Roof Terrace Design Ideas

Find our Roof Terrace Design Ideas for you in this application.

Roof terraces are one of the dreams of Modernist architecture, but have not seen the popularity of parapet roofs due to their complexity and the difficulties associated with overlooking provisions written into residential design codes. Because roof terraces are typically located over internal spaces of the house, ensuring the terrace is waterproof is the biggest challenge for designers.

I appreciate the narrative, which mixes old and new and blurs the two. The flat-roof terrace is a brilliant architectural move that minimizes the impact of the addition while clearly distinguishing it as a modern backdrop. In this view from the roof terrace, one can clearly sense these priorities at work. The cottage, despite its scale, is a dominant force in the composition, because its distinctive roof, porches and dormers contrast the monolithic addition.

‘The roof terrace has to be my favourite spot,’ says Nic. ‘Sitting up here on a lazy afternoon gives me so much pleasure. We are right in the heart of the city, but it’s so calm up here.’ The flat is in a conservation zone so Nic had to jump through a number of hoops to keep the local council happy when renovating this space, including installing glass boundary walls that would not be visible from street level.

Treat your feet. Luxurious underfoot, artificial grass brings the joy of walking barefoot in the garden without the maintenance of a real lawn. It’s perfect for creating a relaxing garden mood on a roof terrace or balcony, where natural turf is impractical.

“My favorite feature is actually the roof terrace’s simplicity, which resulted from a complex and thorough design process,” Gaffney says. “By relying on only the wood slats of the trellises to define the space and editing out extraneous extras, the roof terrace has the poise and strength needed to comfortably focus inward when you’re there.

Grand designs - I love a bold and brave home design and this water-tower extension is certainly eye-catching. The entire glass wall of the new section folds back, while a glass-enclosed roof terrace affords the owners amazing views of the local area. The vistas from the top of the tower across south London must be spectacular.

Narrow stairs lead to a spacious roof terrace overlooking the neighborhood. The terrace is Leeser’s pride and joy. In the summer he spends most of his spare time up here, maintaining an edible garden with herbs and fruits like raspberries, strawberries, Italian herbs and mint. “The roof terrace is our home away from home,” Leeser says.

"It was just a flat roof before, but I realised it was sheltered from winds, very sunny and extremely private. Now it's effectively an extra room and a good place to have a party, or just sit and relax and read the Sunday papers," she says.

Elizabeth didn't need planning permission because the position of her home means the terrace does not look into nearby properties.

But she had to check the supporting walls could carry the weight of a solid decking floor and plenty of visitors. The terrace's surrounding wall and railings also had to be at a safe height and its overall appearance complement the rest of her three-bedroom house at Hale, on the edge of Manchester.

Her biggest potential problem was to guarantee water drainage - the floor slopes and exit pipes prevent a downpour causing a flood - but otherwise the project was simple.

"I put in arched windows and French doors from the main living room to look out to the roof terrace. I've already had great use out of it this year," she says.

Elizabeth is one of many British home owners revelling in the warmer springs and summers and embracing the passion for outdoor space. Estate agents say a roof terrace makes some kinds of home more attractive to buyers and tenants, especially in the traditional warm weather sales and rental season.