A significant portion of the value of residential structures lies in appending existing rooftops. The process is inclusive of factors such as notion, methodology, futuristic returns, and building controls and policies.

The extension on rooftops has primarily been in the form of additional rooms based on the occupants fluctuating spatial and financial needs. Often constrained by such ideas, we have become oblivious to the potential of rooftop spaces in contributing to the wellness of occupants and environment.

There are several sustainability-oriented ideas that prove beneficial to the spatial incrementation of rooftops–be it of standalone residences or housing structures. Some of these are:

Creation of O2 zone:

The purest form of water can be produced from the air on a residential scale incorporating the concept of condensation during winters. The process involves the use of acrylic sheet in accordance with the size of the terrace spread out on early mornings to absorb the available mist. Acrylic sheet has the capability of absorbing and retaining the mist from the air. This, in turn, condenses the mist and converts it into water. The method is applicable during seasons of mist in open terraces away from the daily air pollution. The amount of water collected by creating an O2 zone is subject to change every session. The collected freshwater can be used for multiple purposes based on the needs on a residential scale.

While we depend on water from taps and bore wells for basic domestic needs, creating your O2 zone is cost-effective and worth experimenting, thereby moving a step ahead in the ladder of sustainable practices.

Terrace farming:

Owning your vegetable produce in addition to enabling cooler indoor temperatures is what makes terrace farming the trending practice in sustainability. Terrace farming is an example of the perfect balance between occupant-wellness and environmental-wellness. It is important to consider factors of maintenance, weather conditions and social acceptance. While there are various ways of terrace farming, cultivation of vegetables and fruits on available terrace spaces can be acknowledged sustainable only if accompanying techniques such as drip irrigation, and temperature-controlling sensors are used. This results in achieving a holistic, sustainable terrace farming system.

Terrace garden:

In populated and polluted urban areas of Bangalore - be it a small rooftop or a patio, terrace gardens work best. LVL AWSM is a larger design concept which aims to reclaim the green cover loss while construction. Some of the important factors that are considered in the designing of residential terrace design are:

  • Sustainability – It is ensured by retaining the site (terrace) features to minimise site damage and negative environmental impact. Climate-responsive design features ensure that there is connectivity between the interior and exterior environment.
  • Building materials – Rapidly-renewable materials and recycled materials are used majorly. Salvaged materials are also reused wherever possible. Post-consumer and post-industrial waste and local materials could be used for decorating and also put to functional use. This, in turn, addresses the environmental impacts associated with the extraction and processing of scarce natural resources.
  • Safety – Structural safety relates to the height of parapet walls, garden elements and plants are most importantly kept in mind while designing such gardens. Tall plants create a natural hedge around the terrace, also allowing inflow and outflow of air vertically and sideways. Also, nature-friendly ambience is prone to natural disturbances. Plants that keep reptiles away could be chosen. Moreover, water bodies with fishes could be used to keep mosquitoes away.
  • Weather conditions and thermal insulation – In tropical climatic conditions, it is important to retain the air quality for an ideal ambience. Usage of tall plants on the terrace ensures the maintenance of suitable micro-climate.
  • Building rules – Adherence to the established building rules in relation to terrace design should be followed.