This summer, outdoor living is reaching new heights, quite literally. As more homeowners and developers look upwards for green space solutions, rooftop gardens are becoming both a lifestyle statement and a clever property upgrade. From lush, pollinator-friendly planting systems to high-performance compliant decking, rooftop projects are developing into design-forward sanctuaries that deliver on both sustainability and style.
How Do Green Roof Systems Work?
Why M-Tray is the Go-To for Green Roofs
If you’re looking for a system that’s quick to install and offers numerous ecological benefits, M-Tray is an obvious choice. These pre-grown modular sedum trays click together easily and can be placed directly onto flat roofs, balconies, and even garden buildings with minimal preparation. No need to wait months for plants to grow, you can enjoy instant greenery with all the advantages included.
- Quick Installation: Delivered with mature sedum, ready to lay
- Supports Pollinators: Sedums attract bees and butterflies throughout the blooming season.
- Fire Performance: Tested for fire safety, ensuring compliance with UK building regulations.
- Modular Maintenance: Easy to lift individual trays for inspections or replacements
Studies show that sedum-based green roofs provide vital foraging habitat for over 50 species of wild bees in the UK, especially when combined with wildflowers. By choosing a diverse green roof mix, you’re contributing to biodiversity while creating a peaceful rooftop retreat.
Premium Ceramic Decking for Performance and Style
EXADECK Ceramic Decking: Built for the Urban Outdoors
Green space is only part of the equation. To make your rooftop project functional, beautiful, and compliant, you’ll need the right hardscaping. EXADECK is vitrified porcelain decking, with Class A1 fire-rated ceramic boards that are a top choice for developers and designers seeking long-term performance and sleek aesthetics. EXADECK is 100% recyclable and contains up to 41% recycled material, winning the Archiproducts Design Sustainability Award in 2022.
CDECK Fibre Cement Decking: The look and feel of Timber
CDeck features an authentic 3D woodgrain finish, providing a rugged and attractive appearance. For the most natural look, our boards exhibit colour variations along with a beautiful cedar texture. The boards are not painted; the colour is throughout the material, allowing you to cut through the board for seamless joins. A1 fire-rated, CDeck is an ideal option for high-rise terraces and balconies. Made of top-quality cement fibre, which keeps it cool underfoot and guarantees high breaking strength, as well as resistance to ultraviolet rays. You can tend to your bio-diverse oasis with peace of mind.
With fade-resistance, anti-slip textures, and no maintenance sealing required, both EXADECK and CDeck are ideal choices for green roof installations. Their refined appearance complements the natural, rugged texture of sedum planting, creating a balanced harmony of structure and softness. Whether you're designing a peaceful retreat or a lively entertainment space, these decks deliver excellent performance.
Design Inspiration: Balance Function with Flourish
How to build a green roof on a garage or shed?
Even the smallest spaces can be transformed into beautiful gardens. Take the flat roof of a garage extension, often overlooked, which offers the perfect opportunity to create a landscaped outdoor area. If your property has limited garden space and the garage is next to your home, you can easily turn its roof into a green retreat, accessible via a first-floor doorway or an external ladder.
With smart planning, this compact garden can become a usable space year-round, regardless of the weather. A well-thought-out design allows you to make the most of every square metre, bringing both functionality and flair to your rooftop.
To create a sense of visual harmony, focus on blending textures and zones. Use soft, naturalistic sedum and wildflower mats for a lush, organic base, then frame these with clean, structured ceramic decking. This balance of contrast and cohesion helps define areas for relaxing, entertaining, or working, all while keeping the space inviting and grounded in nature.
- Here are some ideas to inspire your rooftop planning:
- Meadow Corners: Use raised borders or planters to separate wild growth from pathways.
- Seating Platforms: Install composite or ceramic platforms surrounded by greenery for seating nooks.
- Pollinator Pathways: Incorporate planter breaks filled with pollinator-friendly sedum varieties to attract bees and butterflies.
Incorporate lightweight containers, slatted screens for wind control, and irrigation setups for effortless maintenance. Remember, form follows function, so every design decision should enhance usability as much as it boosts beauty.
Shop Landscaping and Fire Rated Products now