Wendy Allen Designs

Green Roof Terrace
London, NW2

This 6x4m flat roof was transformed by new GRP (fibreglass) waterproofing and a green roof system, combining an environmentally beneficial green roof and a usable outdoor space.

The design brief was to create distinct areas of biodiverse habitat suitable for green roofs, including wildflower meadow, calcareous grassland and sedums. Substrate for the plants consists of crushed brick, concrete and limestone, and extra areas of habitat are created by reclaimed corrugated iron and birch logs.

The boundary screens will be Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) and are excellent lightweight structures for an urban setting, giving all year round interest, while louvred wooden screens will give the option of opening up the space to the light or closing to add privacy and shelter.

Solar powered lighting transforms the space for eating out in the evening. Irrigation for the screens will be provided by rainwater collected from the roof, but the green roof uses no extra water.