12 replies to this topic

[VicHockeyFan]

Marko, it seems to me that back in the olden days, rooftop patios were never given much consideration, at least as common areas.  I was often told it was liability issues, but I never believe that line.  A few units at the Metropolitan have kinda cool decks, but they are only attached to the owner's units.

 

It seems to me that if you lived on the 3rd floor of a 16 floor building it would be cool to be able to go to the top.  Adds value to my lower-floor unit.

 

What has made them popular lately? (at least with Chard).

[Holden West]

Wasn't it an issue with Castana that the proposal to have a patio would violate the zoning as it would technically be an occupyable extra floor?

[sebberry]

We have some unused roof space over our lobby that I'd like to see turned into a patio. 

 

We could put a door in from the first floor hall, some railing, even provide a gas BBQ since owners aren't allowed to have them on the decks. 

 

Didn't think about zoning, however.  I'm sure that would be a nightmare in order to turn a gravel roof into a patio. 

[G-Man]

Yeah a review of the structural would be required and I am sure it would not be up to code.

[MarkoJ]

What has made them popular lately? (at least with Chard).

 

I think they are only popular with Chard.  I don't know why other developers haven't embraced the rooftop?  Initially I thought it might be adding to the complexity of the building membrane and potential problems down the road but the inspectors I've talked to have noted that having a paving stone rooftop actually protects the roof membrane a bit more from the elements such as the sun?  

 

There are various issues that can come up with roof tops that I've seen over the years.  For example, the design at the 834 was flawed in that when you walked to the corners of the rooftop you could look into the penthouse living rooms so the developer had to install gates (seen in the left and right side of the picture below) to prevent people from walking to the corner in order to improve penthouse privacy.

 

However, Chard has improved every single roof top in his subsequent buildings.  For example, the Juliet and 834 the elevator takes you to the penthouse level and then you have to walk up a staircase to the rooftop.  Two problems with this, those with disabilities can't get to the rooftop and lack of penthouse privacy.  The Duet, for example, the elevator goes straight to the rooftop.

 

[VicHockeyFan]

Thanks Marko.  One of the architects at Duet was taking to us about the privacy issue, for the lower floor.  Nobody wants the floor above to look right down onto your deck.

[sebberry]

Yeah a review of the structural would be required and I am sure it would not be up to code.

 

For ours it's the slab the rest of the building is built on.  Some railings would make it safe and a door would make it accessible. 

 

Marko, you've been in our building, what do you think of my idea?  Crazy or potentially adds value?  The lower roofs will have to be re-done soon anyway so why not jump on the opportunity, I say.

[sebberry]

Thanks Marko.  One of the architects at Duet was taking to us about the privacy issue, for the lower floor.  Nobody wants the floor above to look right down onto your deck.

 

Practically every building I've been in offers little privacy for those on the decks.  Besides, they're hanging out in the open.  If you want to sunbathe nude on them, someone will see you.  The more buildings you stick next to each other, the less privacy you're going to have.

[VicHockeyFan]

Practically every building I've been in offers little privacy for those on the decks.  Besides, they're hanging out in the open.  If you want to sunbathe nude on them, someone will see you.  The more buildings you stick next to each other, the less privacy you're going to have.

 

Oh, I agree, but it's nice if your neighbours can't just lean on their railing and listen in on your conversation below.

[Mike K.]

The biggest common rooftop must be at The Hudson. It's absolutely massive.

The Falls has that second floor common area with a pool as does Shutters but they're not rooftop amenities, of course. Both of these projects draw on Westbank's awesome common areas atop their towers in Vancouver.

[jonny]

Suites seem to be getting smaller, so I think having access to a rooftop patio is a great amenity.

 

I also think the biggest thing one loses when moving from a house to a condo is the ease with which you can enjoy being outdoors. Balcony's just aren't the same as a larger patio area (unless you have a big penthouse patio).

 

I have been to the common area patio on the Juliet and must say it is fantastic. If I lived in that building I would use the rooftop area frequently. Also, a lot of unit's at the Juliet don't have balconies.

[MarkoJ]

For ours it's the slab the rest of the building is built on.  Some railings would make it safe and a door would make it accessible. 

 

Marko, you've been in our building, what do you think of my idea?  Crazy or potentially adds value?  The lower roofs will have to be re-done soon anyway so why not jump on the opportunity, I say.

 

Probably crazy.  I don't think it would add resale value.  If you took the amount of $ required to install it versus putting that $ into contingency the contingency option would likely add more value on resale.  If everyone in the building wanted the patio for personal enjoyment than it makes sense, but not for pure resale added value.

[sebberry]

Perfect, sounds like I'm on the right track then

 

I at least like to keep the options open.  I know there are other more pressing issues that need to be taken care of first, but to undertake any major repair/refurbishment without considering other options would be silly, IMO.