1. Can rooftop gardens cause water leakage?
One of the biggest misconceptions about rooftop gardens is that they are responsible for water leakage. In reality, many roofs already have underlying waterproofing defects, cracks or poor drainage long before a garden is built. In this project, we discovered an existing seepage issue inside one of the rooms before construction even began. A well-designed rooftop garden includes proper waterproofing protection, drainage layers and adequate slopes that help water flow naturally. The key is to evaluate the roof technically before installation rather than assuming the garden is the problem.
2. Why is proper roof drainage more important than waterproofing alone?
Waterproofing protects a roof, but drainage prevents water from remaining on it. If rainwater is allowed to stagnate, even the best waterproofing system will deteriorate over time. Designing gentle slopes, maintaining clear drainage outlets and using drainage cells beneath the planting layer are equally important. Good drainage extends the life of both the roof and the landscape.
3. Can Weigelia grow successfully outside hill regions?
Weigelia is generally associated with cooler climates, yet this project proved that with proper care it can adapt surprisingly well to warmer regions like Rourkela. While climate plays an important role, consistent watering, pruning and observation by the homeowner helped the plant thrive. This experience reminded us that successful landscapes depend not only on plant selection but also on the people who care for them.
4. How do you design a meaningful rooftop in just 383 square feet?
A small rooftop does not mean small possibilities. Instead of filling every corner with plants, good design balances seating, circulation, greenery and open space. Even compact rooftops can become places for family conversations, bird visits and seasonal experiences. The quality of the design matters far more than the size of the space.
5. How can rooftop gardens support birds and urban biodiversity?
The first design brief for this project was not about plants—it was about pigeons. By preserving feeding areas and creating a welcoming environment, the rooftop continued to support birds that had been visiting the family for years. Simple decisions like choosing native plants, providing water and avoiding excessive hardscaping can make urban rooftops valuable habitats for birds, butterflies and pollinators.
6. Why is homeowner involvement essential after a rooftop garden is completed?
A rooftop garden is a living ecosystem, not a finished product. Regular watering, pruning, seasonal care and observation determine how well the landscape performs over time. The continued success of the Weigelia and many other plants on this rooftop was largely due to the homeowner's dedication. Good design creates the foundation, but long-term care keeps the landscape alive.
7. What did this rooftop teach CHAAS?
This project taught us that the best landscapes begin by listening. A simple request to keep pigeons visiting shaped the entire design philosophy. It also reinforced the importance of technical roof assessments, hands-on training for workers, experimenting with suitable plant species and recognising that the true success of a landscape is measured years later, through the life and memories it continues to support.