Living Roofs

Living Roofs Statement and Next Steps

Sustainable growth within the capital implies far-reaching changes in the way we live and plan our cities.

One of the central aims of the London Plan is to make London more liveable for its residents as its population grows over the next decades. There is an overwhelming need to create a higher quality environment, both inside and outside our homes. To create sustainable communities, inner-city living must be attractive to a range of different people – families with children, young couples, older residents as well as single person households. This is why we must make more of our existing and future assets with imaginative solutions that respond to everyday needs of space, sunlight and access to open space. As the city becomes denser, with more people living closer together in well connected urban neighbourhoods, access to the outdoors is increasingly at a premium.

Having direct access to open space makes a substantial difference to the quality of everyday life. It provides a sense of visual and physical relief, allowing people to expand their living experience and enjoy the benefits of city living. Well designed, attractive roofs, balconies and terraces provide ‘gardens’ for homes and add to the social, environmental and economic value of the typical residential unit by providing a space where people can carry out some of their favourite activities – gardening, growing vegetables, outdoor eating, or simply relaxing and playing in the fresh air – and a place where wildlife can flourish.

Well cared for, attractive and lively external ‘private’ spaces add to the beauty of the street and the sense of community and local civic pride in an area, promoting social cohesion through visual contact and communication. Many of London’s typical urban neighbourhoods – including Georgian and Victorian terraced housing – have the potential for roof gardens and terraces that would make them more attractive to a wider range of potential residents. Similarly, modern, well designed buildings need to include the sort of high quality outdoor spaces that compensate for the lack of a private garden, adding substantially to the quality of life of their residents.

Living Roof Statement and Next Steps PDF
Living Roof Statement and Next Steps RTF

Living Roof Case Studies

This accompanying selection of case studies provides inspiration to make our city better for everyone, and evidence that it is possible.

Living Roof Case Studies PDF
Living Roof Case Studies RTF

If you would like to submit a case study, please send a jpeg and information on the following to jamie.dean@designforlondon.gov.uk

• Type of development
• Living Roof type
• Living Roof area
• Date
• Function
• Planning Authority
• Developer
• Architect
• Awards

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