A room with a view
Majestic trees on a rooftop terrace
The hero tree
The inspiration for this rooftop garden was the majestic Ailanthus Altissima (tree of heaven), which grows up through the centre of the house and bursts through to the roof terrace. We wanted the tree to be the hero of this unusual space and so designed the existing terrace with
a delicate touch allowing any hard landscaping to soften into the landscape. The central shingle-clad tower blends with the bark of the Alianthus and conceals the dumbwaiter that delivers food from the kitchen below.
A fully fitted outdoor kitchen enables the perfect space for dining and multiple seating nooks to enjoy the London skyline.
Location
London NW1
YEAR
2019
Collaborators
Landscapers Perlarose Landscapes
Planters Adezz
BBQ Beefeater
Furniture Mena Woodwork
Plants and trees Evergreen Exterior Services
Lighting K-Electric
SERVICES
Full design consultation including mood board, 3D visualisations, CAD construction drawings, specification, planting plan, lighting plan, liaising with landscapers, build monitoring, setting out plants on site and furniture sourcing.
intimacy
The dining table is placed in the perfect position under the dappled shade of the Alanthus. The addition of the pendant light helps ground the table into the terrace, enclosing the space, and providing a sense of privacy. Focussing the seating area instantly gives the illusion of an outdoor room, with a pocket of central light to draw attention inwards, creating a cosy atmosphere.
Ease
Roof terraces are often difficult to access. This terrace is accessed via a spiral glass staircase that wraps around the central tree. Transporting food and drinks up the stairs would have been inconvenient and problematic. We therefore incorporated a dumb waiter to transport all items from the kitchen below. The outdoor kitchen is conveniently positioned facing the hatch to ease the transfer directly to the exterior fridge, positioned in the storage opposite.
“Georgia came highly recommended, she had designed our neighbour’s garden and roof terrace and we were impressed by the transformation and especially the planting. Our roof terrace is quite unique with a majestic Ailanthus tree growing through the central atrium and we were keen for it to remain the star of the show. Georgia sensitively designed the terrace so as not to compete with the existing tree by using muted tones and a restrained design to complement the existing space.
Part of our brief was to have an abundance of wild planting to attract pollinators, we were also looking for seasonal interest throughout the year.
Georgia delivered on all fronts, along with creating a fabulous outdoor kitchen and lovely seating nooks surrounded by burgeoning planting. The perfect private spots to enjoy a book and glass of chilled Rosé. We are thrilled with our roof terrace which brings constant joy throughout the year with her clever planting and design ideas.”
Vivienne
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