A series of roof gardens and patios have been developed by Blackdown Greenroofs for The Old Vinyl Factory; a West London community with leisure facilities, restaurants, cafes, bars and shops catering to the large number of young families and working parents within.

The four main blocks rise above a central podium area, hiding the calm and tranquil space of the roof gardens which extend the living space to the outdoors.

Small trees and shrubs provide the garden with privacy to provide relaxation. Playground apparatus gives children a space to play within to complete the area.

Having a recreational green area is a huge and often rare benefit to urban and city dwellers, who may not have access to nearby public parks or natural areas. Research has shown that those who regularly spend time in a natural environment have improved mental, physical and even emotional health.

The gardens also replace most of the green space that may have otherwise occupied the space where The Old Vinyl Factory buildings sit, encouraging local natural wildlife and aiding biodiversity.

To achieve this, Blackdown Greenroofs installed an intensive green roof with integrated bespoke intensive planters containing a variety of wildflowers, sedums and shrubs, alongside some paved areas, benches and decking.

An intensive green roof features a substrate of increased depth, so that planting can be similar to that on the ground: planters, lawns, trees and shrubs can all thrive here.

The children’s play area includes large pebble seats, bears, large 3D resin play models and active play equipment. Permanent irrigation systems are installed to ensure the gardens’ longevity and that this area in particular doesn’t flood.

Gates and fencing were also installed to ensure the utmost in health and safety. These were all installed using specialist fixing methods to ensure the integrity of the waterproofing membrane below the green roof was not compromised.

Rob Beswick at B D Landscape Architects, who designed the space, said: “I have been really impressed with the completed development. The podium landscape and roof terraces are well installed and it’s great to see a project where the quality of the soft landscape hasn’t been compromised.”