A concept for rooftops ponds.

The clarity of water in the pool is maintained not by swimming-pool chemicals, but by plants with cleansing properties. The underwater shelf with soil installed within the perimeter of the roof allows water and mud plants to take root. Properly selected species of fish, amphibians and small mammals counter the excessive spread of mosquitoes and algae.

Illustration Aleksandra Zawistowska, 2019

The project corresponds with CENTRALA’s 2016 activity: Roof Top Hiking that investigated the potential of urban roofs as social spaces. While the latter focused on high-rise, multi-family housing, the Sky Pond Villa is a proposal for smaller, local communities. Its rooftop pond forms a habitat for plants, insects, birds, little mammals and fishes—an urban microcosm. In case of flood, the elevated pond may serve as a refuge for biodiversity, protecting fauna and flora from contaminated flood water. In periods of draughts, it may become a strategic water reservoir. In summer it will help to ease the heat waves. With edible water plants, it may also become a source of food. A green-blue roof, instead of a green one.

Illustration Aleksandra Zawistowska, 2019

Illustration Aleksandra Zawistowska, 2019

Illustration Aleksandra Zawistowska, 2019

The project premiered on a cover of “Architektura & Biznes” 2019 February issue co-curated by CENTRALA and entitled Hydrozagadka [Hydro-mystery]