Roof gardens: Green spaces in Dubai’s real estate

A roof garden, also known as a rooftop garden or green roof, refers to a garden that is built on the roof of a building. It includes the growing of flowers, trees, and other plants in vases or in the soil on the rooftop. Roof gardens can vary in size and design, ranging from small private gardens to larger shared spaces.

They have many advantages like enhancing air quality, minimizing energy usage, handling storm water runoff, providing insulation, and generating green spaces in urban environments.

The advantages of roof gardens in Dubai’s properties

Roof gardens in Dubai have some great advantages, but they also deal with some particular issues faced in the region. In Dubai’s hot and dry climate, roof gardens can offer the following benefits:

• Temperature decrease: The plants on roof gardens help to make the building and surrounding areas colder by offering shade and evaporative cooling. This can help reduce the severe heat experienced in Dubai.
• Energy savings: By removing the need for air conditioning, roof gardens can contribute to considerable energy savings, which is highly significant in a city with high energy usage.
• Water conservation: Roof gardens can be designed to include efficient irrigation systems and drought-resistant plants, reducing water consumption and upgrading water conservation in a water-rare region.
• Community spaces: Roof gardens in Dubai can act as shared areas for residents to relax, socialize, and take pleasure in outdoor activities, offering a great escape from the busy city environment.
• Sustainable development: By including green spaces in the urban environment, roof gardens can improve the overall sustainability and livability of the city, aligning with Dubai’s vision for a greener and more sustainable future.
• Enhanced air quality: Plants in roof gardens help remove pollutants and absorb carbon dioxide, enhancing the air quality in urban areas.

• Noise reduction: The plants and soil in roof gardens can serve as sound barriers, minimizing noise pollution from the surrounding area.
• Aesthetics and health: Roof gardens generate visually attractive green spaces, providing a sense of calmness and enhancing the overall health of individuals who can take pleasure in them.

It’s worth mentioning that the specific advantages may differ based on the design, size, and location of the roof garden. It’s important to note that the design and execution of roof gardens in Dubai may take into consideration specific rules, building codes, and factors for the local climate and environment.

Factors to take into account when selecting a roof garden

When choosing a roof garden, you must take into account some important factors. These factors include:

• Structural capacity: Make sure that the building’s structure can tolerate the extra weight of the roof garden, including the soil, plants, and any extra features such as seating or walkways. Talk to a structural engineer if needed.
• Waterproofing and drainage: Sufficient waterproofing and drainage systems are essential to stop water leakage and damage to the building. Make sure that the roof is exactly sealed and that there are efficient drainage mechanisms in place to manage extra water.
• Sun exposure and microclimate: Evaluate the amount of sunlight the roof gets during the day and the microclimate conditions, like wind patterns and temperature changes. Different plants have different sunlight and temperature requirements, so select plants that are appropriate for the specific conditions of your roof.
• Upkeep requirements: Take into account the level of upkeep you are eager to commit to. Some plants may need regular watering, pruning, and fertilizing. Select plants that are low upkeep if you prefer a more hands-off approach.
• Accessibility: Specify how effortlessly you can access the roof garden for upkeep, watering, and pleasure. Think about the need for stairs, elevators, or other means of access.
• Local regulations and permits: Consult with local authorities to ensure obedience to any regulations or permits necessary for installing a roof garden. Some areas may have particular instructions with regard to safety, structural requirements, or environmental issues.
• Design and aesthetics: Take into consideration the overall design and aesthetics of the roof garden. Specify the goal of the garden, whether it’s for relaxation, growing food, or generating a shared space. Select plants, furniture, and features that align with your desired aesthetic and functionality.

By taking into account these factors, you can make reasonable decisions when selecting and designing a roof garden that meets your needs and the particular features of your building.

What is the significance of roof garden in Dubai’s real estate?

Roof gardens are very important for some particular reasons. The most significant reasons for the importance of roof gardens include:

• Environmental sustainability: Roof gardens play an important role in environmental sustainability by upgrading green spaces in urban areas. They help reduce the heat island effect, decrease energy consumption, manage storm water runoff, and enhance air quality.
• Urban revitalization: Roof gardens can convert unused or underused rooftop spaces into lively and practical areas. They improve the aesthetic appeal of buildings, enhance the overall urban landscape, and create opportunities for leisure activities.
• Biodiversity conservation: Roof gardens offer habitats for plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife, boosting urban biodiversity. They play a key role in conserving and improving local ecosystems, particularly in densely populated areas where green spaces are scarce.
• Community well-being: Roof gardens provide a wide range of advantages for the health of individuals and communities. They create spaces for relaxation, social interaction, and physical activity. Access to green spaces has been connected to enhanced mental health, stress mitigation, and overall quality of life.
• Sustainable food production: In some cases, roof gardens can be utilized for urban agriculture, allowing for the growing of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This upgrades local food production, decreases food transportation distances, and highlights healthier eating habits.
• Educational opportunities: Roof gardens can act as educational resources, creating opportunities for schools, universities, and community organizations to learn about sustainable practices, gardening, and environmental protection.

Overall, roof gardens contribute to offering more sustainable, vibrant, and flexible cities by dealing with environmental, social, and economic issues.