Postcards From ... Rooftop Gardens Around the World
A rooftop garden is the ultimate urban escape – see green living at its best from rooftop spaces around the world
A rooftop terrace can work equally well as a peaceful refuge or a handy entertaining zone. Whether yours is in New York, Tokyo or Sydney, an urban escape above the city is also an ideal place to watch the world go by – perfect for sunsets, foggy mornings or the summer fireworks season. Working with a blank canvas such as a rooftop, there are plenty of ways to inject some personality with lighting, shade, entertainment systems and furniture. Take a peek at some rooftop ideas from around the globe to inspire your own urban retreat.
When the sun goes down
Dallas, USA
A deck with a view is irresistible, as seen in this organic example in Dallas, Texas. Artificial lawn brings a splash of colour to a space that’s filled with stylish furniture. As the sun sets, lighting becomes a priority and the In/Out floor lamp from Metalarte is a nod to the traditional standard lamp in the living room, right down to the faux pleating. LED strip lighting under the daybeds adds a nightclub vibe to this contemporary space.
Dallas, USA
A deck with a view is irresistible, as seen in this organic example in Dallas, Texas. Artificial lawn brings a splash of colour to a space that’s filled with stylish furniture. As the sun sets, lighting becomes a priority and the In/Out floor lamp from Metalarte is a nod to the traditional standard lamp in the living room, right down to the faux pleating. LED strip lighting under the daybeds adds a nightclub vibe to this contemporary space.
City elegance
Toronto, Canada
This rooftop garden has a cottage feel that’s casual and inviting. Potted shrubs and perennials add vibrancy and fragrance to the outdoor zone, while decorative elements – floor lanterns and cream cushions – add a touch of Hamptons-esque elegance. When designing a rooftop terrace, structural load and an effective waterproof membrane must be considered in the early stages. For advice, talk to an architect, landscaper or engineer.
Find a professional in your area
Toronto, Canada
This rooftop garden has a cottage feel that’s casual and inviting. Potted shrubs and perennials add vibrancy and fragrance to the outdoor zone, while decorative elements – floor lanterns and cream cushions – add a touch of Hamptons-esque elegance. When designing a rooftop terrace, structural load and an effective waterproof membrane must be considered in the early stages. For advice, talk to an architect, landscaper or engineer.
Find a professional in your area
Patio time
Melbourne, Victoria
Back in the mid-20th century, astro-turf was a novelty item that would – unfortunately – fall apart within a few months of installation. New faux-grass materials currently on the market are durable, long-lasting and easy to clean. After all, you have nowhere to hide a mower on a rooftop garden. Here, the patio umbrella is compact but can be easily angled for effective shade.
Melbourne, Victoria
Back in the mid-20th century, astro-turf was a novelty item that would – unfortunately – fall apart within a few months of installation. New faux-grass materials currently on the market are durable, long-lasting and easy to clean. After all, you have nowhere to hide a mower on a rooftop garden. Here, the patio umbrella is compact but can be easily angled for effective shade.
Celebrity style
New York, USA
This rooftop terrace in lower Manhattan’s hip Tribeca is much loved with no space wasted. Perfect for socialising with friends or chilling out on the sun lounge, it’s a much appreciated addition to an industrial-style New York townhouse.
While a landscaper could transform this space into an outdoor haven, the owners have a more relaxed, even rustic, approach. After all, when guests arrive for a sunset soiree, they won’t be looking at the furniture – the dramatic backdrop is the star of the show.
See more of Channing Tatum’s former 1830s Tribeca rental pad
New York, USA
This rooftop terrace in lower Manhattan’s hip Tribeca is much loved with no space wasted. Perfect for socialising with friends or chilling out on the sun lounge, it’s a much appreciated addition to an industrial-style New York townhouse.
While a landscaper could transform this space into an outdoor haven, the owners have a more relaxed, even rustic, approach. After all, when guests arrive for a sunset soiree, they won’t be looking at the furniture – the dramatic backdrop is the star of the show.
See more of Channing Tatum’s former 1830s Tribeca rental pad
Vintage chic
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
If you’re looking for an inexpensive revamp of a rooftop garden, look at vintage stores, op-shops, eBay, markets and even Ikea for some basics. That’s the approach taken by Nina van de Goor, a ceramics/paperwares designer, who made this zone unpretentious and slightly retro.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
If you’re looking for an inexpensive revamp of a rooftop garden, look at vintage stores, op-shops, eBay, markets and even Ikea for some basics. That’s the approach taken by Nina van de Goor, a ceramics/paperwares designer, who made this zone unpretentious and slightly retro.
