Common questions about rooftop terrace projects

Not every rooftop is suitable for full terrace development. The primary determining factor is structural capacity — some older buildings were designed with minimal rooftop load allowances beyond the building's own structure and HVAC equipment. Our initial assessment identifies what is structurally feasible before any design work begins. Some buildings may support only lightweight elements; others may have capacity for more substantial installations. We explain the options honestly based on what the structure can safely accommodate.

The most useful documents are the building's original architectural and structural plans, any existing rooftop inspection reports, and the current maintenance records for the roof membrane and drainage systems. If these aren't available — which is common in older buildings — we can work from a physical site inspection. We'll let you know exactly what we need once we understand your building's situation.

The duration depends on the complexity of the building and the scope of the project. A typical engagement — from initial site visit to delivery of the assembly report — involves several phases spread over a number of weeks. The structural assessment, design development, and documentation each require dedicated time to do properly. We provide a timeline estimate at the start of each engagement so committees can plan accordingly.

Yes, always. Any modification that adds load to a rooftop — soil, planters, furniture, people — requires a structural assessment to ensure it falls within the building's safe load parameters. This is not optional from a safety or liability perspective. It is also the foundation on which all design decisions rest. Proceeding without it would mean designing without knowing what the structure can actually support.

Santiago's rooftops present a specific combination of conditions: intense sun, moderate to strong winds depending on height and location, and significant temperature variation between day and night. Plants that perform well in these conditions tend to be drought-tolerant, low-growing or structurally wind-resistant, and adapted to shallow substrates. Lavender, rosemary, ornamental grasses, agaves, and several native Chilean shrubs are commonly considered. The specific palette depends on the building's orientation, wind exposure, and available substrate depth — which is why each design is developed for the specific rooftop.

Maintenance requirements vary significantly depending on plant selection and irrigation system design. A palette focused on drought-tolerant, low-maintenance species with a simple drip irrigation system will have substantially lower ongoing demands than a design with high-water-use plants and no automated irrigation. We design with maintenance realism in mind — specifying what the building's administration can realistically sustain — and provide a maintenance schedule as part of the project deliverables.

Yes. There are anchoring methods designed specifically for rooftop applications that do not penetrate or compromise the waterproofing membrane. Ballasted systems use the weight of the furniture base to achieve stability without penetrations. Penetrating systems, when used, require proper waterproofing details around the anchor points. Our furniture specifications always include the anchoring method and its compatibility with the existing roof membrane system.

The voting requirements for common area modifications in Chilean condominiums are governed by the Ley de Copropiedad Inmobiliaria and the building's own reglamento de copropiedad. The specific threshold — whether a simple majority or qualified majority is required — depends on how the modification is classified and what the building's reglamento specifies. We recommend consulting with your building's legal advisor or administrator to confirm the applicable requirement for your specific project. Our assembly report is structured to provide the information committees need regardless of the threshold that applies.

If the structural assessment identifies limitations — which is a common outcome in older buildings — we present the findings clearly and discuss what is possible within those constraints. Some projects proceed with a reduced scope: lighter-weight elements, fewer planters, or a smaller occupied area. Others identify that structural reinforcement might be feasible but would change the project economics significantly. We present the options honestly so committees can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Our standard engagement delivers a complete documentation package designed for assembly presentation. Whether we attend the assembly in person to present the project is something we discuss with each committee individually, as needs and preferences vary. The documentation is designed to be self-explanatory for committee members presenting to residents, but we can also provide support for the presentation itself when that would be helpful.

The permitting requirements depend on the nature and extent of the modifications. Lightweight, non-structural additions — furniture, planters, shade sails — generally do not require municipal permits in Santiago. More significant modifications, such as adding permanent structures, may trigger permitting requirements under the Ordenanza General de Urbanismo y Construcciones. We identify the applicable requirements for each project and document them in the technical report so committees have clarity before proceeding.