How to make the most of a roof terrace

Before designing your dream terrace, it’s important to make sure that the roof can support the additional weight. If not, a structural engineer might need to install extra support to hold up the flooring, plants and people. In addition, you will need to check whether there are restrictions on the size and height of the structure, and possibly get permission from neighbours too. Most importantly, you must make sure the terrace is completely watertight and has good drainage, otherwise, you risk damaging the room below.

Roof terraces typically receive more wind, rain and sun than your average garden. As a result, the plants and people on the terrace will need extra shelter. As well as low walls and balustrades, permeable screens such as slatted fencing and wooden trellises help to diffuse the wind, as well as offering some privacy. You might also consider a roof awning to provide protection from the weather, especially if the space will be used for entertaining.

Because the plants on roof terraces don’t have deep soil beds, there’s also a risk of drought. Mediterranean and coastal plants do best in these conditions – resilient vegetation that can cope with a lack of rain or too much sun. Yuccas, pines and broom are all popular, their narrow leaves and smaller surface area making them more drought-resistant. Hardy species such as agapanthus, olive and heather are also well-suited to rooftop planting, while low-growing plants can avoid the worst of the wind and hardy evergreens offer additional shelter. Fragrant plants such as lavender and rosemary are also popular, along with grasses that flourish in cool seasons.

Whatever plants you choose, regular watering or an irrigation system will be necessary for much of the year. If you use plant pots or containers made from non-porous materials like metal, this will also reduce the loss of moisture. Finally, plants need to be secured in raised beds or flat-bottom pots, so that they don’t blow over in the wind.

The most important aesthetic decision is the choice of flooring material. Stone paving creates the solid feeling of a garden or patio, while wooden decking suggests a lighter and more terrace-like space. Alternatively, if you choose different types of flooring – for example, tiled paths leading between patches of gravel – it will create the impression of more space through separate sections. Lastly, by adding paving, tiling or decking on the walls, you can give the whole design greater harmony.

When furnishing the roof terrace, it’s best to avoid bulky furniture that can dominate a small area. Given that the view may be shared by rooms inside the house, it’s also a good idea to use furniture that preserves your sightline. Similarly, metal railings and glazed screens will let in more light than brick parapets or solid balconies.

If you have space, heaters, firepits, an outdoor kitchen or a permanent BBQ will all create a natural focus. And, if you are hoping to use the terrace at night, outdoor lighting gives a sense of depth, as well as creating an enchanted space to sit after dark.