Several years ago when Accordia, the RIBA Award winning development of contemporary townhouses and apartments, sold its first units I thought it would be great source of work as the style of architecture complimented my design style, or should that be the other way around! I was really disappointed that despite leaving leaflets in the sales office, no leads materialised. That was until February 2009 when we completed our first roof terrace in the development. We are now on roof terrace number five and old hands at crane lifts and removing boots!
The roof gardens we have created are all as different as the style of the client’s interiors, an interesting phenomenon on such a uniform development. Our gardens have ranged from Zen minimalist, though stylish contemporary to simple redecking. Our latest creation is different again. A contemporary yet simple scheme that as the brief called for has the feeling of courtyard rather than roof garden.
As all of the previous terraces, the developer has laid the entire space with softwood decking, this was removed and to enhance the feeling of courtyard, a split level surface of sandstone installed on adjustable pedestals.
Copper, hardwood and slate raised beds and water elements were chosen to harmonise with the architecture of the development and create a feeling of oneness, these were created off site and lifted up onto the roof along with the trees and topsoil. This hectic day was accompanied by the obligatory summer downpours!
Now with just the water wall and rill to lift up, the planting and lighting to install we are 7 days from completion of roof terrace number five! I will upload the final images as we complete the final stages.
