What’s New in Residential Design
Other Deck Design Options
Green roofs are increasingly popular to expand usable roof space, add gardens, and control rooftop drainage. Designs that include green roofs typically demonstrate an imaginative use of materials that minimize maintenance and the environmental footprint of the building. By incorporating a pedestal system into a green roof, a pedestrian walkway can be provided, which keeps footsteps off the vegetation and allows it to grow properly. It also provides controlled access for maintenance of the green roof or other rooftop items.
The cavity space created by the pedestals between the deck and the roof can be used strategically to allow for electrical wiring, recessed lighting, ductwork, and even irrigation. This means the deck itself or spaces below it can be serviced based on the needs of a project. This can also enhance the ambiance of the outdoor space and improve visibility and safety during nighttime and other dark conditions.
Of course, the deck does not need to cover the entire roof in any of these scenarios. It can be sized to suit the needs of the project such that it avoids other rooftop equipment or features, provides a geometry that is visually interesting, or is just sized to accommodate the programmatic needs of the space.
Site Furnishings
Modular wood cubes are available with an array of design options to incorporate seating, storage, and planters. Such cubes are available with a polyurethane lining and drainage holes to host plant life. At other times of the year, the cubes can be repurposed for seating and storage of seasonal items (i.e., cushions and pillows) by placing a manufactured hardwood top on the cube.
If a different look is desired, aluminum cubes are also an option. Designed to withstand temperature extremes, these low-maintenance, durable planters are constructed of lightweight, partially recycled aluminum. Some use an industrial strength powder-coated finishing process that is applied electrostatically and cured under heat, creating a more resilient finish than conventional paint. There are a variety of size and color choices available.
Overall, from reclaiming unused space in the city to creating a relaxing retreat in the suburbs or a luxurious oasis near water, pedestal rooftop decks can be a solution for a variety of residential designs, allowing for great flexibility and creativity. Further, through use of modular design components, an abundance of different design visions can be created that allow for quick and easy installation without the need for custom or costly materials.
RENOVATION CASE STUDY
Photo: Anthony Carrino; courtesy of Bison Innovative Products
Project: Carrino Firehouse Residence
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey
Designer-Builder-Owner: Anthony Carrino | www.thebuild.tv
The Project: Built in 1896 in Jersey City, this firehouse was the original home to the Jersey City Fire Department’s Hook & Ladder No. 3. In 2009, after serving the community for more than 100 years, the firehouse was purchased and repurposed as the headquarters of Brunelleschi Construction, a company owned by father-son duo Alfonso and Anthony Carrino. Ten years later, in 2019, Anthony jumped on the opportunity to purchase the firehouse from his father. His goal was to remodel it into a residential loft for himself, his fiancée, and their recently adopted puppy.
The Design Challenge: This firehouse home provided the opportunity to reclaim an existing building in a desirable location but needed some outdoor living space. Anthony saw the 800-square-foot roof area that opened off an upper level as the perfect opportunity to reclaim some outdoor space for the home. The challenge was to build on top of the sloping roof and create a level, usable outdoor walking surface.
The Design Solution: An adjustable pedestal roof deck system sits on top of the existing roof structure without interfering with the roofing membrane. Recognized for offering tremendous design flexibility and ease of installation, adjustable pedestal deck systems provide a unique and viable alternative to traditional deck building materials and methods. The manufacturer for this project provided installation details, important notes, material quantities, and even a color-coded layout of each pedestal model’s location within the deck.
On top of the pedestals, a vibrant and welcoming outdoor space is created using modular wood tiles to create a natural and environmentally friendly surface. Cumaru wood tiles were installed since they are a more economical alternative to ipê wood tiles. Cumaru is nearly as dense as ipê and provides a lighter, blonder tone in contrast to the brown tones of ipê. These wood tiles were selected as an ideal long-lasting, low-maintenance decking solution providing warmth, excellent weather resistance, and architectural charm. The wood tiles allow for water drainage and provide some respite from creating a “heat island” that could be caused by a dark-colored roofing membranes. On top of the wood tiles rests an outdoor kitchen and furniture.
The Results: The entire renovation of the firehouse was filmed and created into a digital series, “The Firehouse Project.” Episode 07 of the series, titled “Roof Deck,” aired on TheBuild on May 20, 2020 and features the installation of the roof deck system atop the renovated firehouse.
Notice
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