The office is no longer just a place to work, it is a space to connect, recharge and inspire. As businesses, landlords and developers look to elevate the modern office experience, roof terraces have emerged as one of the most sought-after design features.
These elevated outdoor areas offer more than just impressive views, they provide valuable space for informal meetings, socialising, quiet focus and much-needed breaks in the fresh air.
In this blog, we will explore why office roof terrace design is rising in popularity, the benefits it brings to both people and the property and how thoughtful planning can turn any rooftop into a dynamic and functional space.
As expectations around workplace design continue to evolve, businesses and developers are rethinking how to make the most of every square metre, and rooftops are now prime real estate.
An office roof terrace is no longer considered a luxury, it is quickly becoming a strategic asset that supports employee wellbeing, fosters collaboration and enhances the overall appeal of a building.
In a competitive market, companies are using outdoor spaces to:
While landlords and developers are leveraging roof terraces to:
With hybrid working, wellness initiatives and flexible office design shaping the future of work, roof terraces offer a smart, sustainable way to add usable, inspiring space, without expanding the building footprint.
Several key trends are fuelling the rise of roof terraces as a desirable feature in modern office design. As workplaces adapt to new ways of working, outdoor spaces are becoming essential for both function and wellbeing. Here’s why demand is growing:
1. Employee wellbeing and mental health
Access to outdoor space has proven to reduce stress, improve mood and support overall wellbeing. As companies place greater emphasis on mental health, roof terraces offer a practical, nature-connected solution.
2. Hybrid and flexible work models
With the shift toward hybrid working, office spaces are being reimagined to be more than just desks. Roof terraces create flexible zones for informal meetings, solo work or recharging between tasks.
3. Talent attraction and retention
A well-designed roof terrace can be a standout feature that sets a company apart. It reflects a commitment to workplace experience and helps create an environment people genuinely want to spend time in.
4. Maximising underused space
In dense urban areas, space is limited, and rooftops are often underutilised. Converting them into usable outdoor areas increases a building’s functionality and overall value.
5. Sustainability and biophilic design
Planted terraces support biodiversity, reduce heat gain and align with ESG goals. They also reflect growing interest in biophilic design, connecting people with nature in the built environment.
Material selection is a critical part of any successful roof terrace design, especially in high-traffic, exposed environments like commercial rooftops.
At Raaft, our systems are engineered specifically for rooftop use, combining technical performance with architectural elegance.
Our product range includes:
All Raaft roof terrace systems are:
Whether you are building an informal meeting area or a high-traffic breakout zone, Raaft’s precision-built systems provide the foundation for roof terraces that last.
A thoughtfully designed office roof terrace offers more than just outdoor seating. It can transform the way a workplace functions and feels. It can serve as a quiet spot for focused work or as a vibrant space for team lunches. The right design delivers lasting value across multiple levels:
In dense city environments, like London, where ground-level space is scarce, rooftops offer untapped potential. A smart roof terrace design allows developers and employers to transform unused space into valuable, multi-functional environments.
Whether it is a quiet retreat or a dynamic event area, rooftop spaces help maximise usability and flexibility in ways that benefit both the building and its occupants.
Creating a safe, functional and lasting terrace means going beyond just aesthetics. Successful roof terrace design begins with practical planning.
Key considerations include:
These details ensure your terrace is usable all year round and compliant with building regulations.
Integrating greenery into your roof terrace design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also supports sustainability, biodiversity and wellbeing. Raaft’s Planterline planter systems make it easy to introduce greenery with style, precision and structural performance.
Including features like integrated planters helps soften hard landscaping and adds structure, privacy and seasonal interest to your roof terrace. You can create natural zoning, define seating areas and even introduce pollinator-friendly species to support local ecosystems.
Contact us to learn about our high-quality screwless system and reduce installation time by up to 25%.
Review technical documents to gather additional product information.
See the endless possibilities available to you with the Raaft® terrace system.
