Roof Garden In Chelsea With Hardwood Decking

Chelsea Roof Garden

One advantage of this top floor flat in Chelsea was the access to the roof.

The pre-existing tiles were a bit drab and tired looking, and the owners wanted somewhere that felt warmer and would entice them to use the space more in the summer. They also wanted a shower to cool down with on hot days.

The planters of lavander were placed on a platform to sit at the same level as the deck. Recycled rubber pads under the joists ensure there will be no issues with weight gradually penetrating the roof membrane.

A couple of years later I was asked by the family to build a playhouse for their daughter. In order to maximise space this was to fit into an awkward, relatively unused corner. I made it in sections to be flat packed so that it could be brought up the stairs, and put it together on site.

Outdoor Shower On hot days, this actually gets used a lot!
Ipe Hardwood Decking This was a later visit to the job after a couple of years. The owners really did a good job of looking after it.
Ipe Hardwood Decking Freshly oiled. The platform to support the planters can be seen just the other side of the railings.
Ipe Hardwood Decking Freshly oiled. The platform to support the planters can be seen just the other side of the railings.
Orignal Tiles Surface Steps up to the roof prior to work beginning.
Cladding The Steps Halfway through cladding the steps.
Freshly Clad Steps A much more welcoming way to enter the roof space.
Bespoke Playhouse It's not a playhouse...it's a shop.
Bespoke Playhouse Shop Counter. Retail is to be taken seriously.
Bespoke Playhouse In position and first coat of paint on.
White House In position and first coat of paint on.
Bespoke Playhouse Reassembled and awaiting painting. All the wood was treated before being assembled to ensure it would stand the test of time.
Bespoke Playhouse Test assembly to make sure it all worked
Bespoke Playhouse Test assembly to make sure it all worked