Rooftop Potential: Options for Designing Commercial Roofs
Commercial building owners want to maximize every square foot of space to increase profits. That unused broom closet can become a staff gathering area or exercise spot. And basements are for more than storing boxes – they’re the ideal laundry location for residential rentals.
However, many property owners may fail to look up – and this oversight could impact their bottom lines. The rooftops of many commercial buildings are suitable for much more than keeping the rain off residents’ heads. Furthermore, they can help turn cities into more lively, vibrant communities.
What can owners and property managers do to make the most of their rooftop potential? Here are some of the various options for designing commercial roofs.
Photo by Athena
Outdoor Dining
Rooftop dining is an exciting way to demand higher rents for prime restaurant space. This option works best if the building offers a commanding view of the surrounding city or countryside. Notable examples include the Asmani Restaurant in Antalya, Turkey, and the Aroma Restaurant in Rome, Italy.
All rooftop renovators must consider whether the structure is fit to bear the load of additional fixtures, appliances, and people. This issue is not a factor in many commercial buildings – they’re structurally sound enough to support another floor, let alone an open-air facility. However, owners of older buildings may need to order a structural engineering survey and engineer reinforcement into the structure.
Pools
Hoteliers and residential property owners who want to maximize their available lodging space while increasing the perceived exclusivity of their property do well to consider rooftop pools. Although this option is among the more costly, it’s a tremendous draw – especially if the surrounding view wows out-of-towners.
An infinity design makes a striking backdrop for publicity photos for the company website. Designers can create either a relaxing space or an invigorating one — lighting, greenery and poolside seating can all impact how tenants or guests will experience this rooftop revitalization.
Here, too, owners must check local rules. For example, some jurisdictions may require an additional pool enclosure despite the relatively inaccessible rooftop location.
Social Areas
Employees need a place to get away, and spending time outdoors benefits their mental health and productivity. However, it’s tough to find courtyards in crowded downtowns. A rooftop staff lounge is perfect for smoke breaks and even working alfresco.
Design elements should include sufficient shaded areas so those with computer screens can hide from the glare, plus comfortable seating. If there’s power readily available, why not add a kitchen so the scent of Barb in Accounting’s reheated salmon can waft away on the breeze instead of annoying her cubicle-mates?
Rooftop Gardens
A rooftop garden is a delightful addition to nearly any commercial rooftop. Those housing restaurant facilities can use the space for growing fresh, organic produce to use in the kitchen. Gyms and yoga studios can take participants outdoors for quiet meditation or classes like HIIT that rely primarily on body weight to feel the burn.
Building owners interested in green certification should investigate green roofs. These help reverse the urban heat island effect by absorbing carbon dioxide emissions, compensating for many of the emissions the facility produces. They also reduce energy costs by moderating indoor temperatures and minimizing stormwater pollution.
Why should commercial property managers and investors care? Other than the fact that they must also occupy planet Earth, employing sustainability upgrades can drive higher rents. Fully 82% of respondents to a recent real estate survey said they’d be willing to pay more for eco-friendly options.
Tenant Amenities
Finally, residential rental facility owners shouldn’t overlook their rooftops. Many of the amenities listed here could drive higher rents – for example, swimming pools and gardens. Savvy property managers could even embrace a community garden concept by assigning each resident a plot and encouraging the kind of camaraderie among tenants that’ll have them re-signing leases year after year.
Another idea for using rooftop space thoughtfully in residential rentals is an open-air laundry facility. Line-dried clothes smell much better than those tumbled in dryers. Play areas for the littles can be a big draw for young parents, assuming adequate fencing prevents toddlers from getting too close to the edge.
Check With Zoning First
Of course, planners and designers should check with their local zoning commission before they propose a project to a commercial client These local governing boards go beyond commercial and residential, holding the power to restrict or ban specific business types.
Property owners sometimes need to undergo a design review before the board approves their plans. These restrictions exist to protect surrounding businesses, ensuring the aesthetics are compatible. In other cases, commercial property managers may need to submit a rezoning request, a complicated process that entails meeting with local citizens and government officials.
What are some amenities commercial rooftops typically contain? Here are some conventional and offbeat ideas for maximizing the space.
Options for Designing Commercial Roofs
Commercial property owners want to reap as much profit as possible from their investments. They’d do well to look up – their rooftops offer multiple possibilities! Consider these options for designing commercial roofs. Making the most of your available square footage means a higher income potential and a more valuable and appealing piece of property.
Author Bio: Evelyn Long is a writer and editor-in-chief for Renovated, a web magazine for the home industry. Her work focuses on design and construction tactics for industry professionals.
