GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
300 feet, The Spiral is the city’ s first attempt to grow greenery at this vertical scale. Initial plant selections were ultimately replaced with hardier, wind and drought-resistant species suited to the extreme conditions at height. Planting varies by elevation and orientation with prairie species used on the windexposed south side, shade tolerant on the north side and carefully selected flowering trees managed to balance resilience with uplift forces.
Designing from day one Structural loads, irrigation, access, and planter placement need to be designed holistically from the earliest conceptual stage rather than retrofitted. Early coordination also avoids costly mistakes later, particularly on projects where weight limits and waterproofing are critical.
The retrofit challenge Many landscape and roofing contractors will be familiar with retrofitting green terraces onto existing buildings. Weight limitations, restricted access, shallow build-ups, drainage constraints and long-term maintenance requirements can all limit what is achievable, especially on older or lightly loaded roof structures.
Modular terrace systems distribute weight efficiently, allow controlled drainage and provide accessible service zones, all without compromising waterproofing. Components can also be removed or reconfigured for maintenance, extending the lifespan of both the terrace and the roof beneath. Beyond installation, modular components are engineered to withstand extreme weather, moisture and UV exposure over the long term, reducing the maintenance burden on landscape teams managing these spaces.
Nature, health and design Across commercial and healthcare settings, access to nature and occupant wellbeing have become increasingly linked in design decisions. Green roof terraces have been shown to improve mood, reduce stress and boost productivity, making them a priority for organisations focused on employee wellbeing, patient recovery and ESGdriven design.
NHS mental healthcare projects represent some of Raaft’ s most safety critical work in this area. In these environments, surfaces and fixings must minimise risk of self-harm or injury. One effective solution has been resin-bound gravel, a porous yet continuous, fixed surface that combines drainage performance with safety and comfort underfoot.
Modular design Far greater design flexibility than traditional build-ups is one of the defining advantages of modular terrace systems. Adjustable pedestals and modular components allow decking, paving, planters and green spaces to be seamlessly combined into highly customisable layouts without invasive construction.
At 60 London Wall, this flexibility enabled intricately cut porcelain tiles, curved CorTen steel planters and bespoke hardwood benches to coexist on the same terraces. The result is a series of busy, thriving communal spaces that balance architectural ambition with generous planting.
Rooftops as living assets Treating rooftops as designed landscapes in their own right, rather than passive elements of the building envelope is where the opportunity lies. The ability to lift and reconfigure modular components without damage also supports a more adaptive approach to planting, allowing schemes to evolve as species establish, mature or need replacing.
Through careful coordination between terrace systems, waterproofing and planting design, modular roof terraces can deliver lasting value, supporting biodiversity, enhancing wellbeing and adapting over time as buildings and their uses change. For architects, contractors and landscape professionals, that represents both a specification challenge and a significant opportunity. www. raaftsystems. com
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