Necessity is the mother of invention — and invigoration in this case. A mindfully designed rooftop garden space was needed to provide a soothing break from being “digitally plugged in” and the busy city streets below. Staff and visitors can now enjoy the countless benefits provided by nature in a space graced with biophilic design. The property owners are in the marketing industry so they had a deep desire to create an atmosphere that grabs attention, wins over their audience, and creates remarkable word-of-mouth.
Challenges
This Manhattan rooftop garden project presented unique challenges, including one obstacle that had the potential to derail success. Of course, getting plant materials to a high-rise building’s rooftop is no simple task either.
Then there were New York City’s complex regulations to navigate, including fire codes and railing requirements. Stormwater regulations, even with small-scale interiorscape irrigation needs, would require a closer look as well. These concerns heightened the need for daily communication with our on-site contact who was highly involved in the process.
Finally, there were challenges where functionality would butt heads with aesthetics and biophilic design principles. Shade, windbreaks, and thermal comfort were unique considerations due to New York’s often abrupt seasonal weather changes.
Results
While interior landscape challenges often resemble outdoor hurdles, there are nuances. Thankfully, Yellowstone Landscape’s partners at Greenery NYC are among the most experienced interiorscape experts in the world. And their local experience in the heart of New York City is unparalleled, leading to the following results for this project.
- Plant selections were made with wind tolerance in mind.
- Greenery placement also considered potential wind damage to plants and blooms.
- Right plant, right place philosophy went to a higher level to ensure proper use of the client’s specific color palette.
- Environmental goals, low-maintenance traits, and any human allergy issues also guide the plant options.
- Our company’s experience with every type of commercial property helped overcome issues with getting landscape elements to the building’s roof.
- Greenery NYC’s high-rise interiorscaping experience also made supply logistics efficient while clearing regulation hurdles and complexities.
- Clients who require daily updates on progress are ideal for our company since we believe communication is a cornerstone of a successful business relationship.
- Functionality has blended with beauty in this rooftop garden through Greenery NYC’s years of designing green spaces indoors, outdoors, and in hybrid spaces.
- Watering practices are micromanaged to avoid chances of fungal disease popping up.
- Proper plant groupings help protect plants from sometimes harsh elements.
- Careful choices for tree installation adds sun and wind protection for people enjoying the space.
Project Highlights
Ideal recharging station for company employees.
International Plantscape Awards Silver Winner.
Cozy, sustainable design.
From Underwhelming to Overjoyed
This award-winning rooftop garden will be a huge selling point for years to come as the client hosts events in a phenomenal environment. The positive reviews are spreading already by employees who get to relax in the natural environment week after week, as the biophilic design makes them more comfortable and excited to return to the office.
As for the challenge we noted earlier that can sometimes sidetrack success? This project began with a difficult situation as the client felt let down by the previous company’s rooftop design outcome. So, our team was coming into a situation where the client was somewhat skeptical about the possibilities. And who could blame them, with very few commercial landscaping companies having the expertise to design ideal landscapes in special nooks like this one atop a high-rise?
That fact made the successful outcome of this project even sweeter, with the client absolutely delighted by the results. They were so pleased, in fact, that they requested to extend the project to the inside of their office with upgraded interiorscaping. The success came down to a couple of things—our partners at Greenery NYC asked the client the right questions about their intentions for the space and details about their operations. After that, the stage was set for a stunningly peaceful and attractive environment to come to life.
If you want to increase staff attendance and enjoyment of their workspace through enhanced interiorscapes and biophilic design, please contact Yellowstone Landscape for a consultation.
