Rooftop Garden – Have you ever imagined having a cool garden above your house that not only creates a cool atmosphere, but also becomes the most comfortable place to relax? Well, rooftop gardens are really trending, especially for those of you who live in big cities with limited land. Apart from making your house more aesthetic, it turns out there are lots of benefits for health and the environment, you know!
In this article, we will have an exciting chat about Rooftop Garden: Definition, Design and 10 Benefits!. Starting from the basic understanding of a rooftop garden, design tips that are really easy to implement, to benefits that you may have never thought of. Come on, keep reading so you know more about how a rooftop garden can make your home cooler and more environmentally friendly!
So, if you are looking for ideas to make your home greener or want to know why rooftop gardens are a favorite choice for many people now, this article is really for you. Just watch it until the end, who knows, it might become an inspiration to create your dream garden, right?
List of contents
What is a Rooftop Garden?
Rooftop gardens or roof gardens, you could say that the concept is really popular among urban circles now. In simple terms, this is a garden built on the roof of a building. How about it, cool or not? Just imagine, you can have a private garden with a really cool view of the city. Not only for aesthetics, rooftop gardens can also be a solution to various problems that arise in urban environments, especially in big cities with limited land.
Apart from making buildings look greener and livelier, rooftop gardens have many benefits. Starting from ecological benefits such as reducing air pollution and heat, to health benefits, such as providing a pleasant place for relaxation. Well, the design can be really flexible, guys. You can adjust it according to your needs and tastes, from simple to complex. You can really make a simple rooftop garden with potted plants, or if you prefer a challenge, try a hydroponic or aquaponic system.
Rooftop Garden Design Steps
Do you want to have a cool rooftop garden that functions optimally? Come on, check out the steps!
Choose the Right Roof Structure
Before starting to build, make sure your roof is strong enough to withstand the additional load. Don’t let it happen because you choose the wrong structure, it ends up being a problem in the future. It’s better to consult with an architect or structural engineer first to make sure everything is safe.
Add a Protective Layer
A protective layer on the roof is absolutely mandatory. Its function is to prevent leaks that can damage the building structure. Typically, this layer takes the form of waterproofing, which can be a plastic or rubber membrane. If so, a drainage layer also needs to be installed to help rainwater or water watered by plants flow smoothly and not stagnate.
Choose a Light Planting Media
Because the roof has a limited load, the planting medium used must also be light. So, don’t use soil that is too heavy, okay? As an alternative, you can use a light soil mixture, compost, or cocopeat which is friendlier to the roof structure.
Suitable Plants
When choosing plants, it is very important to adapt them to the climate where you live. If you live in a hot area, succulent plants or cacti could be the right choice because they are heat resistant. If you prefer herbal plants, you can try planting mint, basil, or rosemary which are not only attractive, but can also be used for cooking.
Set Up a Watering System
The watering system is very important, especially for a rooftop garden which can be said to be a bit complicated if done manually. An automatic system could be a solution, so you don’t have to bother watering it every day. To be more economical and environmentally friendly, you can use collected rainwater and use it to water plants.
10 Benefits of Rooftop Gardens that You Must Know
Not just a place to relax, rooftop gardens also have many benefits that can improve your quality of life. Come on, check it out!
1. Reduces heat around the building
Rooftop gardens can make the temperature around the building cooler, you know. Plants on the roof absorb the sun’s heat, so your house or office doesn’t produce excess heat. This also plays a role in reducing the urban heat island phenomenon which usually occurs in big cities.
2. Improve air quality
Have you ever felt that the air in the city often feels dirty and stuffy? Well, a rooftop garden can really help! Plants on the roof can absorb air pollution and produce oxygen, which makes the air fresher and cleaner.
3. Energy Saving
Rooftop gardens can be an effective way to save energy. With a roof full of plants, the temperature inside the house is more maintained. If it’s not hot, you don’t need to turn on the AC often. So, you can save more electricity!
4. Reduce the risk of flooding
With plants on the roof, rainwater that falls can be absorbed by the plants and the planting medium. This means that the amount of water flowing into the sewer is less. As a result, the risk of flooding can be minimized, especially in cities that frequently experience waterlogging.
5. Increase property value
One of the most interesting benefits, a rooftop garden can increase the value of your property. How come? Who doesn’t like a house with an aesthetic green space on the roof? In fact, many people are looking for a house or apartment with a rooftop garden because it is not only beautiful, but also has other very useful functions.
6. Becomes a relaxation space
A rooftop garden can be the perfect place to relax and unwind. You can create a relaxation zone by adding lounge chairs, a hammock, or even a small gazebo. The beautiful city view can be a complement, making you feel at home there for a long time.
7. Independent Food Source
It’s true, a rooftop garden can also be your own mini garden. By growing vegetables or fruit on the roof, you not only get fresh and healthy food, but you also save money because you don’t have to buy vegetables at the market.
8. Supports Biodiversity
Plants in a rooftop garden are not only good for you, but also support biodiversity. The plants you plant can provide shelter for insects such as bees and butterflies which have an important role in the ecosystem.
9. Reduce Noise Pollution
If your house is near a highway or a noisy area, a rooftop garden can help reduce noise pollution. Plants have the ability to absorb sound, so they can help create a calmer environment.
10. Makes life healthier and happier
Gardening itself is an activity that has been proven to make the heart calmer and more relaxed. So, by having a rooftop garden, you can be closer to nature, even though you live in the middle of a super busy city.
Cover
Well, guys, how about it? It turns out that a rooftop garden not only makes your house look cooler, but also has a multitude of benefits, from making the air cooler to helping you save energy. So, if you’ve only been thinking about decorating your front garden, try looking at the roof of your house—who knows, it could be transformed into a cool rooftop garden!
If you are still confused about where to start, don’t hesitate to find out more about designs and tips for designing a rooftop garden that is right for your home. Come on, start making your dream rooftop garden a reality now, and don’t forget to share your experiences or ideas in the comments column. Who knows, your inspiration could be an encouragement to other people!
