Practicalities led us to the design of this apartment complex roof garden. The client wanted us to restrict access to the skylights belonging to the apartments below and make the space into a usable socializing area.

As all the materials and plants had to be brought in through the main apartment stairwell (and up 4 flights of stairs!), we needed to get our thinking caps on.

We settled on a mixture of lightweight planters, all in a chalk colour and used large specimen plants to punctuate the skyline and provide some privacy. All of the planters are connected to an irrigation system, thereby providing a low maintenance solution.

We also provided stools and a table and benches to maximize the usage. Deck lighting and pathways complete the transformation from dull useless roof space to vibrant urban roof garden.