Private Rooftop Deck on a Condo

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

A rooftop deck and penthouse with an amazing city view.

While a roof deck is a common amenity for new condominium and apartment buildings in Seattle, much of the older housing stock doesn’t take advantage of the extra space and views the rooftop offers.

In this older building, the only common roof access required precarious travel up a rickety ladder housed in a dark hatchway. But this enterprising condo owner realized a private, rooftop jewel box was possible. Sacrificing a closet in the condominium unit opened up space for a custom spiral staircase linking the unit to the roof. At the top of the stairs, a small penthouse capped with a pyramidal skylight lets natural light fall into the space below. With room for a small desk, the penthouse is a quiet space — well-suited for writing, meditation, or reflection.

Stepping out of the penthouse, the mood switches from insular to social. Decked out with a grill, sink, fire pit, umbrellas, heaters, and seating for both eating and lounging, you can envision a group of friends having a great time taking in the spectacular view of the city with the water and mountains beyond. In a growing and busy city, it’s a great reminder that there is always a way to find a little extra space to make something special.

Roof Deck Penthouse – Classical Rooftop Conservatory – Board & Vellum
Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Roof Deck Penthouse – Classical Rooftop Conservatory – Board & Vellum
Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Roof Deck Penthouse – Classical Rooftop Conservatory – Board & Vellum
Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Roof Deck Penthouse – Classical Rooftop Conservatory – Board & Vellum
Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Roof Deck Penthouse – Classical Rooftop Conservatory – Board & Vellum
Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Roof Deck Penthouse – Classical Rooftop Conservatory – Board & Vellum
Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Roof Deck Penthouse – Classical Rooftop Conservatory – Board & Vellum
Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Roof Deck Penthouse – Classical Rooftop Conservatory – Board & Vellum
Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Roof Deck Penthouse – Classical Rooftop Conservatory – Board & Vellum
Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Roof Deck Penthouse – Classical Rooftop Conservatory – Board & Vellum
Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Roof Deck Penthouse – Classical Rooftop Conservatory – Board & Vellum
Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

Classical Rooftop Conservatory | Photo by Travis Peterson.

What did this project look like before we started?

Here are some “Before & After” shots so you can experience the transformation for yourself.

Roof Deck Penthouse – Classical Rooftop Conservatory – Board & Vellum
Classical Rooftop Conservatory

“Before” photo from Board & Vellum project files.

Classical Rooftop Conservatory

“Before” photo from Board & Vellum project files.

Client Review
“Robert, and the entire Board & Vellum team, were paramount in helping turn my dream for a challenging private roof deck and conservatory addition, into a perfectly designed and engineered reality. My home is in a historic Seattle condo building, full of design and logistical challenges, but when the pressure really mounted, Board & Vellum rose to the occasion by coming up with creative ways around obstacles, and pushing past roadblocks. I was thrilled and proud to have collaborated with this talented group, by taking their phenomenal work, and then building it into a truly breathtaking addition, which has become the crowning achievement of my condo renovation.”
View this review on Houzz.

Notes & Credits
This project was built by CGM Market & Turn.
Photos by Travis Peterson.

Want to learn more?

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Our design services encompass architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, with teams specializing in projects across the spectrum, from single-family homes to multifamily and mixed-use buildings, and from boutique commercial spaces to civic spaces, like parks. We love designing the integrated fabric of structures, spaces, and places that create vibrant neighborhoods.

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