Texas Native Rooftop Oasis

Formerly the home of the Doc Porter Museum Telephone History, Bell Heights is located in the Houston Greater Heights. We had the pleasure of working on the rooftop garden with its idyllic view of the Houston skyline.  The idea behind the Bell Heights rooftop design was to separate the homeowners from the city by giving them a native Texas landscape oasis. As noted by the spa, putting green, fire pits and outdoor cooking stations, the paramount goal of the rooftop is relaxation.

As shown in the design plan above,  the angle of the steel edging mirrors the interior architecture by replicating the angle of the brickwork which is found throughout the former telephone museum turned condominium complex.

The developers chose plant material to relax the property owners and contrast one another both in color and texture. Additionally, perennials were selected that will bloom during different times of the year, so residents have a pleasant view all year round. The sprawling Boston ivy will eventually encapsulate the brick pergola, softening the seating area directly outside the staircase.

The location of the project presented unique challenges during the construction process. To combat those challenges, our installation crews used a crane to move the two-ton super sacks of material to the rooftop. Our partner, The Ground Up, engineered a special lightweight rooftop soil blend that reduced overall weight on the 2,000 square feet of raised planter beds, and allowed for the installation of larger plant material.

Despite the challenges our team faced while working in the Texas summer heat, we were able to complete the project by the September 27th deadline, in time for the reveal party. Tenants, contractors, and Bell Heights owners mingled amongst each other and enjoyed a night of cocktails, music, and light bites while overlooking the Houston skyline.

Check out the before and afters!