Looks great - I love how the screens have given you a little more privacy. I can imagine it all lit up with a string of fairy lights or a big lantern. Perfect for an evening meal in summer!

Hi Suzanne, I would consider artificial grass/decking for your rooftop. As in future this can, of course, be used as a terrace and would look great with a balustrade, furniture, and plants etc. Nothing to lose really, as you'll have some extra space to use in the summer and in the winter when the gardens get muddy. @KerryBryanInteriors

You should investigate the strength of your terrace to work out how much weight it can handle- likely you can’t have large planters full of soil and trees so you will have to make weight choices- this means lower weight resin planters, half filled with soil and half filled with polystyrene. Plants that don’t mind less soil and therefore less moisture. You should also be realistic about the location- is it exposed? Will some large leaves plants get burned by wind? Will getting stuff in be inconvenient because of the size of stairwells? Then perhaps you could enlist a designer to help you with the planning and suggest a layout that helps with privacy, and lighting to create a lovely atmosphere. Your plan might well include a water feature to create sound to drown out urban noise, infrared heating, a watering system, and trellis/ fabric dividers/ glass screens or pergolas to create a room feel and help with privacy and subtle lighting that does not affect neighbours but creates a lovely atmosphere for entertaining. Short term I would ensure that the builder provides power and water to the garden area. You can search images for inspiration and gain clarity on what is possible weight wise and establish your budget. You should also have a plan should your garden need to be removed for maintenance to the roof.

Consult a structural engineer to check the roof is strong enough to be used as a garden. Find out if it can take the weight of plants and furniture and people and what the limits will have to be.