Sue Stubbs
A desolate sun-baked rooftop has been transformed into an urban oasis that doubles living space and creates an idyllic spot to take in spectacular views of the city
Why renovate?
Before the renovation, the rooftop area was a bare expanse paved with black ceramic tiles and hosting only a spa and basin. The vision was to create something truly special. It had to feel like a real garden as if it was on the ground, but it had to be low maintenance.
The result is a partially undercover outdoor room, which has a small kitchen, TV, sofas and includes the existing spa.
No space has been wasted, with a daybed in a once redundant corner and a chimney put to use housing a small waterfall and a pond full of Koi.
Laying synthetic grass was the biggest change but nature hasn’t been completely eschewed: almost 60 Dwarf Oleanders form a hedge and three enormous pots sport large Cycads.
The project took 10 months to finish and even now it’s hard to believe this calming oasis is six storeys above one of the busiest cities in the world.
Garden’s design
The garden was developed to suit the owner’s lifestyle: a masculine space that’s natural, earthy and rustic.
This has been achieved with recycled timber and stone cladding, carefully chosen plants and designer furniture that are all set off by the vibrant synthetic grass.
Rattan furniture, earth-toned cushions and a shag-pile rug give the urban garden a soft natural element.
Hardy and easy-to-grow succulents, such as Crassula aborescens, thrive in full-to-partial sunlight and well-drained soil.
Dividing screen
The carpenter then sourced recycled timber from an old house for the screen. The whimsically stacked recycled wood forms both a privacy screen for the undercover area as well as a decorative element that echoes the stone cladding and doubles as an abstract art piece.
What they did
With a rooftop measuring 125m2, the renovation was a huge project. As the balustrade was already in place and the body corporate happy for the reno to take place, first up was gaining DA approval for the roof and outdoor room that includes a fully equipped kitchen.
This went smoothly, with only a privacy screen being removed from the original plans. The carpenter made the roof, cladding, decking, storage cupboard and the daybed base. Then a water specialist installed the pond, fitted irrigation in the planters and an outdoor shower. Finally, the synthetic grass was professionally laid.
The logistics of a very tricky site were overcome by a crane that delivered roof beams and screen timber. Everything else had to be able to fit through the door.”
Great idea
Install an extra intercom on the terrace to hear your guests arriving.
For more garden inspiration, click here.
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