Rooftop Terrace Design · Tokyo
From Roppongi to Daikanyama
Berlin-based manufactory delivering rooftop terrace concepts to Tokyo's most discerning residences, with plant design, outdoor kitchens and wellness architecture under one curatorial hand.
Why Tokyo is different
Seismic ground, four seasons, and the discipline of Japanese restraint
Tokyo rooftops sit on seismic ground, under a regulatory regime – the Kenchiku Kijun-hō – that is among the most rigorous in the world. Humid subtropical summers test drainage, cold dry winters test plant hardiness, typhoon season tests every fixing. Above all, Japanese aesthetic culture sets a different baseline: restraint, seasonality, the deliberate framing of a single tree against a wall of stone.
We work in this tension daily: with kenchikushi who navigate Japanese consent, with structural engineers who design for seismic events, and with the lifestyle expectations of clients who respect both the Japanese garden tradition and contemporary international design. Our role is the plant and outdoor lifestyle layer – ecological substrate, restrained curation, and the wellness elements (onsen-inspired spa, outdoor kitchen, sauna) that turn a Tokyo roof into a year-round sanctuary.
Our Tokyo approach
Curated plants, ecological substrate, lifestyle integration
- Symbiosis methodology – mycorrhizal partnerships, effective microorganisms and humus building replace chemical fertilisation.
- Japanese-anchored palette – evergreen structure (Japanese black pine, sasanqua camellia, podocarpus, holly), seasonal layers (Japanese maple, cherry, dogwood) and shade-tolerant understorey (hostas, ferns, hellebore).
- Wellness architecture – onsen-inspired spa, sauna and outdoor kitchen integration with Tokyo skyline framing.
- Seismic and typhoon-aware execution – Japan-licensed kenchikushi, seismic structural review, typhoon-rated planters and fixings.
Areas we serve
Across central Tokyo
Most of our Tokyo work is concentrated in Minato, Shibuya, Hiroo and Setagaya residences. We also handle select hospitality projects.
How a Tokyo 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 (seismic, typhoon, sun path, structure).
- 02
Concept and curation
A small set of plant compositions, material moodboards, wellness element placement. Always optionality.
- 03
Engineering and consent
Load calculations with structural engineer, kenchikushi sign-off, seismic and typhoon review, coordination with the building's architect and interior designer.
- 04
Installation and handover
Our team installs on site over one to several weeks. Plants are sourced from Japanese nurseries and pre-conditioned for the project's microclimate. 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 Tokyo?
- Yes. Most of our Tokyo work is penthouse residences and townhouse roof gardens across Minato, Shibuya, Hiroo and Setagaya.
- How do you handle seismic and typhoon design?
- With kenchikushi sign-off, structural engineering for seismic events, and typhoon-rated planters and fixings.
- How long does a typical Tokyo project take?
- Between four and ten months from first conversation to handover. Larger residences with wellness architecture often need six to twelve months of planning.
Start a Tokyo 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