This rooftop by Secret Gardens proves you can enjoy a spacious outdoor area and greenery with incredible views by capitalizing on the space above.

“Roofs are valuable spaces in cities which are getting tighter for room”, explains Robert Finne, landscape designer of Secret Gardens in an interview with The Sun-Herald. Whilst we may be adjusting to smaller living spaces in condensed cities our desire for outdoor connection hasn’t diminished, fueling the trend of making rooftops functional and aesthetically pleasing areas of buildings.

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Robert says: “With the right balance of planting over hard structures, they [rooftops] can make great backyards, with nice seating areas and barbecues and features.”

This sky-high garden designed by Secret Gardens is just an example of how you can transform an empty rooftop into the ultimate escape for apartment dwellers.

Located on Level 25, this outdoor space boasts incredible views over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. In order to compliment the architecture and interiors of the apartment building, Secret Gardens wanted to create a classic, formal outdoor space that allowed for the residents to relax and entertain whilst taking in the unrivalled aspect.

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Buxus hedging and topiary cones were planted to achieve a formal feel, whilst iris and lavender created a whimsical effect and added softness. Built-in custom timber seating helped framed the garden and the astroturf was an affordable and low-maintenance solution – also perfect for sunbaking and lazing about on a warm day.

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The Eco Outdoor Barwon dining chairs and easy chairs, and the Waratah dining table were specified to complement the garden’s classic style. The furniture’s teak frame is durable, making it suitable for the harsh, exposed conditions and the Rehau wicker weave adds a sense of ease synonymous with an outdoor lifestyle.

This Secret Gardens rooftop isn’t substantial in size and may not be the best place to throw a football, but it is a way to incorporate landscape for communal outdoor living for apartment residents.

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See more and other projects by Secret Gardens here.