Two of the highest green terraces in Lithuania have been completed in the capital, on the rooftops of the Lighthouse settlement. Architectural experts agree that the trend of green roofs on both horizontal and pitched roofs in Scandinavia is a sign of quality that is gradually coming to Lithuania.
"Lithuanian residents appreciate green spaces, therefore, adopting the good experience of Scandinavian countries, we installed the first two green terraces on the roofs of the apartment buildings of the third phase of the Lighthouse settlement. This is a place for the community of residents who will purchase apartments in this project and the first terraces of this kind in our country," says Mantas Umbrasas, sales manager of the real estate and development company MG Valda.
The terraces, designed by the architect company AKG, will be divided into three leisure zones. Residents will be able to enjoy grilled dishes and grow herbs in dining areas, green areas for socializing, and relaxation areas after a day's work.
The entire space of the terraces is lined with natural wood floors, the gazebos are also made of wood - this is how we tried to create the impression of a cozy corner of nature. Dozens of types of perennial plants were used for greening the spaces, the terraces are suitable for use on both sunny and rainy days due to technological solutions. Grills were specially ordered in Italy for this project, which are also adapted to various environmental conditions.
The green roof terraces are part of the third and almost complete phase of the Lighthouse development, which will feature 265 new apartments.
According to the settlement and terrace architect Remigijaus Bimba, such green terraces are indeed a unique solution.
"This is an innovative solution common in Scandinavia, which the apartment community can benefit from by fostering. We won't find anything like it in Vilnius," says the architect.
Bimba says that although Vilnius is one of the greenest European capitals, similar solutions are still needed. According to him, as Lithuanians' understanding of communality changes, green terraces on apartment roofs could become a trend.
Traditions of green roofs in Scandinavia
Architect Gintaras Čaikauskas, who has considerable work experience in Scandinavia, supports R. Bimbai and says that green areas and architectural solutions that emphasize the naturalness of buildings are extremely popular in Northern European countries. In Scandinavia, the predominant architectural solutions made of wood, moderate design and natural elements are so popular partly because of the geographical location, which shaped the construction culture and traditions.
"Green roofs in Scandinavia are considered a symbol of higher class and exclusivity. There, it is fashionable to plant green not only on the roofs of residential houses and traditional sauna buildings, but in Copenhagen you can see the sloping roofs of apartment buildings, on which shillocks bloom. Nature has grown into their mentality and way of life both through historical traditions and through the transmissibility of architecture, which is why it is especially valued," says architect G. Čaikauskas.
Umbras claims that Scandinavian culture is close to Lithuanians due to similarities in mentality and geographical location. The Scandinavian approach is making its way in Lithuania as well, we can see this even from public discussions about green spaces or solutions chosen by real estate developers. We notice that when people buy a home, they always ask if there is a green space nearby, and greenery near the office where they work is also important to them.
Community spaces are becoming more popular
Čaikauskas claims that Lithuania is also progressing and the culture of community is gaining ground little by little. Real estate developers design common storage facilities for bicycles and strollers, create common spaces for meetings or, say, terraces for leisure.
According to the sales manager, by adopting innovative architectural solutions, we also adopt the culture of community and traditions that have grown into the Scandinavian mentality.
"When developing residential settlements, we pay a lot of attention to community: we think about common spaces where residents can gather, we also organize housewarming parties, taluks and various events to introduce future neighbors. For the first year, we are managing apartment buildings ourselves and we ensure that all the residents' questions are heard and answered," says M. Umbrasas.
Anyone who wants to can visit the highest green terraces on apartment roofs in Lithuania on June 9-10 during "Open Roof Days".
