Rooftop Terrace Design · New York
From Manhattan to the Hamptons
Berlin-based manufactory delivering rooftop terrace concepts to New York's most discerning penthouses, lofts and summer estates, with plant design, outdoor kitchens and wellness architecture under one curatorial hand.
Why New York is different
High-rise wind, four seasons, and uncompromising standards
New York rooftops face conditions that no European city imposes at the same intensity. Wind loads on Midtown and Tribeca high-rises, freeze-thaw cycles in January and February, humid 35°C heat in July, NYC DOB filings, landmark constraints in historic districts, and the logistical reality of every installation passing through an elevator or being craned in.
We work in this tension daily: with NY-licensed structural engineers, with expediters who handle DOB and landmarks filings, and with the architects and interior designers shaping the broader scheme. Our role is the plant and outdoor lifestyle layer – ecological substrate, curated composition, and the wellness elements (spa, outdoor kitchen, sauna) that turn a New York roof into a sanctuary above the city.
Our New York approach
Curated plants, ecological substrate, lifestyle integration
- Symbiosis methodology – mycorrhizal partnerships, effective microorganisms and humus building replace chemical fertilisation. Plants stay healthy for decades.
- Curated plant palette – evergreen structure (yew, juniper, dwarf pine), four-season layers (Japanese maple, oakleaf hydrangea, witch hazel), resilient climbers (Boston ivy, climbing hydrangea).
- Wellness architecture – spa, sauna and outdoor kitchen integration on Manhattan penthouse geometries. Acoustic privacy through living screens.
- Regulation-aware execution – load calculations with NY-licensed structural engineers, DOB filings via expediters, landmark consultation where required.
Areas we serve
Across Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Hamptons
Most of our New York work is concentrated in Manhattan penthouses, Brooklyn townhouse gardens and Hamptons summer estates. We also handle hospitality projects in central locations.
How a New York 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 (DOB, landmark, structural, wind exposure).
- 02
Concept and curation
A small set of plant compositions, material moodboards, wellness element placement. Always optionality – never a single take-it-or-leave-it.
- 03
Engineering and filings
Load calculations with NY-licensed structural engineer, DOB filings via expediter, landmark consultation where required, coordination with the building's architect and interior designer.
- 04
Installation and handover
Our team installs on site over one to several weeks, depending on complexity. Plants are pre-conditioned for the New York climate before shipping. 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 New York?
- Yes. Most of our New York work is Manhattan penthouses, Tribeca and SoHo loft rooftops, Brooklyn Heights townhouse gardens and Hamptons summer estates. Hospitality projects are handled separately.
- How do you handle New York-specific challenges?
- We collaborate with NY-licensed structural engineers, expediters and landmark consultants, select climate-resilient plant material, and tailor wellness elements to each site – including DOB and landmark requirements.
- How long does a typical New York project take?
- Between four and twelve months from first conversation to handover. Larger penthouse projects and Hamptons estates with wellness architecture often need eight to fourteen months of planning.
Start a New York 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