THE RISE OF THE LIVING ROOFTOP
GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
FROM ORCHIDS TO ECOSYSTEMS:
THE RISE OF THE LIVING ROOFTOP
The discovery of a rare orchid, once thought extinct in the UK, on a rooftop in the City of London is a striking reminder of the ecological potential of the most unlikely of settings. Roof terraces represent a genuine opportunity to transform previously underused rooftop spaces into environments that contribute to biodiversity while adding social and environmental value to buildings. James Faulkner, Innovation Manager at roof terrace experts Raaft, explains how modular terrace systems are helping designers integrate decking, planting and living elements into coordinated and high-performing rooftop landscapes.
Visual appeal might well be the starting point when green roofs are discussed, but a welldesigned roof terrace can deliver a measurable ecological value. By providing genuine microhabitats that attract insects, pollinators, birds and even small mammals, they also offer food sources, shelter and nesting opportunities. This requires thoughtful planting, varied substrate depths and features such as deadwood or shallow water trays, elements that turn a roof from a decorative feature into a fully functioning ecosystem.
Rethinking rooftops The London rare orchid discovery offers a compelling reason for specifiers and building owners to rethink the potential of rooftop spaces. This shift in thinking opens up the conversation around roof terraces in supporting biodiversity, food production, wellbeing, social interaction and climate resilience.
In the city of London, an extensively refurbished and reconfigured BREEAM‘ outstanding’ building at 60 London Wall is an excellent example of this thinking in practice. The building’ s roof terraces are home to beehives producing honey sold directly from the building. The project demonstrates how biodiversity-led design can thrive at height, even in the heart of the financial district.
Right plant, right roof The specific technical conditions of the roof, not ground-level landscape conventions, should always drive planting selection. Drought-tolerant perennials, native wildflower mixes, sedum and biodiverse meadow systems are among the most effective options, particularly when combined with irrigation strategies suited to the building’ s location and exposure.
The Spiral at 66 Hudson Yards in New York brings this into sharp focus. For this landmark project, Raaft provided aluminium joists and adjustable pedestals to connect atrium workspaces on every tower floor. Featuring around 13,000 square feet of outdoor space planted above
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