Well shaded
Tokyo, Japan
Doubling as a herb garden, this rooftop zone has a timber pergola that makes it inviting on even the hottest or rainiest days. Herb gardens such as this will grow well if the terrace receives an abundance of sunlight. All that is then required is to add good drainage and good soil. Grow such herbs as parsley, rosemary, peppermint and lemon balm, and maintain with regular watering and harvesting.
How to grow edibles on the balcony
Tokyo, Japan
Doubling as a herb garden, this rooftop zone has a timber pergola that makes it inviting on even the hottest or rainiest days. Herb gardens such as this will grow well if the terrace receives an abundance of sunlight. All that is then required is to add good drainage and good soil. Grow such herbs as parsley, rosemary, peppermint and lemon balm, and maintain with regular watering and harvesting.
How to grow edibles on the balcony
Lush landscape
New York, USA
Such a rarity, this expansive green roof boasts an array of sedum and tall grasses that create a wild, low-lying environment. Unlike the traditional rooftop garden, most of the surface is planted partially or completely with vegetation. The apartment’s exterior utilises coloured glass panels that, along with the green roof garden, bring a sense of nature to the big smoke.
New York, USA
Such a rarity, this expansive green roof boasts an array of sedum and tall grasses that create a wild, low-lying environment. Unlike the traditional rooftop garden, most of the surface is planted partially or completely with vegetation. The apartment’s exterior utilises coloured glass panels that, along with the green roof garden, bring a sense of nature to the big smoke.
Lake house
Faulensee, Switzerland
Many rooftop terraces add fencing or planting for privacy but this zone couldn’t detract from the perfect view of the serene lake, and so is simply bordered by a glass fence instead. The timber deck has developed a natural silver-grey patina, which has a strong connection with the cool blues of the lake. It’s minimalism at its best.
Faulensee, Switzerland
Many rooftop terraces add fencing or planting for privacy but this zone couldn’t detract from the perfect view of the serene lake, and so is simply bordered by a glass fence instead. The timber deck has developed a natural silver-grey patina, which has a strong connection with the cool blues of the lake. It’s minimalism at its best.
Balmy nights
San Francisco, USA
As fog rolls into San Francisco Bay, this rooftop terrace works as a perfect vantage point from which to take in the view. To make the space inviting during the chilly months, a custom-made fire pit was installed. Its concrete surround was designed to stop any embers landing on the timber flooring. To demarcate the living zone, LED strip lighting was installed, and the orange tone draws inspiration from the fire above.
Design your very own rooftop escape
San Francisco, USA
As fog rolls into San Francisco Bay, this rooftop terrace works as a perfect vantage point from which to take in the view. To make the space inviting during the chilly months, a custom-made fire pit was installed. Its concrete surround was designed to stop any embers landing on the timber flooring. To demarcate the living zone, LED strip lighting was installed, and the orange tone draws inspiration from the fire above.
Design your very own rooftop escape
Flowerbox views
New York, USA
A wraparound NYC roof garden has a custom-built planter filled with a lush mix of evergreens, spiral junipers and flowers. Since a rooftop garden is usually spacious, it’s important to break it up into different zones. Here, the lounging area in the corner provides peacefulness, while the dining zone is well equipped for large gatherings.
New York, USA
A wraparound NYC roof garden has a custom-built planter filled with a lush mix of evergreens, spiral junipers and flowers. Since a rooftop garden is usually spacious, it’s important to break it up into different zones. Here, the lounging area in the corner provides peacefulness, while the dining zone is well equipped for large gatherings.
Designer status
Perth, Western Australia
Give your rooftop space a designer touch. Outdoor living has become much more enjoyable these days thanks to long-lasting, durable furniture. A perfect example is Patricia Urquiola’s Canasta round daybed (under the umbrella) with a frame painted with water-repellant polyester powder. With easy-to-clean materials and thoughtful designs, outdoor furniture can now play with white and neutral elements for a stunning effect.
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Perth, Western Australia
Give your rooftop space a designer touch. Outdoor living has become much more enjoyable these days thanks to long-lasting, durable furniture. A perfect example is Patricia Urquiola’s Canasta round daybed (under the umbrella) with a frame painted with water-repellant polyester powder. With easy-to-clean materials and thoughtful designs, outdoor furniture can now play with white and neutral elements for a stunning effect.
TELL US
Do you have rooftop deck or patio area? Tell us about it or upload photos in the Comments section below.
MORE
Read more stories on outdoor living
Sydney, New South Wales
A row of skyscrapers works as a dramatic backdrop when relaxing on this inner-city deck. Throughout the day, natural light provides this zone with different tones ending with sparkling city lights and – with a bit of luck – some dazzling fireworks throughout the summer. Large built-in planter boxes were installed to provide privacy and shade, while the matching potted plants soften the extensive hardscape.