Darlinghurst Rooftop Garden

The project was client driven to primarity create a secret roof garden for himself and wife and to convert a three storey apartment building into living, studio and office spaces. Verdant Solutions Australia were engaged by the client to design a personal secret green roof off a newly designed living area. The landscape brief also incorporated a separate courtyard with planters; an atrium fern garden; verandah planters; a kitchen herb garden and a rear lane community garden.

The green roof grow media has a high mineral content ranging in depth from 500 - 950mm. Sub-surface KISSS irrigation and drippers have ensured that the continued growth of the mature trees; shrubs and ground cover has been robust and prolific. After 1.5 years the growth is abundant and lush with high biodiversity, birds, bees, butterflies and an ever changing array of scents, colours and textures. Due to high wind exposure tree anchors were installed for the 7 metre trees which survived a 120km mini hurricane two weeks after installation. The rooms below the green roof benefit from the excellent insulation during winter & summer reducing energy costs and the abundence of vegetables and herbs have reduced food costs. The rooftop areas are versatile and used for entertaining, gardening, contemplation and relaxation with superb panoramic views to the city and harbour.

For more information contact: verdantsolutionsaus@gmail.com

CO-AP Awards:
Nov 2016: Darlinghurst Rooftop has received a National Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alternations & Additions) at the 2016 National AIA Awards
July 2016: Hugh and Eva Buhrich Award for Residential Architecture (Alterations & Additions) at the 2016 NSW Chapter Australian Insitute of Architecture Awards
August 2015: 2015 Houses Awards presented at the NGV in Melbourne - Commendation in the Outdoor category.