Feature article
Rooftop Garden Design Ideas for an Urban Retreat
Creating connection in the city.
AI summary
Transform your urban home by creating a rooftop garden. This complex project is not DIY and requires professionals like an architect and structural engineer to manage critical factors, especially your home's load-bearing capacity.
Choose lightweight materials such as composite decking, aluminium furniture, and planters with polystyrene cores. Beyond providing a private green retreat, rooftop gardens can help reduce urban heat, manage stormwater, and create habitats for local wildlife, adding significant value to your property.
1. You’ll need some professional help
On a central Auckland street, architect Vlad Cekus of BVA Studio transformed a 1920s bungalow into a contemporary city oasis of raw materials capped by a flowering green roof – the home was named the 2023 Alt & Reno Home of the Year. Image: Jackie Meiring.
2. Choosing the right flooring
At the gateway to Avondale town centre, this building of arches and brick is a commanding presence that marks a change of face for one of West Auckland’s most populous suburbs. A rooftop garden sits between the two buildings, a pool adjacent, creating a green community space for residents.
3. Selecting lightweight decor
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