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Collection by Zach Edelson

Private Rooftop Sanctuaries

Whether it's a unique solution for city living or just to better experience the landscape and sky, these elevated outdoor spaces create a connection to nature that wouldn't otherwise be possible.

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A rainwater catching system irrigates the rooftop garden, which also has a dining area and grill.
A rainwater catching system irrigates the rooftop garden, which also has a dining area and grill.
The designer added a 500-square-foot third floor—hidden from the street—with a small, bluestone roof deck, to create a master suite. The roofline was reoriented due south and covered in a combination of solar thermal panels by Stielbel Eltron (to heat the domestic hot water) and Unirac SolarMount SunFrame with 190w photovoltaic panels (for electricity).
The designer added a 500-square-foot third floor—hidden from the street—with a small, bluestone roof deck, to create a master suite. The roofline was reoriented due south and covered in a combination of solar thermal panels by Stielbel Eltron (to heat the domestic hot water) and Unirac SolarMount SunFrame with 190w photovoltaic panels (for electricity).
Imai House by Katsutoshi Sasaki + Associates Incorporating outdoor areas, such as the ground floor terrace, and playing with alternating room heights (the living room is nearly three times higher than the bedrooms) provided character and definition in what otherwise could have been a series of boxy spaces resembling Tetris pieces. Photo provided by Katsutoshi Sasaki + Associates
Imai House by Katsutoshi Sasaki + Associates Incorporating outdoor areas, such as the ground floor terrace, and playing with alternating room heights (the living room is nearly three times higher than the bedrooms) provided character and definition in what otherwise could have been a series of boxy spaces resembling Tetris pieces. Photo provided by Katsutoshi Sasaki + Associates
The top floor holds two offices—one for the husband, the other for the wife. Hers opens out onto a small private deck furnished with wire Eames chairs.
The top floor holds two offices—one for the husband, the other for the wife. Hers opens out onto a small private deck furnished with wire Eames chairs.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, food scraps and yard waste make up 20 percent of what we throw away. Composting organic materials keeps them out of the landfill, which cuts down on greenhouse gases, and enriches the soil. To compost at home, make a pile in your backyard, or introduce an indoor bin for throwaways like apple peels and eggshells.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, food scraps and yard waste make up 20 percent of what we throw away. Composting organic materials keeps them out of the landfill, which cuts down on greenhouse gases, and enriches the soil. To compost at home, make a pile in your backyard, or introduce an indoor bin for throwaways like apple peels and eggshells.
The living room also opens onto a private terrace, concealed within the entrance’s cantilevered form. It serves as a secluded space to take in the sun. Thanks to the sizeable opening between the living room and terrace, it brings yet more light into the home. The terrace’s table and chairs are from Ikea.
The living room also opens onto a private terrace, concealed within the entrance’s cantilevered form. It serves as a secluded space to take in the sun. Thanks to the sizeable opening between the living room and terrace, it brings yet more light into the home. The terrace’s table and chairs are from Ikea.