..
dreamer
8 months ago
This is our friends house they recently sold. The entire roof was an entertaining deck. House is double brick, concrete slabs, three stories with roof terrace. Yes it can be done…..
PRO
Paul Di Stefano Design
8 months ago
if you love the idea and that's your vision then go for it!......trust your instinct about what you want for your house....are there risks? yes but they can be managed with experienced design & detail resolution and proper execution. Yes there is design & detail to re-consider, adjust, approvals to be re-done etc, and costs involved to get it right... If it's concrete structure then it actually should be better/safer but executing any levels/steps,setdowns & drainage detail in a suspended slab raises the degree of difficulty in execution and how it's engineered.....but yes it's doable and not rocket science

Implications of a creating a rooftop terrace above living areas?

Comments (5)

Kate

siriuskey

Related Discussions

dreamer

dreamer

Paul Di Stefano Design

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US