A terrace is an open or semi-enclosed space, usually located above ground level at the height of the building and directly accessible from the indoor areas. It can be a flat roof area, a balcony with an extended space or a specially designed projection. A terrace allows residents to enjoy outdoor space in the city centre or the suburbs.
Known as an architectural feature since ancient times, it has become integral to modern urban living. As cities grow denser and outdoor spaces diminish, terraces provide an opportunity to create a personal oasis amid the urban hustle.
Marius Morozovas – interior designer at Citus, a creative real estate projects development and placemaking company – gives some advice and calculations for transforming a terrace into a functional, aesthetically pleasing and value-enhancing space.
Space planning, functionality and design
Morozovas considers a terrace of 30–60 sqm or more a big one. He believes that good functional space planning helps to maximise a terrace’s potential. He explains:
For example, a 40 sqm terrace with a dining area of 10–12 sqm and a lounge area of 8–10 sqm will have another 8 sqm for a barbecue area and even a workspace. The larger 50 sqm terrace provides a sports corner or children’s playground. In contrast, the 60 sqm terrace can be used for a mini-garden, a swimming pool or jacuzzi, and a large lounge area with hammocks.
Modular furniture and multifunctional solutions make it easy to change the terrace’s layout and adapt the space for different activities. When choosing furniture and materials, consider their resistance to outdoor conditions. Multifunctional furniture, such as benches with integrated storage, will allow more efficient use of space.
As in the interior, well-designed terrace lighting will create a soothing atmosphere, and energy-efficient LED solutions will reduce costs. Morozovas: ‘It’s important to choose the right light sources to match the function of the space and create the desired mood. For example, warmer light is good for relaxation, and colder light is good for work’.
A terrace can also become a green oasis. You can create vertical gardens or green walls with climbing plants or grow herbs, vegetables and small trees in pots. This enhances the terrace’s aesthetics, improves air quality and provides privacy.
Don’t ignore the weather conditions: sun and rain can affect the use of the terrace, so it’s a good idea to install canopies and awnings. The wind can be strong on top of tall buildings, while windbreaks or suitable plants can reduce it. Terraces in busy urban areas can be subject to street noise – soundproofing materials or a plant barrier will reduce its impact.
The harmonious interior and terrace combine to create a seamless and aesthetic space. If the apartment has a Scandinavian style, the terrace can also be furnished using natural materials and light colours. The colour palette and materials should be coordinated with interior accents to create visual continuity.
Technical requirements, safety and permits
Considering technical and legal aspects before setting up a terrace is essential, especially if you plan to include more equipment and features.
Morozovas comments on the weight issue:
If you want to install a swimming pool, a hot tub or a jacuzzi on the terrace (each weighing around 1,500–2,000 kg when filled), or massive pots for large vegetation, you need to calculate the loads and the safety of the structures. A terrace formed on an apartment block roof can withstand about 700 kg/sqm. This means a 30 sqm terrace can withstand up to 21 tonnes and should not be a problem to install, even in the most ambitious dreams. However, the allowable loads will be much lower if the terrace is a balcony with support points on one side.
Before starting work on the terrace, technical requirements and permits must be obtained. Any changes that may affect the structure of the building must be agreed with the structural engineers, and the relevant permits must be obtained from the municipality and the residents’ association. This is particularly important when planning the installation of canopies, awnings, glazing or heavy objects.
Morozovas continues:
Security is a priority. When installing lighting or heating systems, use only certified materials suitable for outdoor conditions. High-rise buildings must be equipped with safety-compliant handrails or glass barriers. In general, when choosing materials, I suggest that quality pays off in the long run in terms of durability and lower maintenance costs.
Fire safety requirements must be observed when grills are used on terraces. Open-flame grills are not allowed in apartment blocks, but electric ones are. In all cases, the floor in the area should be non-combustible or covered with a non-combustible material, and a suitable fire extinguisher should be readily available nearby. Smoke detectors are also recommended if the terrace is glazed or enclosed. Ventilation is worth considering in this case.
When using a grill, it is essential to ensure that smoke or odours do not inconvenience neighbours. Communities may have internal rules that are worth familiarising yourself with.
An investment in quality of life: how much can it cost?
In New York, residents turn their rooftops into urban gardens, where they grow flowers, fruit and vegetables. This adds to the city’s skyline and allows people to grow fresh produce. Due to the climate in Barcelona, terraces are used all year round as the main living space, with dining areas and outdoor kitchens. Meanwhile, in Tokyo – where space is minimal – the residents create functional and aesthetic spaces through multifunctional furniture and vertical gardens. These solutions demonstrate how creativity and innovation can make the most of a small space, turning it into a welcoming and functional living space.
In the capital of Lithuania, terrace apartments can usually be found in prestigious projects closer to the city centre – in Šnipiškės, Žirmūnai, Paupys and Markučiai. In purely residential districts, such apartments are less common, as economy-class apartment blocks dominate them, so terrace apartments are unique and even more exclusive here.
Statistically, the average price of a terraced apartment is around EUR 289,000, although there are equally affordable and more expensive options. Due to low supply and high demand, the value of such dwellings often increases faster. According to statistics, the value of terraced apartments has grown by an average of 7% annually over the last five years, compared to 5% in the standard apartment segment. For the same reason, terrace flats are liquid, with some being reserved in projects before the official launch of sales.
Budget planning becomes crucial to making the most of your terrace. The average cost of installing a terrace varies depending on the materials and solutions chosen:
Floor coverings: from EUR 50 to EUR 150 per sqm (heat-treated wood, composite, tiles, etc.); Outdoor furniture: from a few hundred euro to EUR 5,000 per set; Awnings or canopies: from EUR 200 per sqm; Hot tub or jacuzzi: EUR 1,000 to EUR 3,000 or EUR 10,000, depending on the set-up; Lighting installation: from less than EUR 100 to EUR 3,000 for the whole space; Plants and landscaping: around EUR 50–100 per sqm; Other equipment: depending on wishes and possibilities. Thus, the total budget for a 30 sqm terrace can range from a few thousand euro to EUR 30,000 or more.
To make a successful investment and make the terrace a daily joy, it is worth considering entrusting the project preparation and the supervision of the implementation to professionals. They will help you optimise the space, choose suitable materials and solutions, and avoid costly mistakes. Experience and creativity can often help reduce the installation budget – usually, all it takes is imagination. The services of an architect or designer cost between EUR 30–50/hour, but this is a good investment in a successful implementation of the project.
An apartment with a large terrace can not only be an investment in real estate but also a quality of life. A well-designed and furnished terrace can become a personal oasis in the hustle and bustle of the city, designed to meet a wide range of needs – from a pleasant relaxation area to a functional work corner, a vibrant garden or a meeting place. Although the initial investment may be high, it can pay off in the long run, both financially and through personal satisfaction and comfort.
