The interest in rooftop terraces makes a dream proposition for many designers, architects, builders, and developers. Above all, it is more exciting for home  buyers to select a project to buy a home which has rooftop terrace on the  building. Planting and screening to the undesired walls help in hiding  undesirable segment whilst retaining the view.

Who all loves to be outdoors besides nature? We all love our terrace house in the summer, but as the seasons change, we are often surprised by the harsh  weather conditions and find ourselves grateful for those days when we are not shooed off from the rooftop building terrace because of rain showers. On  bright summer evenings, we enjoy a shaded terrace so we dont get have to  worry about the evening dew which could potentially have unhealthy effects on  children. More so, covering the terrace is also a good way to maintain your outdoor furniture, prolonging the lifespan of your patio furniture, lounge  furniture.

In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know while building a rooftop deck, challenges you’ll usually encounter. We’ll also share some awesome roof garden  ideas that will leave you inspired.

Factors considered while designing a rooftop terrrace:

There are 3 important factors which are considered while designing a rooftop terrace.

1) Wind: This needs to be filtered by using trellis of some description to protect the plants from wind scorch and from being blown away. Planters should be secured.

2) Weight: A structural survey should be carried out to see if the roof terrace is strong enough to support the weight of plants, soil etc.

3) Water – an irrigation system is essential. Forged furniture would look amazing in combination with gardens and plants in pots. Check some more ideas below and choose your design!

Creating a safe, class a terrace.

With just a few design tricks and technique, with the use of various products, a once restricted and unsightly roof terrace can become a space of absolute pleasure functioning with different amenities for homeowners.

Rooftop waterproofing is an important part of terrace rooftop. As per the its type and use various types of waterproofing rooftop terrace is selected. Most common  is the brick bat coba (BBC) and epoxy coatings. There are various methods of  waterproofing for rooftop terrace slabs.

With this article we would answer the most asked questions while designing rooftop terrace gardens.

Why build a rooftop terrace?

Ans- Embrace the environment
Designing rooftop terrace requires careful drafting and planning. It’s a place that is exposed to sunlight the year round. Having a rooftop deck also gives you a better view of the city or your surroundings.

If you add some patio furniture the space becomes more comfortable, you can easily host some great parties, meetings on your rooftop. Making one such rooftop on each building adds up to amenities thus adds more value to both project developers and homeowners.

What are the types of rooftop terrace?

With seasons changing a year long, one must select the purpose of the rooftop terrace which would help one decide from 9 various types of rooftop terrace.

1. Tempered Glass Rooftop Terrace (Commercial Spaces/Restaurants)- A panel of tinted or frosted tempered glass is the right choice for those who want a bit of shade while warding off the rain
2. Reed Rooftop terrace (for restaurant/Banquets/Resorts/Villas rooftop)- a solution that simply filters the light and at the same time, utilizing a sustainable natural material for the terracing roofing, then the choice is a reed -roofed variant.
3. Stretch Fabric ceiling (Commercial Spaces/Restaurants)- Stretch fabric is a light and summery roofing variant, which in comparison to the  sunshade is also safe in some windier areas. An additional advantage of a sail as a terrace roof is its flexible suspension and its standalone concept.
4. Suspended Steel structure (Residential/Commercial Spaces)- Fixed Framed Steel with trellis like structure covers the terrace, adding a sleek, modern touch to the façade design. The combination of semi-open and fully covered sections on the roof ensures that the terrace has the ideal mix of light and shade, without for an enclosure that restricts airflow.
5. Trellis rooftop (for restaurant/Banquets/Resorts/hospitably industry)- Poolside terrace has a timber trellis that provides shade from the  afternoon sun, besides a glass canopy that protects the area from rain showers. Sighing the view of the pool with lush garden, it is the perfect design for a tropical house, poolside restaurants, beaches.
6. Awful Awnings for rooftop (for restaurant/Banquets)- With choice and as per requirement the covered awning on the rooftop terrace as a roofing solution is the right choice for all those who want everything. An awning can be extended if you need protection from the sun or rain and in  perfect weather, you can simply let it retract and make yourself  comfortable without a roof on the terrace.
7. Textile rooftop (Residential/Commercial Spaces)-This is called as one of the extremely flexible variations of rooftop options certainly it can be  defined as DIY solution to rooftop terrace ceiling. Why DIY? If you want  to enjoy a bright sunny day with full portion of the sun, you simply  remove the textile. On the other hand, if rain is to be expected, the textile  can be stretched to cover the entire frame of the roof ceiling, and after  the season, you can simply take off the fabric and wash them out which is  re-usable hence making it a cheaper budgeted option for your pockets  too. Also umbrella seating is one of the types of textile rooftop which is  easy to install and again is a DIY hack and is flexible as per its need for  use.
8. Romantic rooftop (for restaurant/Banquets)- It is a tested version called as a pergola-type overed with traditional roof shingles. Generally, it is a  space for couples to have a romantic date enjoying the blissful evening dawn.
9. Multipurpose rooftop (Residential/Commercial Spaces)- The rooftop terrace design with its multi-functional use for the owners of the building  is considered as multi-purpose rooftop. This may have a seating zone, Leisure Zone, planting, playful games on terrace, open parties,  Events, get together, socialise, yoga zone, laughter zone, open gyms, etc. These are the above few activities which adds up to the amenities to the  owners of the building either residential or commercial for luxurious  living within the surrounding. It is one of the most trending type of  rooftop terrace.

