Taking Outdoor Design to the Roof

Backyards and verandas are awesome spaces to enjoy a nice meal any time of day, enjoy a chilled drink on a lazy weekend afternoon or a sun bath. But have you ever thought of lifting your alfresco lifestyle? If so, consider going up. To the rooftop.

Homes with rooftop entertaining patios were common in early 20th century with the modernists who yearned for something different in the luxury real estate landscape.

The trend is, however, moving to the cities, where the outdoor spaces are usually minimal due to car parking lots. A rooftop deck or patio will give you the best feeling if you are surrounded by a scenic view of hilly plains, water bodies like the Indian Ocean or if you are lucky enough to be near expansive views of bushy forests.

But they can also be striking to urbanites who want to escape the borders of the concrete jungle without decamping to the wilderness.

The panorama of twilights, with the city quite literally at one’s feet, can be captivating, and add value to your home.

“Roof entertaining patios are becoming important in high-end homes. A lot of people find it easier to host parties on the rooftop and the views of the city are great from up there,” said the chief executive of Chandaria Properties, Darshan Chandaria.

Lamu culture

The Vipingo Ridge manager, Chilson Lwangu told BDLife that the golf-development, for instance, has a one floor terrace structure with a rooftop deck dubbed The Clubhouse; the central meeting point and heart of action at the Ridge.

“The Clubhouse is the top most point of this facility, the evening breeze it attracts right from the ocean and the palm trees, especially in the Lamu weather, is simply to die for,” said Mr Lwangu.

“From the top, you can marvel at the beauty of nature—you see the Indian Ocean like you are just next to it; so far yet so near,” he says.

The Vipingo Ridge rooftop Clubhouse is designed with the African touch of Lamu, which blends effortlessly with the contemporary Moorish architecture with unbarred scenic picturesque.

Mr Lwangu added: “We did not want to go the fancy way of Thailand, and other parts of Europe but remain cultural yet so classy with the Lamu furniture designs of bold yet subtle coloured cushions with hardwood frames”.

But while building a rooftop, you are advised to mind height restrictions for buildings for safety reasons.

You can also incorporate gazebos, daybeds, pergolas or plants to define specific areas on your rooftop space.

“Pergolas provide some privacy and shade, too. It is advisable to use hardwood that is durable and insect-resistant due to the open-air conditions of the rooftop deck,” he says.

Everyone has a different use for outdoor space, so feel free to customise to your specifics.

Consider rooftop fireplaces and cabinetry, for a streamlined look that mimics an indoor kitchen and always go for heavy pieces of furniture that “won’t go with the wind.”