Rooftop spaces offer a unique opportunity to create a secret oasis, a place to view the world from above. The following 15 rooftop terraces showcase how to elevate your outdoor space, from plant-filled retreats to outdoor entertaining areas, such as a London setting.
A Spanish home in Sant Cugat del Vallès boasts expansive views of the small town. The terrace features a sunspot ideal for barbecues, with two ‘Diamond’ chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll and a fibreglass coffee table from the 1970s.
Rooftop Terraces with a View
Jeremy Bull, principal at Alexander & Co, has a roof terrace with ‘This Hima Series’ tables and stools designed by the studio and created by Re. Studio Collective using recycled building waste. They also feature a customized outdoor shower and ice bath from Slightly Garden Obsessed.
In Ibiza, a sunny terrace with incredible sea views is perched atop a villa designed by Patricia Urquiola. It is part of a property formed of two separate buildings linked by various outdoor terraces, including this one.
Konstantinos Pantazis and Marianna Rentzou of Point Supreme Architects added a roof terrace to a traditional home on the island of Kimolos, where all houses must be painted white and blue. The architects saw the terrace as a small rebellion.
Utilizing Small Spaces
Even the tiniest slice of rooftop in an urban setting can be utilized to create an unexpected outdoor oasis. They can be clad in cedar wood decking with bench-style seating and surrounded by prairie-style planting, making the most of a small space.
A west London townhouse underwent a complete renovation, with the only original features remaining being the staircase and the façade. The design studio Angus Reid added a blissful roof terrace with ‘Borea’ outdoor furniture designed by Piero Lissoni, creating a perfect spot for outdoor entertaining.
A Madrid building with geometric curves built in the 1960s by Javier Sáenz de Oíza has two semi-circular outdoor terraces that have been respectfully enhanced with generous planting and verdant green tiling, showcasing the potential of design ideas in outdoor spaces.
Design Inspiration
Lee Broom’s New York City duplex features a roof terrace with vast windows and room proportions, allowing him to create drama. The dining room was designed to enhance the spectacular views of the Freedom Tower, making the most of the space.
A Melbourne house was redesigned by Jase Sullivan, who aimed to make it feel ‘like a destination’. The elevated private terrace leads out from the living area with views towards Port Phillip Bay, providing a perfect setting for relaxation.
A Toronto penthouse was redesigned by Trevor Wallace of Reflect Architecture, who stripped everything back to bare concrete and created a predominantly monochrome palette, resulting in a sleek and modern design.
A central London home features a roof terrace surrounded by lush tropical foliage, with landmarks from The Shard to the London Eye visible. It blends old and contemporary elements to create a sophisticated aesthetic, much like the exclusive villas found in luxury destinations.
Restoration Projects
A neglected roof terrace in Neuilly, Paris, was transformed into a breathtaking outdoor sanctuary by interior designer Romain Chancel. He renovated the vast outdoor space in his signature laid-back style, creating a unique oasis.
A 1960s house in London’s Hampstead was re-imagined by design studio Zulufish, which created a space that builds towards the views across a leafy London skyline. The roof terrace features greenery designed by Liz Seymour, adding a touch of natural beauty to the space.
Colour is at the heart of design duo Masquespacio’s practice, as seen in their Valencian home, where the outside terrace features graphic shapes of self-designed planters, table, and bench in bold colour combinations, showcasing their unique design style.
Francis Sultana’s 16th-century home in Valletta, Malta, has a roof terrace that extends over two levels, taking in breathtaking views of the city’s terracotta rooftops and golden limestone buildings, making it a truly special space.
The 15 rooftop terraces showcased here demonstrate how to create a unique outdoor space, whether it’s a plant-filled retreat or an area for outdoor entertaining, and they serve as inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor area.
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