BERMONDSEY

Panoramic Roof Garden

BRIEF

A fantastic roof top space, with sweeping panoramic views of London and a generous footprint. The garden was previously landscaped with soft wood, which had rotten and failed to stand the test of time. Our client asked us to develop a design using aesthetically pleasing yet durable materials and to combine this with low maintenance planting that would add a naturalistic, colourful and soft feel to the space. The new garden design for the roof needed to include a dining area to take in the views, an outdoor kitchen and cosy lounge seating area. Lighting should be included, but nothing that would overpower the City skyscape.

SOLUTION

Access on to the roof terrace via a staircase skylight creates a divide in the space, naturally separating out a small secluded area. We developed a design for a high-backed corner bench to provide comfortable seating, whilst creating some shelter from wind in the evenings. The main open area has been broken up with geometric shaped beds, that echo the shapes of nearby city buildings and are filled with both evergreen structural plants, such as Pinus cloud trees, and colourful nectar rich flowers, such as Salvia and Scabiosa. The main planter beds are edged with hard wood, with a deeper than usual profile to allow additional seating for parties and get togethers. Composite timber effect decking was chosen for the main surface, to provide a practical and durable solution to withstand the elements. ‘Millboard’ Limed Oak offers a light yet subtle finish, that sits perfectly with the real hardwood. As you move through the space, the decking changes direction to introduce the main dining and entertaining area, as the surface sweeps away from the cosier lounge seating area.

OUTCOME

A versatile and attractive outside living space has been added to a unique factory conversion building, offering the owners an escape from the world below. With practical, yet beautiful spaces for relaxing, entertaining and cooking. The planting gives an established garden feel, which was popular with wildlife even at an early stage of the garden’s development, that softens the whole space and creates a relaxing and peaceful feel throughout. Subtle lighting extends the usability of the roof garden and creates a different feel and mood as the sun sets.

“We are delighted with our fantastic roof garden. We chose Garden Club London after looking at various garden designers as we were impressed with both their track record and excellent service. They really listened to our thoughts and developed a beautiful design, carefully considering the right materials and plants for an 8th floor terrace exposed to the elements. The Garden Club construction team then expertly turned the vision into reality, first managing the permissions and requirements of the building freeholder, then adeptly handling the challenges of getting materials and equipment onto the roof through limited access. Garden Club worked incredibly hard, The fabulous planting scheme has burst into life, in a lush blend of colour and texture, with the strong sculptural aspect of the trees and hard landscaping working perfectly in harmony. We use our roof garden every day and love the stunning space Garden Club London has created for us. We would recommend Garden Club London very highly.”

SIMON R, BERMONDSEY

BERMONDSEY

BRIEF

SOLUTION

OUTCOME

ACCREDITATION