How to design a sustainable and long-lasting roof terrace

If you are a landscape architect designing a commercial or residential development, one of your challenges is likely to be how to create an inspirational outdoor living space. A roof terrace can be the perfect extension to a communal space, offering a secluded refuge high above the busy city streets. Roof terraces can also offer many structural and environmental benefits if designed with careful consideration. At Raaft, we are experts in providing durable and recyclable terrace systems. So as leaders in our field, here are our recommendations for designing a sustainable and long-lasting roof terrace.

Set the right foundations

Roof terraces come with a variety of different complications, but the main challenge to impact the building is weight-loading. Setting a good-quality support structure will therefore be key to creating a sturdy, safe, and long-lasting terraced area. On older buildings, in particular, weight can be a significant problem to overcome – try to keep away from solid build-ups like concrete, which has unnecessary weight. Instead, try a modular support structure, which can be fixed into the roof with no extra weight, and without any detriment to the design.

Choose the right materials

For Longevity

Roof terraces are not only designed for regular use but are also often subjected to adverse weather conditions such as wind, rain, and frost. Therefore, choosing the right materials for your terrace system is paramount in ensuring it stands the test of time. Buying cheaper materials may look good after installation but will not last the inevitable wear and tear from weather and repeated use, which can be costly to replace or fix. To save time and money in the long run, invest in high-quality and hard-wearing materials for your roof terrace.

If you are designing a terrace with decking or tiles, opt for a porcelain material. This material is not only Class-A fire rated, but it is also highly absorbent resistant, frost resistant, anti-slip, thermostable, wind-uplift resistant, and stain resistant – making it the perfect choice for a guaranteed long-lasting terrace that will maintain its quality AND its beauty.  

For Sustainability

Choosing materials for durability is important, however, choosing materials for sustainability is equally, if not more important. The current climate crisis has led us to think and act more carefully in all aspects of our lives – particularly in landscape and architectural design. Any present-day designer will understand the importance of sourcing renewable, recyclable and responsibly sourced materials for their projects in order to rebuild our environment and reduce carbon emissions. When designing a roof terrace, the same applies.

A great place to start is by specifying locally sourced materials over internationally sourced materials. This will reduce the emissions generated by transportation and will also help to support smaller, local suppliers – boosting the local economy. 

If designing a tiled or decked terrace, porcelain is a durable AND sustainable choice. This material is made from natural, plentiful ingredients sourced near to the point of manufacture and reprocesses 100% of the unbaked waste clay generated during manufacturing to ensure there is zero-waste created.

Encourage biodiversity with planters

Since the industrial revolution, the population has risen, and the landscape has become increasingly urbanized to accommodate everyone. This has placed significant pressure on biodiversity with the Biodiversity Intactness Index finding that only 50.3% of all UK biodiversity now remains. With green spaces declining, it is becoming an increasing concern to try and find ways to re-introduce biodiversity in our cities. Which is why rooftop terraces are such a vital and popular aspect of modern inner-city living and have such an important environmental role to play.

Incorporating planter systems into your design will accommodate multiple forms of plant life and vegetation and create a natural space that will attract biodiversity. Rooftop planters rich in native plant species, natural substrate and pollenating flowers will provide an opportunity to create habitats that can become part of an ecologically rich landscapes in the hearts of our cities.

Recycle and reuse waste material

When installing any outdoor terrace space, there is bound to be excess materials left over which can’t be helped. However, thinking carefully of ways you can reduce, reuse, or recycle any waste will lower the impact it has on the environment.

One way of recycling waste materials is to create bug hotels or bird houses from scrap wood and place them in the planter systems (if this applies). This will help to supplement the decrease of natural habitats, providing refuge to insects and birds to nest and hibernate without the risk of having their home destroyed. These recycled habitats also encourage pollinating species to such as bees, butterflies, and wasps to pollenate the surrounding flowers - helping grow and maintain healthy vegetation.

Consult a trusted roof terrace expert

At Raaft, we offer sustainable roof terrace systems designed for life. Our range of recycled terrace products come in many different styles, colours and finishes to suit your needs so you can build what’s right for your space. See the endless possibilities available to you with the Raaft terrace system and talk to a technical expert with experience of industry best practice to begin your roof terrace journey.