“It is not yet common for Lithuanians to relax or work on the roof, many do not even imagine that the roof can be used as a great space for general leisure or entertainment. The culture of apartment roofs is still emerging in our country, it is a new phenomenon. Unlike in such big cities of the world as London, Berlin, New York or Los Angeles,” – says engineer Gytis Lietvaitis.
He says that in Lithuania, most apartment buildings are designed with balconies, so people can go outside, have their own space, and balconies turn into loggias or terraces. And in the world’s big cities, there is a lack of private spaces, which is why rooftop culture is flourishing.
“In London, we had to climb onto the roofs of 8-10-story apartment buildings. The green courtyard on the first floor was intended for quieter relaxation, and the roof was a party and entertainment area. There were benches, tables, loungers, and plants that provided comfort. In New York, a roof terrace is an essential element, and such apartments are the most expensive there. In Spain, terraces are formed on the roofs of old houses. Previously, people used to dry laundry there, but now they install terraces, relaxation areas, read books, and chat about life,” says G. Lietvaitis.
The Swedish city of Malmö stands out for its green urban policy and green roofs. The majority of its green roofs are not designed for entertainment, but rather play an important role in the home and city ecosystem – reducing stormwater runoff, air pollution, noise, and acting as habitats for plants, insects, and birds.
First examples in Vilnius
In many foreign properties, apartment buildings become a gathering place for the community. It is a closed and safe space, visited only by the residents of the building. One of the rooftop spaces designed in Vilnius is also intended for community conversations – in Žirmūnai, in the project “Namų pynės” developed by “Eika”.
“The terrace on the roof of one of the houses in the “Namų pyniai” project is the result of the internal “Innovation Program” implemented by “Eika”. A terrace on the roof is not an innovation either in the world or in Lithuania, but we designed this terrace so that the residents of the house could use it all year round. The 150 sq. m. terrace has several areas for relaxation, games, grilling and cooking. The glass domes have a heating system, so the community will be able to gather here even in the colder season. And building a community in the new quarters we are developing is one of the priorities, so we believe that this innovation and our efforts will form a strong responsible house community,” says Martynas Žibūda, Head of Development at “Eika”.
In Lithuania, the roofs of buildings are usually used for the house’s engineering systems, or at best, for solar power plants. However, the situation is changing. Increasingly, apartment buildings are being designed so that certain activities can be carried out on the roofs, for example, taking care of growing flowers or vegetables and thus bringing together like-minded people in the house.
According to G. Lietvaitis, it is possible to grow shrubs, vegetables, and trees on the roof. “It is best if the planting of plants is planned during the design phase. If you are aiming for a cozier space on an existing roof, then you need to think about where the trees will grow and who will water them. You need to choose plants that are more resistant to frost and drought. I have been experimenting with plants on roofs in pots for five years, and I notice that properly cared for plants can survive the winter. I can assure you that tomatoes or herbs can really be grown on the roof,” says the engineer.
In any case, it is worth remembering that the roof is a public place where safety must be observed – both for residents, visitors, and their property, as well as fire safety requirements.
