Rooftop Terrace Design · Chicago
From the Gold Coast to the North Shore
Berlin-based manufactory delivering rooftop terrace concepts to Chicago's most discerning lake-view penthouses and North Shore estates, with plant design, outdoor kitchens and wellness architecture under one curatorial hand.
Why Chicago is different
Lake Michigan wind, severe winters, and Prairie School heritage
Chicago rooftops face one of the most demanding wind and winter envelopes in North America. Below -15°C nights, lake-effect snow events, intense lakefront wind from Lake Michigan, hot humid summers and freeze-thaw cycles that test every detail. The city's architectural heritage – from Prairie School to Art Deco towers – sets a high baseline for design intent.
We work in this tension daily: with Illinois-licensed structural engineers and landscape architects, with permitting expediters and landmark consultants, and with the lifestyle expectations of clients between Gold Coast penthouses, Lincoln Park brownstones and North Shore estates. Our role is the plant and outdoor lifestyle layer – ecological substrate, ultra-hardy curation, and the wellness elements (spa, sauna, outdoor kitchen) that turn a Chicago roof into a year-round sanctuary above the lake.
Our Chicago approach
Curated plants, ecological substrate, lifestyle integration
- Symbiosis methodology – mycorrhizal partnerships, effective microorganisms and humus building replace chemical fertilisation.
- Ultra-hardy Midwest palette – evergreen structure (yew, dwarf pine, juniper, holly), four-season layers (Japanese maple, oakleaf hydrangea, witch hazel, grasses), Midwest natives (sumac, ninebark, serviceberry).
- Wellness architecture – spa, sauna and outdoor kitchen integration with lake or city framing. Wind-shelter through living screens.
- Regulation-aware execution – Illinois-licensed structural engineers, Department of Buildings permitting via expediters, landmark consultation.
Areas we serve
Across the city and the North Shore
Most of our Chicago work is concentrated in Gold Coast and Streeterville penthouses, Lincoln Park brownstones and North Shore estates. We also handle select hospitality projects.
How a Chicago project unfolds
From first conversation to handover
- 01
Understanding before drawing
Site visit (or detailed remote survey for first conversations from Berlin), discussion of the people and rhythm using the terrace, early constraint mapping (winter exposure, lakefront wind, structure, landmarks).
- 02
Concept and curation
A small set of plant compositions, material moodboards, wellness element placement. Always optionality.
- 03
Engineering and permitting
Load calculations with Illinois-licensed structural engineer, Department of Buildings permitting via expediter, landmark consultation where required.
- 04
Installation and handover
Our team installs on site over one to several weeks. Plants are sourced from Midwest nurseries and pre-conditioned for the climate. After handover we offer ongoing care subscriptions following the same symbiosis methodology.
Frequently asked
What clients usually want to know first
- Do you work on rooftop terrace projects in Chicago?
- Yes. Most of our Chicago work is Gold Coast and Streeterville penthouses, Lincoln Park brownstones, Lake View residences and North Shore estates in Winnetka and Lake Forest.
- How do you handle Chicago winters?
- With ultra-hardy plant material, frost-proof substrate composition, snow-load engineering and materials specified for freeze-thaw cycles and lakefront wind loads.
- How long does a typical Chicago project take?
- Between four and twelve months from first conversation to handover. Larger estates with wellness architecture often need eight to fourteen months of planning.
Start a Chicago rooftop conversation
The first call is unhurried – understanding before any concept. We travel from Berlin for site visits when the project warrants it.
Get in touch