Residential

Design Concept:

The project itself possesses beautiful landscape features. The focus is on creating comfortable outdoor spaces.

Before Renovation

We spent a considerable amount of time designing this unique rooftop project due to its location by the Huangpu River and on the 27th floor. The project presented several challenges, such as numerous pipes on the rooftop that limited the feasibility of constructing permanent structures. In rooftop design, waterproofing must be addressed first, especially with existing pipes, to prevent leaks. Additionally, we needed to resolve conflicts between public pipes (like kitchen and bathroom exhaust systems) and rooftop activities. Our design provides professional solutions for these issues. Privacy during rooftop activities was another consideration, influencing our plant selection.

Floor Plan

The rooftop features an elegant, yacht-bow-like curve. Our plant arrangement considered structural load-bearing capacity (both vertical and horizontal), irrigation/rainwater drainage impacts, and wind resistance at high altitudes - all influencing plant selection.

Three Key Rooftop Garden Considerations

1. Waterproofing

Waterproofing takes priority in rooftop design, especially with existing pipes. We must ensure no leaks occur.

We used lightweight stainless steel for waterproofing - prefabricated components assembled on-site. This saves space and prevents root penetration issues.

2. Pipe Systems

Public pipes (kitchen/bathroom exhausts) limit construction options and require integration with rooftop activities.

We utilized existing pipes for spatial division.

3. Privacy

Privacy concerns affect plant selection and placement.

We addressed privacy by perimeter planting. However, the riverside location with few nearby buildings brings strong winds, limiting plant choices. We prioritized non-deciduous species to prevent drain clogging and rainwater backflow, selecting sparse canopy trees for wind resistance.

Three Essentials for Rooftop Planting

First, we positioned trees above load-bearing beams for better support. Second, we chose lightweight planters (stainless steel with powder coating) instead of bulky brick structures - crucial for space-constrained rooftops.

Lightweight materials also benefit long-term plant growth and waterproofing, unlike concrete which may damage rooftops over time.

Solving Structural Challenges

Our collaboration with planting designers addressed structural, piping, drainage, wind resistance, and privacy impacts. We used stainless steel for planters and water features to reduce weight.

Elevated designs with hidden LED strips improve drainage. Hollow steel constructions lighten thick water walls.

Steel-framed platforms with inspection access points ensure proper drainage. These details are critical - especially inspection ports for potential clogs. Non-deciduous plants prevent drain blockages.

Space Division - Feature Walls

Our design responds to unique conditions. We repurposed ventilation pipes for spatial division.

This approach addresses lighting needs in darker areas (where tall lamps weren't feasible) using plants and illuminated onyx wall panels. The walls conceal equipment while creating partitions.

Polka dots soften modern spaces, adding playfulness to rigid lines. Rounded corners throughout (including planters) improve circulation in compact areas, complementing circular seating. Durable materials shine at night.

Riverside Space Creation

We maximized the riverside location by opening up spaces. The slim bar counter (nearly invisible when seated) enhances rather than blocks views - a necessary design compromise.

Each project has unique characteristics. Good design amplifies strengths while mitigating weaknesses.

Elevated platforms create layered spaces. Near the windy riverbank, terraced designs form enclosed areas even with small trees.

The space meets owner requirements for riverside activities with open views and complete privacy - achieving perfect harmony.

Harmonious Plant Color Palette

Color consistency matters greatly. Small differences in renderings create significant real-world impacts.

Matte-finish planters (versus glossy) enhance texture. Blue-gray toned plants blend seamlessly with our design scheme.

Water feature colors, paving tones, flooring, and plants all contribute to spatial harmony. Avoid colors in subdued spaces - maintain consistent themes.