Roof Terrace at New Concordia Wharf
Designer: Katharina Nikl Landscapes
Constructor: The Garden Builder
Photographer: John Bloom
The client wanted to re-develop all elements of an existing roof terrace. Critical points were to:
1. Have enough space to entertain family and business visitors.
2. Enhance the good views and obscure the not so good views.
3. Low maintenance, hardy planting.
4. Food preparation and cooking area essential.
6. A design and build to reflect the quality of the apartment and enhance their alfresco experience.
We were awarded the re-build of this unique roof terrace based on ability to undertake this sensitive build and good value. The residential properties are accessed via a business/commercial courtyard, so all businesses within this courtyard needed to liaise at all times concerning demolition and deliveries.
All large items out and in were transferred via pre-scheduled furniture hoist lifts, again sequenced so that the businesses were not affected. Any other day to day pedestrian access and small items were by prior agreement allowed in via the fire exit stair case and the residential lifts. We worked closely with building management to ensure we did not disrupt other residents and all was left clean and tidy daily.
After removal of existing surfaces, we replaced new Ipe decking boards taking care to fit as the previous framework did. Boards were sourced at 90mm to avoid cupping and were double screwed with discreet stainless steel screws.
Raised planters of various heights and a floating bench were designed and built in-situ on a steel framework adjusted onsite to suit actual site dimensions. A compact food preparation area with underside storage was re-designed and fitted onsite, and we built in the clients existing BBQ so that all was contained within a skin of Ipe decking, with a rendered and painted wall backdrop (to be painted by a street artist eventually).
An artificial level lawn area was laid to offer a small putting green and a change in the surface as well as the lounging area.
Planting was a mix of structural evergreens, namely 2 Olive trees down sized so that they will grow into space, rather than crammed in for immediate effect, similar with the other evergreen shrubs and climbers. Perennials were also part of the design to offer a range of summer textures and colours, again fairly generously spread to allow correct and natural spreading, finally a mix of Daffodil, snow-drops and mixed tulip bulbs were planted in natural drifts to offer late winter and spring interest. A simple tap mounted irrigation system was installed to work in conjunction with human intervention to effect a successful planting scheme for future years.
Finally, the client decided to go with our recommendation for a high-quality LED lighting design to illuminate surfaces and architectural elements of the hard landscape as they could see themselves utilising the external space much more now, as the build developed.
Constructor: The Garden Builder
Photographer: John Bloom
The client wanted to re-develop all elements of an existing roof terrace. Critical points were to:
1. Have enough space to entertain family and business visitors.
2. Enhance the good views and obscure the not so good views.
3. Low maintenance, hardy planting.
4. Food preparation and cooking area essential.
6. A design and build to reflect the quality of the apartment and enhance their alfresco experience.
We were awarded the re-build of this unique roof terrace based on ability to undertake this sensitive build and good value. The residential properties are accessed via a business/commercial courtyard, so all businesses within this courtyard needed to liaise at all times concerning demolition and deliveries.
All large items out and in were transferred via pre-scheduled furniture hoist lifts, again sequenced so that the businesses were not affected. Any other day to day pedestrian access and small items were by prior agreement allowed in via the fire exit stair case and the residential lifts. We worked closely with building management to ensure we did not disrupt other residents and all was left clean and tidy daily.
After removal of existing surfaces, we replaced new Ipe decking boards taking care to fit as the previous framework did. Boards were sourced at 90mm to avoid cupping and were double screwed with discreet stainless steel screws.
Raised planters of various heights and a floating bench were designed and built in-situ on a steel framework adjusted onsite to suit actual site dimensions. A compact food preparation area with underside storage was re-designed and fitted onsite, and we built in the clients existing BBQ so that all was contained within a skin of Ipe decking, with a rendered and painted wall backdrop (to be painted by a street artist eventually).
An artificial level lawn area was laid to offer a small putting green and a change in the surface as well as the lounging area.
Planting was a mix of structural evergreens, namely 2 Olive trees down sized so that they will grow into space, rather than crammed in for immediate effect, similar with the other evergreen shrubs and climbers. Perennials were also part of the design to offer a range of summer textures and colours, again fairly generously spread to allow correct and natural spreading, finally a mix of Daffodil, snow-drops and mixed tulip bulbs were planted in natural drifts to offer late winter and spring interest. A simple tap mounted irrigation system was installed to work in conjunction with human intervention to effect a successful planting scheme for future years.
Finally, the client decided to go with our recommendation for a high-quality LED lighting design to illuminate surfaces and architectural elements of the hard landscape as they could see themselves utilising the external space much more now, as the build developed.
Country: United Kingdom
Postcode: London
