Tips for Designing a Roof into an Open Garden
Having an open and green roof in a densely populated city is an advantage. Besides being used for relaxation, this area can be turned into a garden. Moreover, having a green roof can have a positive impact on the surrounding environment. Here are some tips that can be used in designing a roof that is turned into a garden.
1. Create an open space
Even a small roof can appear larger when it's open. Use transparent materials like glass or open railings to create a sense of openness. However, if you highly value privacy, you should avoid this tip.
2. Pay attention to plant selection
When designing a roof as a garden, it's important to have a variety of plant sizes. Consider larger plants, shrubs, and roof coverings. The choice of planters, like pots, can also be tailored to the concept you want for your garden.
If the surrounding view from the roof isn't very appealing, you can also screen it with tall trees such as bamboo and so on. This not only adds greenery to your rooftop garden but also helps to create a boundary with the areas outside your garden.
3. Furniture
Choosing furniture for the garden should be tailored to the desired function. If the garden is primarily for relaxation, sofa chairs can be a great choice for lounging while enjoying the garden view. Also, remember to align the furniture with the concept and theme you've applied to the rooftop terrace to ensure it blends seamlessly with its surroundings.
4. Add points of interest
One of the most important aspects of design is adding elements that capture attention. Points of interest in a garden will immediately draw people's focus when they visit your garden. These elements can take various forms, such as a water feature, tall trees, decorations, sculptures, and so on. These elements will prevent your garden from appearing monotonous.
5. Don't use more than 3 colors
Choose one main color as the focal point in the garden, followed by two other colors that have a similar pattern. When every element in the garden has different colors, it can make your garden appear too busy and cluttered, which is not visually pleasing. Combining strong colors with neutral colors can also help in better organizing your garden. Neutral colors that can be chosen include white, gray, and cream, which can certainly highlight the beauty of the plants.
6. Arrangement of lighting
When night falls, it's also essential to provide lighting in this rooftop garden, especially in areas like staircases and entrances that serve as visitor circulation. Add lighting colors that match the ambiance you desire. The warm yellow light from lamps can make the garden feel cozier when the night is chilly.
7. Utilize vertical walls
If your roof is surrounded by vertical walls, make use of these walls to hang plants or create a vertical garden by cultivating climbing plants on them.
8. The flooring material affects the ambiance as well.
http://www.architecturaldigest.com
The choice of flooring material also influences the theme you want to create in the garden. Select a flooring material that aligns with your budget and the climate conditions of your location.
9. Leveling differences
http://www.architecturaldigest.com
If the structure of your roof allows, you can also add leveling differences to the floor. Raising the perimeter area and placing the relaxation area below it can create a more private feel. Leveling differences can indirectly serve as room dividers.
10. Play with colors and plants
http://www.architecturaldigest.com
Use colors that enhance the atmosphere in the garden, making the plant colors stand out beautifully. For instance, if you want to create a cool ambiance, add cool colors like blue and black, and for a warm feeling, incorporate yellow or orange hues. Provide space for colorful flowering plants as well to avoid the garden looking monotonous with just greenery.
