What does Urban Roof Gardens do?
We are a leading design practice creating unique and iconic roof gardens. Our projects range from private stylish city gardens to large commercial projects with formal or natural planting schemes. And we have all the skills necessary to realise these projects in-house.

What service does Urban Roof Gardens offer?
We offer a complete concept-to-completion service. This includes:
• All aspects of design
• Advising on planning, structural and building requirements
• Preparing and submitting planning and building regulation applications on your behalf
• Horticultural advice including specifying and supplying plants
• Specifying and supplying furnishings, lighting, planters and other specialist items.

Will you also construct the roof garden?
We do not carry out building works directly for our clients as we believe this can lead to conflicts of interest. Instead, we have established relationships with some leading construction companies in London who we can recommend to carry out the work, and we will assist you in drawing up a contract between you and the contractors. During the building works, we will visit your site regularly to ensure that the works conform to quality, budget and timeliness.

What if I'm only looking for planning advice?
We're happy to help - you can pick and choose from the services we offer. The only exception is that we are unable to offer help during construction if you have not engaged us for the planning or design of your terrace.

What if I'm only looking for construction services?
If you are not looking for design or other professional services, or have already had these done by others, we recommend you find local builders in your area to undertake the work. We only supervise construction work relating to projects we have designed.

How likely is it that my local council will grant planning permission?
It is impossible to give you an answer to this question, as planning officers look at each case individually and in particular how your space is related to the street and neighbours. There are also large variations in practice between councils. As part of our engagement with you, we will advise as how to best proceed to maximise your chances of success. And if it comes to an appeal, we have an enviable record of winning!

What if I'm in a conservation area or in a listed building?
This just makes it even more imperative that you get the best professional advice available. Our architects have years of experience in dealing with potentially problematic applications. That's precisely why we have gathered all these skills in-house.

Is my roof strong and safe enough for a roof garden?
This will need to be assessed 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. Structural engineers are just one part of our multi-disciplinary professional team. And don't worry - structural issues are usually always solved as long as you throw enough money at the problem!

What about my existing felt or asphalt roof covering?
One of the great benefits of roof gardens and green roofs is that, by protecting the underlying roof covering, they prolong its life by as much as 70%. Whether your existing roof covering (felt or asphalt) is in good condition, we always recommend you lay an additional covering before installing the roof terrace. We use the only recycled EPDM waterproof membrane in Europe which has a life expectancy of in excess of 50 years! Lay one of these down, and you won't have to worry about a leaking roof for a generation or two!

Can I have a pool on my roof?
Yes you can - and a lot of our clients have exactly that. We can design the structural support which is required - and this is not as impossible as it sounds, especially if you consider having just a plunge pool, deep enough to sit in with friends and chill out with a glass or two of wine!

What else can I do on the roof terrace?
Almost anything you like, that's what really great about them. Eat, sleep, cook, chill out, entertain, sunbathe nude, swim, make out, procreate, watch a movie, throw a party, exercise, meditate, grow vegetables, play with your pet, learn music or a new language, work, surf the internet - name it, you can pretty much do it. And we can help provide the structure, the design, and the fittings.

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, and you would also need to consider the implications to any rooms below. Achieving planning permission for a roof garden on a mansard is difficult but not impossible. Professional architectural help is critical here, and architects are another part of our multi-disciplinary team.

Can I put in a door or staircase without planning permission?
Possibly. But you will certainly need building regulation approval. Our architects 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. If you need access, and your roof needs strengthening, it is unlikely that you'll spend less than £25k. But it is possible to spend less, and a great deal more! We are very skilled in maximising the return for your budget, and can offer value-engineering or phasing of the work as ways to make your money stretch further.

Are there are grants available?
The UK has not yet woken up to the fact that roof terraces should be encouraged in the same way as home insulation is afforded grants. We hope one day there will be grants relating to the environmental benefits roof terraces bring.

Does a roof terrace add value to my flat?
Yes, a lot! According to a survey carried out by Time Out in 2007, between 25 and 50%! In our experience, you will get back every pound you spend in additional value, and, if your apartment has no outdoor space, probably as much as a further 50p for every pound you spend. But you should view a roof terrace as primarily bringing you lifestyle benefits rather than as an investment - more space, outdoor space, better insulation for both summer and winter, year-round noise reduction, and a 70% extension to the life of the roof covering!

How do I get green and lush plants without lots of maintenance?
We design schemes with plants which can tolerate extreme weather conditions, strong winds and sun. We use special soil which is lighter than is used for gardens, and ideal for roofs with weight restrictions. And inexpensive irrigation systems can be installed for ease of 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 containers and lights to extend its use into evenings. A green roof consists of low-level planting, usually sedum or grasses, 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 containers. Our sister company, Urban Lifetile, specialises in the supply and fitting of green roofs which can also be combined with a roof garden.

How do I start the process?
Once you have contacted us, we will send you an online 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 first date of contact with us, your project will take at least 6, and possibly as much as 9, months to complete. 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 appointing a building contractor
• Ordering of materials
• Construction of your roof garden.
As always in life, good things take a while!