Cool haven
This roof terrace sits atop a conservation home's extension, providing a welcome retreat in the middle of a busy city

Using rooftop space allows architects to consider ambitious options for outdoor living, even when the house is in an urban conservation area.
This roof terrace is a case in point. It sits above a three-storey extension at the rear of a 1920s colonial terraced house. The front elevation has protected status, but the architect had permission to develop an extension at the rear, including a roof terrace and pool.
Maria Arango of Ong + Ong Architects envisaged the roof terrace as a welcome retreat for the homeowners. The new roof was divided into an upper and lower deck, to moderate its long, thin proportions and create distinct zones.

Arango then installed a pool with a pebble surround, and inset a stone planter box for shade and visual interest. Simple materials from local sources were chosen.
"The use of stone, timber and bamboo is a tropical look that is very common in the region," says Arango.
"The materials are in keeping with those used to build the original colonial home, and complement the extension's grey-and-white interior colour scheme."

As the terrace is in a busy city area, privacy was important. A tall bamboo hedge was planted to screen the upper deck, and a mature 3m-high frangipani tree planted for shading. Timber fencing, selected to match fences on neighbouring terraces, helps to preserve the roofscape's visual continuity.
Credit list
Architect
Structural engineer
Pool construction
Landscaping
Paints and varnishes
Builder
Pool design and landscaping
Fencing
Lighting
Story by: Alison Wall
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