With a Californian’s love of outdoor living, a bi-coastal couple embraced generous outdoor space and breathtaking views of Manhattan from a ter-race offering glimpses of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building. Perched atop a distinctively organic-shaped build-ing, the terrace design features polygons, high-end finishes, and custom materials designed to harmonize with the building’s architecture.

Design Concept & Layout
The terrace is divided into two main zones, a lounge area with relaxed seating and an alfresco dining area.

Both zones are defined by sinuous, custom planters, which blend seam-lessly into the space. The planters’ rounded geometry allows for varying heights while maintaining optimal soil depth.

Innovative Materials & Sustainability

• Custom Planters: Constructed from aluminum with a faux zinc powder coat finish, we developed the planters through extensive prototyping with the manufacturer. Unlike real zinc, this finish eliminates the need for an acid wash, making it environmentally friendly.
• Decking: Instead of traditional tropical hardwood, we selected Resysta decking , an eco-friendly rice-husk composite that mimics natural wood while being sustainable, for organic shapes inlaid into the white limestone paving.

Plant Palette & Environmental Considerations

• Key Plantings: Hakone grass, sedges, Mexican Feather Grass, and Autumn Moor Grass, all chosen for their movement in the wind, reinforce the natural dynamism of the space and complement a cool silver and blue palette punctuated by chartreuse and brighter greens.
• Japanese Maples: Strategically placed to screen less desirable adjacent views while framing the iconic skyline.
• Resilient Plant Selection: Given the terrace’s coastal-like con-ditions (wind exposure, salty air, and consistent breezes), we prioritized low-maintenance species that thrive without signif-icant pesticide or fungicide intervention, including native and naturally adapted plants.

Custom Furnishings & Fabrication

• Bespoke Bench Design: Inspired by a custom bench we originally designed for the building lobby, the clients requested a variation for their terrace. This piece features a wood slat “zipper” detail, allowing for deeper, lounge-style seating at the main curve. It functions as both a sculptural and ergonomic element.
• Seamless Integration: Working with a single contractor for both hardscape and landscape construction allowed for exceptional quality control—for example, the precise alignment of topsoil planters with the base of benches, creating a visually cohesive and integrated space.
• Wet Bar: A bespoke design features a black grid waterfall edge and resurfaced and powder-coated finish to maintain visual harmony. Black fixtures, fittings and sink ensure an understated ambiance.

Conclusion
This rooftop terrace is a testament to seamless indoor-outdoor living, where organic forms, sustainable materials, and thoughtful plant selec-tions come together to create an elevated, timeless urban retreat.