Backyards and balconies are great places to enjoy an al fresco meal or a sun bath, but to really elevate your outdoor lifestyle, consider going up. To the roof.
Rooftop decks were fairly common in early 20th century Craftsman and modernist homes, particularly on the West Coast. More recently, the trend has moved to city cores, where ground-floor outdoor space is minimal.
A rooftop deck is nice if you’re lucky enough to have expansive nature views — water, mountains, desert, forest. But it’s also attractive to city dwellers keen to escape the confines of the concrete jungle without decamping to the wilderness. A vista of evening lights, with the city quite literally at one’s feet, can be captivating, and add value to your home.
Privacy
Urban rooftop decks might need to be screened from nearby buildings, or from unsightly elements such as water towers or air-conditioning units. Laser-cut steel, wood or tempered glass do the job, and add a decorative element.
Los Angeles architect Dan Brunn has done several beach-adjacent rooftop projects. He cautions that seaside decks need good wind screening, and homeowners must be mindful of community height restrictions. Wind can also be a problem for outdoor grills, keeping them from heating up properly.
Use planters, pergolas and gazebos to define areas of a rooftop deck, Brunn says.
“The other great thing about a gazebo structure is that it can house heating elements and lighting,” he says.
Personalized space
Everyone has a different use for outdoor space, so feel free to customize.
Adam Miller of Chicago Roof Deck & Garden recalls one beer-loving client who wanted his rooftop deck to feel like a bar.
“He had this great collection of growler jugs,” recalls Miller. “So we built a growler wall on the west end of the deck. It picks up the late afternoon sun to give the space a really cool glow.”
For a family with children, the company custom-built a hanging daybed and installed a hot tub on the roof.
Design considerations
Echoing the aesthetic of the home’s interior can create a cohesive feel. Use a similar color palette in weather-resistant fabrics and paint, and incorporate design elements such as industrial shelving or a comfy rattan sectional.
Miller says space and weight are two of the biggest challenges on rooftop decks. A kitchen, lounge space and dining area can be a lot to fit on a roof. And you can’t use heavy pavers or counters.
He and his team have developed a lightweight concrete that holds up well to the Chicago climate.
Dining and lounge furniture now resembles interior furniture more than ever. Look for big, comfy sectionals, cool bar stools, and finishes ranging from weathered wood looks to textural weaves and sleek modern silhouettes.
