To transform an unused, compact backyard into a functional outdoor living room that supports daily family life, large dogs, and year-round use. The design focused on creating clear circulation from the second-story level, layered zones for cooking, dining, and lounging, and a calm, modern material palette that connects the exterior space to the architecture and interior of the home.

Designed a U-shaped stair connection from the second floor with integrated under-stair storage

Planned a full outdoor kitchen with grill, refrigeration, sink, ice maker, and task lighting

Created a raised Accoya wood deck with built-in benches and perimeter planters

Integrated an existing mature tree into a continuous seating element

Developed furnishing layouts for dining, lounge seating, and a gas fire feature

Established a restrained material palette using bluestone, local stone, and Accoya to reflect the surrounding architecture

Limited footprint requiring multiple functions within a compact urban garden

Large dogs and high daily use, requiring durable, pet-friendly surfaces and clear circulation

Grade changes between interior, stair landing, and garden floor

Balancing modern design language with the surrounding historic urban fabric

The goal of this project was to refresh an existing West Village rooftop terrace into a four-season outdoor living space that feels expressive, durable, and refined—without rebuilding what already worked. By preserving the original built-in planters and bench seating, the design focused on elevating the space through curated planting, material refresh, and art-forward furniture selection.

Thirteen floors above the street, the terrace was envisioned as both a social landscape for a family with three teenage boysand a calm, garden-like retreat for everyday use. The planting palette was developed to deliver color, texture, and structure from early spring through winter, ensuring the terrace remains visually engaging throughout the year.

Refreshed the overall material language, including bluestone flooring and existing wood elements, to create a cohesive, modern foundation

Developed a four-season planting strategy using early bulbs, flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, evergreen structure, and vertical vines

Integrated existing boxwood into the new palette to maintain continuity while enhancing depth and seasonal interest

Designed distinct lounge and dining zones to support both casual teenage gatherings and family entertaining

Curated a mix of handcrafted terracotta vessels and lightweight composite planters to balance warmth, scale, and rooftop load considerations

Selected modern, colorful outdoor furniture that reflects the homeowners’ love of art and contemporary interiors

Introduced climbing and flowering vines along the back wall to soften architectural surfaces.

13th-floor exposure: High wind, intense sun, and seasonal stress on planting at elevation

Structural limits: Working within the load capacity and dimensions of existing built-in planters

Four-season visibility: Ensuring the garden remains visually engaging year-round in a highly visible rooftop setting

Multi-user design: Balancing durability and flexibility for teenagers, pets, and adult entertaining

Access and logistics: Coordinating material and planter delivery in a dense urban building

Material longevity: Selecting finishes and furnishings that perform well in rooftop conditions over time