Secluded rooftop in the heart of Brussels
- Dimensions: 300 m²
- Objective: Create a space for socializing, contemplation, and vegetable growing
- Styles: Zen, Mediterranean, and industrial
The clients' wishes
The new owners of this penthouse in the heart of Brussels wanted to create a natural garden together with a greenhouse for growing vegetables throughout the year, particularly chillies, which are the husband's passion.
Two distinct areas
The first area, located opposite the bedroom, is designed as a contemplative space inspired by Japanese gardens. It provides a serene foreground to the urban landscape, offering an ideal setting for relaxation and visual escape.
The second area, situated at a lower level, embraces a Mediterranean atmosphere. It is centred around an industrial-style pergola with a generous cantilever, freeing up the horizontal plane and creating a lush setting for a lounge area that becomes the heart of the project.
Zenturo Classic trellis panels structure this area and provide support for climbing plants, strengthening the connection between the pergola and the surrounding vegetation. The convivial space beneath the pergola is designed as a gathering place for the family, centred around a warm corten steel fire pit during the evenings.
A naturalistic plant palette
The landscape designer selected a highly naturalistic plant palette: a mix of perennials, evergreen plants and grasses creates ever-changing textures and movement.
The plants are arranged either in planters for taller specimens, such as this magnificent century-old olive tree and palm trees illuminated at night with warm lighting, or in large planting areas created by corten steel retaining walls. An automatic irrigation system provides regular watering throughout the garden, ensuring the plants remain healthy all year round, including those in the vegetable greenhouse.
A play area for children
This rooftop garden also includes a play area for the family's young child, with a hidden playhouse nestled among the vegetation. Safety and privacy were carefully considered, with wooden stakes combined with a hedge of evergreen deciduous plants to help prevent falls and create a safe and pleasant environment.
