Outstanding central London roof terraces made possible with the Kinley Terrace System

The project detail

The project vision was to be best in class for accommodation, accessibility, amenities and aesthetics. With such high expectations, the terraces had to meet truly exceptional standards. The architects vision saw the outdoor space as busy, thriving communal areas for office staff, set among greenery and beautiful architecture. The brief included intricately cut tiles and curved planters to create a beautiful and very striking curvature around the building, and benches to allow employees to relax or entertain guests.

Choosing the product

Products installed: Kinley Terrace System - pedestals, Raaft joists, Hi-Grade Bespoke planters, Top Mounted benches and precision cut Atria porcelain tiles.

Application: 5 roof terraces at Grade A office accommodation

Uniquely shaped benches were professionally joined from ethically sourced hardwood. The snaking benches had graduating seat back height which meant each piece was individually cut to size. The benches transition seamlessly into the CorTen steel planters for a particularly modern design. The requirement for bespoke size and shaped planters made Hi-Grade Bespoke planters in CorTen steel ideal. Each planter is pre-formed and delivered to site for quick and simple installation.

Atria porcelain external tiles are R11 slip resistant. As well as being incredibly high quality, hardwearing and fire resistant, they can be delicately handled to produce cut curved edges.

Pedestals and joists, as part of the Kinley Terrace System were perfect to support multiple surface finishes, and waterproofing and insultation requirements.

Managing the installation

The Kinley team supported the installers throughout the project. As part of the Kinley Terrace System, the pedestal and rail system supported the warm roof build-up with waterproofing, insulation and ballast. Planters were placed directly on the ballast and insulation.

Challenges that led to Kinley being used

Pandemic considerations - The final stages of project completion happened during the coronavirus pandemic. The working environment had to change dramatically to keep colleagues safe, while also keeping to project timescales.

Bespoke tile cutting - The complex design required tiles to be cut to specific curved shapes. Kinley is used to providing this service and was able to match the original design and vision to perfection.  Careful planning by the Kinley Team, who worked to a laser template ensured that the correct cutting measurements were applied across the project.  Meticulous labelling and easy to follow plans for the layout of the cut tiles ensured that installation was quick and logical.  

Installing complex surfaces - Cut tiles can provide a problem for installation. Our joist system allowed for a flexible installation around the curvature of the tiles.

The end result

London office accommodation rarely comes with so much outdoor space. The seemingly unassuming building fits gloriously into the City location. If you look closer, the five terraces on the upper floors are a hidden gem – with fantastic views but considerable privacy. While each terrace is different and impressive in its own right, the curved theme flows throughout and brings them together. Snaked benches are tucked away from sight between green plants and cut Atria tiles curve around planters and edging, which all create a country park-like feel in the beautiful urban landscape.

Why Kinley?

The Kinley Terrace System provided one base on which to install all surface finishes, planters and accessories. The desire for a finish of the highest quality was something Kinley could certainly help with. The bespoke cut porcelain tiles are a specialist requirement, made more complex by the challenge of installation. Kinley was able to support supplying high quality products, cut to bespoke shapes and sizes which made the installation of a particularly detailed project easy.

We make it possible for you to create amazing outdoor spaces.

At Kinley we work with clients to make their ideas reality. From small to large projects, we help create inspiring and unique outside spaces and urban environments through pioneering design and quality landscape products.