Designing a Roof Garden - Artificial Rockwork

Designing a Roof Garden - A Designers Guide

Roof gardens must be the classic location for the use of artificial boulders. They weigh a fraction of real boulders and if correctly handled can look more realistic than nature. There are many ways in which it is possible to create rockwork. The one way which will not create a good effect is to use natural stone.

Peoples perception of nature can be very different to reality. A basic effect can be achieved by applying a sand cement render to a steel mesh which is fixed to a frame or armature. However, the quality of the final product is very workmanship dependent. The best effect is achieved by taking a silicone rubber mould from a natural rock surface and spraying glass reinforced cement (GRC) onto it.

The resultant panels are then secured to a metal frame. The backs of the panels are then packed with mortar. Finally the joints are filled with mortar which is worked insitu until it blends with the adjacent panels. The effect is brought to life by spraying with diluted UV stable emulsion paint. Individual points of interest, such as algae and lichen, are added by hand.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us