In this project, we sought to make a subtle wish come true: to bring nature into a technical environment without compromising its essence. The rooftop thus becomes a small landscape — organic and discreet, that breathes with the rhythms of the day and the seasons.

The space is divided into two distinct moods: to the west, bathed in afternoon light, a light resting area with backless facing benches invites brief conversations or contemplative silences; to the east, beneath the shade of a pentagonal wooden pergola, a warm and porous refuge takes shape.

The green islands, organically shaped, rise lightly above a carefully engineered base. Weight limitations led us to choose materials such as volcanic tuff — a porous stone — and a specially formulated rooftop substrate. At the foundation, a drainage layer and an alveolar water retention system ensure the health and longevity of the vegetation.

The surface is finished with light “Rosse” gravel, held in place by a “Ritter” structure, bright and Mediterranean, always with ease of access and low maintenance in mind.

The landscape recreated here is inspired by Hortigüela (Castile and León), featuring the following species: junipers, savins, gorse, thyme, lavender, bearberry, and oak scrub, all mixed to create a natural effect. These plants are ideal for a xeriscaped terrace, as they are all adapted to dry environments, intense sun, and wide temperature fluctuations between winter and summer. They are extremely resilient species.