Maximising views: How roof terrace systems can transform cityscapes

The urban rooftop revolution

As cities grow and ground-level space becomes more limited, rooftops are emerging as the next frontier in architectural design and urban living. No longer just housing plant equipment or lying vacant, these elevated spaces are being reimagined as purposeful, high-value areas that respond to evolving demands.

One of the biggest drivers behind this shift is the rising demand for accessible outdoor areas, a trend accelerated by changing lifestyles and a focus on well-being. In urban environments where green space is scarce, rooftop terraces offer a rare opportunity to connect with the outdoors without leaving the building.

At the same time, developers and property owners are recognising the untapped commercial value of rooftop space. A well-designed terrace can significantly increase a building’s marketability, raise rental premiums, and appeal to tenants who now expect more from their workspaces and homes.

As a result, rooftop terraces are becoming more than just amenities, they become visual and functional extensions of the built environment. Whether designed for social gatherings, relaxation, or work, these elevated spaces contribute to the architectural identity of a building while enriching the experience of those who use it.

Why maximising views matters

Designing rooftop spaces with views in mind isn’t just about aesthetics, it delivers measurable benefits across well-being, commercial performance and brand perception.

• Psychological impact: Access to natural light, fresh air, and expansive views has a proven positive effect on mental health. Rooftop spaces give occupants a much-needed connection to the outdoors, helping to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost overall productivity, whether in residential, commercial, or mixed-use settings.
• Commercial appeal: Properties with well-designed rooftop terraces consistently command higher rental rates and buyer interest. A terrace with impressive views transforms a standard building into a premium destination, offering a clear competitive advantage in crowded markets.
• Brand identity: A striking rooftop space can become a defining feature of a building, a statement of design, innovation, and lifestyle. For businesses, it’s an opportunity to reinforce brand values and attract talent. For developers and landlords, it’s a marketable asset that elevates the overall appeal of the property.

How roof terrace systems enable transformation

Turning a rooftop into a functional, visually appealing terrace requires more than just good design, it demands a system that’s adaptable, durable and built for performance. That’s where Raaft comes in.

Raaft’s modular roof terrace systems are engineered to make rooftop transformation seamless. Designed with flexibility and precision in mind, our solutions help architects and developers overcome structural challenges while delivering standout spaces that are safe, stylish, and built to last.

Key features of the Raaft system include:

• Adjustable pedestal systems: These provide level surfaces on sloped roofs and accommodate varying build-up heights with ease, ensuring stability and drainage.
• Choice of surfaces: A wide range of surface finishes allows for complete design flexibility to match the building’s aesthetic and purpose.
• Integrated planters: Customisable planter systems bring greenery to rooftop spaces, helping to soften hardscapes, support biodiversity, and enhance the user experience.

From concept to completion, Raaft systems empower designers to create rooftop environments that are not only functional but transformative, elevating buildings and cityscapes.

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How terraces shape the cityscape

Real-world projects across London are proving that rooftop terraces are more than just outdoor spaces, they are reshaping skylines, enhancing user experience, and redefining how buildings engage with the city around them.

Tower Bridge Court

At Tower Bridge Court, a landmark riverside refurbishment in London’s South Bank, rooftop terraces spanning approximately 4,918 sq ft across two floors have been designed with a strong focus on occupant experience and connection to the cityscape.

• The 7th-floor terrace opens directly from a club lounge onto sweeping views of the Thames, the City and Tower Bridge itself.
• The 8th-floor terrace offers views across South London, and the design makes use of soft landscaping and durable porcelain finishes to create a refined, functional outdoor space.
• By deploying the roof terrace system from Raaft, the project achieved both visual elegance and structural performance.

This project shows how a well-executed roof terrace system becomes a visible, functional extension of the building, enhancing its identity and urban contribution.

OSMO Nine Elms

At OSMO Nine Elms, located between Vauxhall and Battersea Power Station in London, the roof terrace systems form part of the building’s ambition for zero CO₂ operation and an immersive ‘back to nature’ environment for occupants.

• The terrace uses steel planters with integral benches and lighting, durable porcelain tiles and carefully chosen furnishings to deliver a high-quality external working and social space.
• The 360-degree views from the terrace, combined with the design materials, create a visible landmark that ties the building into the broader Nine Elms regeneration zone.
• The use of Raaft’s roof terrace system enabled it to seamlessly align with the building’s architecture and environmental ambitions.

This example reinforces how rooftop terraces can shape the building’s presence in the city and contribute to the formation of a new skyline identity.