How do you light an outdoor terrace?

Ans-Create Ambiance
Lighting is considered as most important part of rooftop terrace designing. It is used to add a sense of depth, warmth to your rooftop terrace, and it even  creates eye-catching patterns that sighs your mood towards soothing mod  setting. As well, projecting light from your rooftop terrace helps the space feel  more open. When the sun begins to set and the sky darkens, light helps see  further a larger sense of space. Exterior lighting brings façades and outdoor  spaces to life. These steps are reviewed in the following guide and provide a  solid foundation for understanding different ways to brighten your design for  rooftop terrace.

Below pointers would brief about outdoor light selection for rooftop terrace. Various types of outdoor lighting are as follows:

Types of outdoor lighting:

Task Lighting: Task lighting is paramount when performing specific tasks. It’s important to start with task lighting for illuminating pathways and entrances. This type of  outdoor lighting can be achieved by using pathway lights, deck lighting and outdoor step  lights. Make sure to get a wet-rated light fixture for outdoors. E.g., Wall lights,  Step floor lights

Accent Lighting: Accent lighting adds drama to an outdoor space by  creating  visual interest. This lighting feature is used for walkways, the doorway,  landscaping. This type of lighting is usually provided by spotlights. Up lighting  can be used to create drama with a taller structure or tree. To conclude accent  lighting is a focal point of an entire space. E.g., Led Stirp profile lights, Spotlights.

Ambient Lighting: This type of lighting is essential to provide light in the surrounding area. Using a too bright bulb outside is a common mistake to be avoided.  A bulb with a lower wattage or has a lower lumens output is generally  adequate in the dark. Ambient lighting is also known as general lighting, which  radiates a comfortable level of brightness without glare and allows you to see and  walk safely. E.g., Pole lights. Hanging lights

Accent Lighting: Accent lighting adds drama to an outdoor space by  creating  visual interest. This lighting feature is used for walkways, the doorway,  landscaping. This type of lighting is usually provided by spotlights. Up lighting  can be used to create drama with a taller structure or tree. To conclude accent  lighting is a focal point of an entire space. E.g., Led Stirp profile lights, Spotlights.

7 Outdoor flooring options for Style and comfort

1. Stones- Nothing beats the rustic beauty of natural stone
2. Faux Grass-Effect of grass with artificial material for easy maintenance
3. Porcelain Tiles-These are tiles made of clay which can be used, and its joints to be filled precisely is suggested,
4. Full Body Vitrified Tiles- These are hard with Minimal maintenance, available in various designs to choose from many brands.
5. Terracotta tiles- It can withstand a lot of stress and also resists breaking and chipping very effectively. It is not affected by the erosive action of the elements, resistant to fire and water, and can last for years without any degradation.
6. Deck flooring: Easy to install, gives a look of wood, The Materials  Strength, and Durability, you can change the layout of the existing tiles  and create a new pattern for a fresh look appearance. With the  understanding of floor surface select from the residential rooftop deck flooring options.
7. Artificial Rubber floor-This type of flooring is generally used for kids area which protects kids from hurting. Gives feet a soft floor to kids and  senior citizens,

Which flooring is good for terrace garden?

