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Collection by Victoria Nguyen

Innovative Rooftops

In an era of sustainability, nothing should go to waste, and a roof should be no exception. We take a look at seven innovative rooftops where lush gardens and garden parties alike can thrive.

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Evoking both nature and the nurture of relaxation, this rooftop deck by Pulltab Design shows that roof gardens and entertaining spaces don’t have to be mutually exclusive. For this roof, Earth tones and wood are key components to achieving a spa-like atmosphere. Photo via Oliver Yaphe.
Evoking both nature and the nurture of relaxation, this rooftop deck by Pulltab Design shows that roof gardens and entertaining spaces don’t have to be mutually exclusive. For this roof, Earth tones and wood are key components to achieving a spa-like atmosphere. Photo via Oliver Yaphe.
Lacking in outdoor space, Toronto realtor Kara Reed’s condo was in need of a revamp. To give her a place to entertain, Terry Ryan of Cubic Yard Design helped turn her roof into a working backyard of her own—complete with an outdoor kitchen. Contemporary-rustic furniture, accents serving as pops of color, wood, and plenty of sprawling greenery make this rooftop a place of refuge. Photo via Style At Home.
Lacking in outdoor space, Toronto realtor Kara Reed’s condo was in need of a revamp. To give her a place to entertain, Terry Ryan of Cubic Yard Design helped turn her roof into a working backyard of her own—complete with an outdoor kitchen. Contemporary-rustic furniture, accents serving as pops of color, wood, and plenty of sprawling greenery make this rooftop a place of refuge. Photo via Style At Home.
"In this project, we got so much benefit out of this 'secret garden' for the master suite along with all of these environmental benefits that the residents were excited to embrace. It's one of the pieces we are happiest about," says architect Jonathan Feldman.
"In this project, we got so much benefit out of this 'secret garden' for the master suite along with all of these environmental benefits that the residents were excited to embrace. It's one of the pieces we are happiest about," says architect Jonathan Feldman.
Designed by Levitt Goodman Architects, the Euclid Avenue house in Toronto proves that a green roof can be integrated into any space, despite limited surface area. Photo via Contemporist.
Designed by Levitt Goodman Architects, the Euclid Avenue house in Toronto proves that a green roof can be integrated into any space, despite limited surface area. Photo via Contemporist.
Jon Ahrens of Madrone Landscaping, who layed out the plantings around the container, implemented a green roof on a drip watering system. The cantilevered overhang at rear is planted with cacti.
Jon Ahrens of Madrone Landscaping, who layed out the plantings around the container, implemented a green roof on a drip watering system. The cantilevered overhang at rear is planted with cacti.
Villa Bio is situated a little over an hour outside of Barcelona in Llers, a green, hilly, sun-bathed sprawl near Figueres (hometown of everyone’s favorite mustachioed surrealist, Salvador Dali). The hydroponic rooftop garden grows out of volcanic stones. The home is conceived as a giant C-shaped spiral.
Villa Bio is situated a little over an hour outside of Barcelona in Llers, a green, hilly, sun-bathed sprawl near Figueres (hometown of everyone’s favorite mustachioed surrealist, Salvador Dali). The hydroponic rooftop garden grows out of volcanic stones. The home is conceived as a giant C-shaped spiral.