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Premium rooftop plant screen using Decro Wood Effect Aluminium
Blending function with architectural design on a Central London rooftop terrace.
Set within a period townhouse on Queen Anne Street, in the heart of Marylebone, this Central London rooftop terrace demanded a screening solution to match its premium surroundings.
When rooftop mechanical equipment needs to be hidden, the enclosure often becomes an afterthought. On this project, the architect took a different approach. Rather than treating the plant enclosure as a purely functional structure, it became part of the overall landscape design.
The brief was simple: create a durable privacy screen capable of withstanding an exposed rooftop environment while complementing the premium finishes, planting and outdoor living space. Our Decro Wood Effect Aluminium Box Section was specified as the cladding solution.
The challenge
The rooftop terrace featured high-end paving, architectural planting and premium outdoor finishes. Large mechanical plant units were required for the building's services but would have been visually intrusive if left exposed.
- Conceal rooftop mechanical plant from view
- Provide long-term durability in an exposed external environment
- Require minimal maintenance
- Deliver the warmth and appearance of timber without the drawbacks of natural wood
- Integrate seamlessly with the architect's overall design vision
The screen was designed to wrap two acoustic plant enclosures, each measuring approximately 1.75m wide by 0.87m deep, creating a continuous concealment run across the rooftop plant zone, while maintaining discreet access for future maintenance.
Why Decro Wood Effect Aluminium?
Natural timber can look impressive when first installed, but rooftop environments present ongoing challenges. Constant exposure to UV, rain and changing temperatures means timber requires regular maintenance to retain its appearance.
Decro Wood Effect Aluminium offered the architect the visual appeal they wanted while delivering the practical benefits expected on a commercial project.
The warm wood finish softened the industrial nature of the plant enclosure, allowing it to sit naturally alongside the landscaping rather than dominate the terrace.
Browse the full range of Decro Wood Effect Aluminium posts and profiles.
View Decro profilesThe installation
The enclosure was fabricated using a galvanised steel support frame, with our Decro aluminium box sections installed vertically to create a clean, contemporary façade.
Integrated access doors allow maintenance engineers to reach the concealed equipment without compromising the appearance of the enclosure. The vertical profile layout creates subtle shadow lines that add depth and texture while maintaining privacy around the plant equipment.
The finished installation demonstrates how practical building services can become part of the architectural design rather than something simply hidden away.
The result
The completed enclosure transforms what would normally be an unattractive rooftop services area into a feature that complements the surrounding environment. Instead of exposed HVAC equipment dominating the terrace, visitors now see a warm architectural screen that works alongside the planting and paving.
It is proof that the parts of a building nobody is supposed to notice can still contribute to the overall design.
Decro Wood Effect Aluminium profiles are suitable for far more than signage. Architects, fabricators and contractors are increasingly specifying them for privacy screens, plant enclosures, façade features, fencing and architectural screening where the appearance of timber is desired without the maintenance burden.
Discuss your project with our team
If you have a project that requires the look of real wood with the durability of aluminium, we can help you choose the right profiles and the best solution for your application.