The age of the grey and boring office is gone. Today’s workers expect more from the workplace. They seek environments that are in line with their values and live in spaces that allow them to work, play, and relax. You might consider a rooftop that you can use to help you stand out in the crowd.
It can seem difficult to retrofit an old roof into a space, such as a park, garden, or event area. But roofers and architects agree that a functional rooftop platform is worth the investment.
Useful Rooftop
Rooftops with usability can draw potential employees to your buildings, as well as occupants. This is an advantage for tenants looking to attract the best talent. The amenities that enhance wellbeing are also important to tenants.
As cities become denser, creating a roof-able space is an opportunity for people to think outside of the box. While it may be an additional expense, humans need to be connected outdoors and to nature. This is not possible with paving and sidewalks everywhere.
Rooftops can help improve your building’s sustainability. If retrofitting your roof to solar panels is the right decision, it’s worth looking into. Green roofs are great for water management, and they can reduce heat exposure.
These roofs have overburden or pavers so they are not exposed to heat. These systems are resistant to harsh elements and can last a long while because they’re protected.
The best example of creating a green space to reduce heat gain is parking garage roofs. Paine, says that concrete absorbs the solar heat. Therefore, if you put something up there that isn’t concrete, it will improve the environment.
What To Consider
Before you begin retrofitting your rooftop to make it usable, check that it’s the right size for your building. Lambert recommends asking these questions before starting the process.
- What rooftop system would you prefer to have?
- Is it built to last?
- Will it be correctly designed and detailed?
1. Quality Of Views
What are the views? Are they worth it? While it may sound obvious to ask, it’s crucial for any rooftop investment.
You spend all the money and then you go up on a roof – that’s awesome. What are you looking at?
Not all roofs look the same. You might be in a different location where four taller buildings surround you. It’s not possible to see the city from this point. You must sit down and evaluate if this is the best possible use. He adds that you must be realistic.
2. Structural Load Capability
It is important that your roof function as you expect it to. Retrofitting an accessible rooftop area can add weight. Please be aware of your building code and structural load.
3. Accessible Mechanical Equipment
Make sure you can accommodate any HVAC or mechanical equipment located on your rooftop. Tierney says that rooftop ductwork, equipment, and pipes must be stopped.
If it is possible to work around the equipment, ensure that it does not affect the desired atmosphere of the new space.
And even when you’re not looking at it that much, how are you going to not listen?”
4. Accessibility
Your new rooftop space needs to be accessible and ADA compatible. Retrofitting can be a challenge. The terrace is on the top floor as the building’s elevator could not reach the rooftop. To provide greater accessibility, the architects designed a short ramp that leads up to the landing.