Stratford Road

A ramshackle roof terrace in London’s Royal Borough presented RSL with a major challenge, particularly as there was little access, so all trees, plants, pots, soil and material had to be craned up to the third floor.

Rising to the challenge with gusto, RSL set about creating an elegant, functional, fragrant sanctuary in the sky.

The dingy decking was replaced with Western red cedar that silvers beautifully with age, and harsh metal railings gave way to slatted cedar trellis swathed in scented jasmine. Big planters, also in Western red cedar, provide generous space for flowers and help disguise the skylight.

Beautiful and comfortable Sutherland furniture, imported from the USA, provides the finishing touches to this tranquil, intimate, private haven.