The summer of 2022 was an excellent opportunity for getting out of the house and enjoying our outdoor spaces more long, dry days and warm evenings that were more like an exotic location than a typical British summer. And portable devices have meant some of us even made the great outdoors a temporary extension to our offices. While Summer 2022 might be a once-in-a-decade event, there are ways in which we can make our outdoor spaces more enjoyable, not only in the summer but also as the weather turns cooler. 

Roof terraces: the new outdoor spaces 

In the UK we love our outdoor spaces, whether it’s a garden or just a small balcony, and scientists are now telling us what we have known for years – that fresh air, sunshine and a connection with nature are good for our physical health and mental well-being.  

For this reason, architects and property developers are now cannily incorporating outdoor spaces into new-build and refurbishment construction projects – generally in the form of roof terraces on otherwise unused flat roofs – to increase the value of real estate and its allure to commercial and residential occupants. 

Roof terraces are commonly accessible to larger numbers of people – workers, shoppers and residents – and therefore the amenities need to reflect the diversity of their interests and needs. 

1.  Terrace alfresco: rooftop dining and entertaining 

A roof terrace can be an excellent location for fresh-air dining and entertaining – an invigorating breakfast, a quick lunch with colleagues or friends, or a long, relaxing evening with the backdrop of panoramic skyline views and uninterrupted skies. 

Rooftop barbecue and bar areas can bring a holiday vibe to roof terraces. If you are considering on-site catering, porcelain tiles are an excellent terrace flooring material as they are non-slip, hygienic and easily cleaned. Tiles from Raaft are available in a wide range of natural stone and woodgrain effects, and coordinate perfectly with their terrace system, a combination of extruded aluminium joists and pedestals that creates a stable, level platform for a durable and practical roof terrace. 

2. Privacy and shelter 

A large, uninterrupted roof space can leave visitors feeling exposed, both visually and to the elements. Take a leaf out of the books of classic garden designers and divide that wide open space into smaller corners, interconnected by winding paths. Places where a private conversation can be held, a book can be read, a yoga mat spread… 

Small bushes and trees can make very effective screens that give important private space, particularly if a roof terrace is serving a multi-occupancy residential building. They can also act as good windbreaks and shade against the increased wind and sunlight typically found several floors up. 

Planter systems from Raaft also coordinate with their terrace system. They provide deep root space for shrubs and trees and can feature incorporated bench seating that will stay in place even when it gets breezy. With a choice of metal and paint finishes, there’s a planter system for every style of architectural and landscaping design. 

A pergola might also be a good feature to add to your roof terrace. Choose one that provides shelter from sun, rain and wind for all-year-round usefulness. 

3. Reaching new heights: roof terrace gardening 

Being in a garden is relaxing, but tending a garden is relaxing, invigorating and rewarding. Creating areas on a roof terrace where fresh produce can be sown, grown and harvested can provide occupation, interest and gratification.  

Plants also help to improve biodiversity, restore wildlife corridors and habitats and promote a more self-sufficient society with a lower carbon footprint while absorbing carbon dioxide, cleansing the air and reducing urban temperatures. 

City dwelling can distance us from the fascinating life of nature, but it doesn’t take a large garden to reveal the wonder of small creatures. If you’re feeling adventurous, installing bee hives will help boost the dwindling global bee population, help pollination and provide delicious, health-promoting honey. 

4.  Work and play: creating activity areas 

Children love to explore, so if you’re creating a roof terrace for a residential property for families, why not combine a multi-play system of slides, climbing frames and treehouses with living plants? 

A well-planned roof terrace could feature a multi-use area that can host a wide range of more adult activities such as table tennis, miniature golf, croquet, boules, badminton or volleyball. 

Planning a roof terrace 

If you are incorporating a roof terrace into a new building or adding it to an existing property, it’s important you understand what challenges you might face and the products that are available to help you resolve these. 

As a leading UK designer and manufacturer of roof terrace and planter systems, roof decking and tiles, Raaft can assist you at every stage of the design, specification and installation process. To discuss your ideas for a roof terrace, contact Raaft on +44 (0)20 3146 7879 or at [email protected]. Alternatively, send us a message via our website enquiry form and one of our technical support team will respond promptly.