Choosing the right flooring for your rooftop terrace is important and often overlooked. probably most of them just think of a tile, but there is much more beyond it.

How to build you own Rooftop terrace?

Step-1- First and foremost go to the terrace and analyse the conditions and characteristics which you can find more relevant. Now let your imaginations be  free, and you would now have an ample scope of design as per the requirements.

Step-2- Analyse what parts of your roof will be protected from the sun, and which is clearly located outdoors. If you are free to live in open, select from the  above 9 various types of rooftop terrace. The tip in this step is that at the  beginning of the arrangement of each element of your stay at outdoor is not  violating sight; no obstacles which is of utmost necessity.

Step-3- Protection and security with fences on the parapet wall of rooftop  terrace is one of the most important factors. It is an essential measure to be   onsidered. You have several alternatives like completely cover with a dome or  make a fence with a minimum height of one meter, because if it is smaller, it is not efficient enough to serve as a barrier.

Step-4- Step-4-Install a shade if you want enclosure/partly  hade/awnings/Pergolas. One must select from the above mentions and  accordingly provide it and connect to the vendors for the estimates to decide the cost.

Step-5- Installation of floors and greens. Without plants terrace designing efforts are not viable. Select from the types of rooftop terrace plants and provision for plants specifying its space as per the direction of sun. This would  lead the plants grow in its desired way to be efficient to produce O2 for  betterment of healthy living.

Step-6- Choose desired outdoor furniture. Selection of furniture is to be made in accordance with the checks for long term and can endure strong winds, dust,  sun,  rain, etc. Selection of rooftop terrace furniture is done with considering  weather changes and its purpose of use by the owners/guests.

Step-8- Personal touches with Wow Factor – This cannot be missed. It is an  essential combination to select from Types of outdoor lighting, Material selections, colour combinations, Style, Shapes. Considering 7 elements of  interior designing, you get what you like with whom and for whom you feel  identified. Are you aware of the news that Rooftop Gardens May Soon Be  Mandatory For All New Buildings in Mumbai.

Here is the break out news for builders and developers and building  contractors. It’s the time of era to fetch necessary guidelines and select the type  of rooftop terrace and provide these amenities to the buyers with  experienced Rooftop terrace interior designer. Few methods like vertical  gardening and terrace/rooftop gardening are implemented worldwide. To  increase green cover, it is necessary to plan policy guidelines for rooftop/terrace gardening and vertical gardens for the conservation of  biodiversity in Mumbai. The stability of the building and the waterproofing  should not be compromised. The terrace/rooftop garden should have an  irrigation facility installed. Are you looking to expand your outdoor  entertaining space? Do you find yourself wishing you had a spot to enjoy the outdoors?

Step-7- No roof terrace- Now a days is generally the most common type of  rooftop terrace. One can select from the various types of rooftop terrace and with it one can decide the use of terrace with its function. Here one must select from  10 Outdoor flooring options for Style and comfort.

• Extruded polystyrene sheets.
• Polystyrene cement.
• Autoclaved aerated concrete.
• Foamed concrete.
• Other cement (perlite, vermiculite, and LECA)
• Siporex Blocks for fillers.

Which lightweight materials to be used for terrace?

Rooftop terraces are planned using light weight material as it is at the top of the building. Hence to avoid weight to the building lightweight materials are used. Sometimes few terraces are not proposed for using this as building amenities hence utmost care must be taken while designing a rooftop terrace from an experienced rooftop terrace designer. With this, would share few light materials used for rooftop terrace. Lightweight fills include the following:

Which would be the cost of building a rooftop terrace?

Building rooftop terrace is not at cheap than it is considered. The major fund is  used for different methods of terrace waterproofing which is an important basic necesity, then, various finished floorings. Parapet skirtings, Parapet walls  railing for security, Seating for leisure, Lightings, Wall claddings. Few  additions to all these would be an additional cost to the project. Such as for  building stairs or access to your rooftop terrace, installing shade structures and other features you may want, buying types of planter boxes and outdoor dining  patio furniture). And not to forget the labour cost of the workers,  transportation of materials, and most important to be considered is the cost for  loading the material to the top floor. Loading cost is lesser when service lift  is allowed for workers to use. A sum of the above items in regards with the  requirement of the project adds up to the final total valuation of rooftop  terrace design.