This River North roof deck was so exposed to its neighbors that we thought it should be celebrated rather than hidden behind imposing walls and privacy screens. It seemed to us a stage in the center of the city, a platform astride the bustling River North nightlife scene.
We created a minimalist pergola of metal and wood composite to match an existing deck, and installed retractable shade panels for those sunniest of days. A birch art sculpture is illuminated against the evening sky by low-voltage lighting, which also lights the table and plantings around the deck. Small trees and shrubs in Ore containers — drip-irrigated — soften the lines of the railings and hard surfaces. Lounge furnishings by Dedon and a sleek fire pit add a luxurious touch to the finished roof deck. The perfect balance between privacy and display is achieved.
And on summer evenings, the neighbors can only watch enviously as the roof stage comes to life.
