What does Urban Roof Gardens do?
Urban Roof Gardens creates unique, iconic roof gardens. We are a leading design practice and can help you acquire your perfect garden in the sky! Projects range from private stylish city gardens to large commercial projects with formal or natural planting schemes.

What service does Urban Roof Gardens offer?
We offer a complete design service for your roof garden. This includes:
• All aspects of design.
• Advising on structural and building requirements.
• Submitting a planning application on your behalf if required, and dealing   with building regulations once planning permission is approved.
• Horticultural advice, including specifying and purchasing plants.
• Specifying furnishings, lighting, planters and other specialist items.

Will you also construct the roof garden?
Urban Roof Gardens does not carry out building works directly. However we have an established relationship with some of the leading construction companies in London who we can recommend to carry out the work, and can assist you in drawing up a contract between you and them. During the building works, we will visit your site regularly to ensure that the works conform to quality, specification and timeliness.

What if I only need some advice on planning permission?
If you are not looking to have your roof or terrace designed and transformed into a garden, we recommend you contact a local architect who can assist you with applying for planning permission and find a local construction company. The Royal Institute of British Architects, RIBA (www.ribafind.org) offers a client advisory service to help you find professionals suitable for your project.

How likely is it that my local council will approve planning permission for my roofgarden?
It is not possible to give you an answer to this question. Planning officers look at each case individually and in particular how your space is related to the street and neighbours. We will advice you as how to best proceed to maximise your chances of successful application. And if it comes to an appeal, we have an enviable record of success!.

Is my roof strong and safe enough to be a roof garden?
This will need to be calculated by a structural engineer, who will determine the strength of your roof structure to ensure it is strong enough and structurally safe to be used as a roof garden. Structural engineers are just one part of our multi-disciplinary professional team.

What if my roof isn't flat or I have a mansard?
A pitched roof can be transformed to a flat roof subject to planning permission. However this is likely to involve substantial construction work. You would also need to consider the implications to any rooms below your potential flat roof, and architectural help is invaluable at this stage. Planning permission is likely to be required to create a roof garden on top of a mansard and can often lead to problems with the local planners.

Can I put in a door or staircase to access the roof without planning permission?
You often need planning permission for any changes to your property. We can advise you on these matters.

How much will it cost?
This will depend on many factors, including the size of your roof, the structural changes which may be required, and the degree of complexity of the design. Urban Roof Gardens usually only undertakes projects with a minimum budget of £25k, due to the complexity and the range of specialist skills and experience roof gardens demand.

How do I get a roof garden low in maintenance, but still green and lush?
Urban Roof Gardens designs schemes with plants tolerant for extreme weather conditions, strong winds and sun. We use special soil which is lighter than is used for gardens, due to weight restrictions associated with a roof. An irrigation system can be installed for lower maintenance.

What environmental benefits does a roof garden have?
Depending on the nature and quantity of planting you wish to have, pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies will be attracted to your roof garden, helping local ecosystems. Plants will also absorb carbon dioxide and help reduce dust levels in the air. In congested areas, planting will also help reduce local temperatures, which rise with pollution levels.

What is the difference between a green roof and a roof garden?
A roof garden is a space for you, your family and your friends to use and enjoy. It usually consists of bespoke seating areas, planting in pots and lights to extend its use into evenings. A green roof consists of low-level planting, usually sedum, over a roof area which is not used by people. It will help conserve energy, assist the environment and be a pleasure to look at. A green roof system is installed directly onto a waterproofed roof, not in planters. Our sister company, Urban Lifetile, specialises in the supply and fitting of green roofs, which could also be combined with a roof garden. Find out more at www.urbanlifetile.com.

How do I start the process?
Once you have contacted us, we will send you a questionnaire to help our design team assess your requirements. If your project appears feasible, then we will arrange a visit to discuss your requirements. If you wish to proceed, an engagement letter will be sent to you outlining the terms of our service and the fees payable. Once this has been signed and returned by you, work on the project will commence. If planning permission is required, a qualified architect from our office will contact the local planning authority to make an application on your behalf.

How long will it take?
From contact date with Urban Roof Gardens, your project will take at least 6 months to completion. This period allows time for the following key actions:
• Consideration of structural requirements.
• Design of the roof garden in consultation with you.
• Preparation and submission of a planning application (if applicable) which   then takes at least 8 weeks for a decision from the local Council.
• The preparation and submission of a building regulations application to the   local authority which can take a further 6 weeks.
• Obtaining quotations and appointment of a building contractor.
• Ordering of materials.
• Construction of your roof garden.
As always in life, good things take a while!