Designing Elevated Outdoor Spaces That Improve Workplace Well-Being
The modern workplace continues to evolve, but one constant is the need for balance. As deadlines tighten and digital demands increase, quiet moments outdoors have become more valuable than ever. Rooftop decks and outdoor break areas aren’t just architectural trends—they’re an answer to something deeper: the need for restorative space within the workday.
What once might have been a neglected rooftop or concrete courtyard is now seen as an opportunity to extend usable square footage, enhance employee comfort, and even boost retention. The right materials make all the difference in executing that vision.
Elevating Break Spaces with Modular Deck Systems
Floating deck systems—built using adjustable pedestal supports—offer a clean solution for creating level walking surfaces over sloped roof decks or uneven base planes. The use of systems like the LOBOTM Pedestal System allows builders to support a wide range of surface materials—including wood, concrete, turf, and porcelain—without compromising drainage or rooftop waterproofing.
Unlike rigid substructures, pedestal systems can be adjusted on-site to correct for slope and height, simplifying the installation process. Bison Pedestals offer flexibility and durability in high-traffic commercial applications and are commonly specified for amenity decks, pool surrounds, and terrace spaces.
Materials That Invite People to Stay
The surface you walk on plays an outsize role in how a space feels. 2CM Porcelain Pavers are especially popular in corporate and institutional designs for their clean lines, durability, and weather resistance. They hold up in freeze-thaw conditions and are available in wood, stone, and concrete finishes. When paired with pedestal supports, they enable seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas—no ramps or steps needed.
Benches, planters, and shading elements can be integrated to define quiet nooks or informal meeting spots. Small additions like these—when combined with natural finishes and living greenery—help reduce mental fatigue and encourage employees to step away from their screens, even if just for a few minutes.
Details That Shape the Experience
A space may look great on paper, but it’s often the invisible choices that shape how it feels in use. Rubber shims, vibration pads, and accessories like slope correctors contribute to quieter, more comfortable surfaces—important in rooftop applications where sound transmission can travel down to workspaces below.
Grated surfaces like fiberglass panels are also worth considering where airflow and drainage are priorities, especially under turf installations. These choices often go unnoticed by the user, but they add up to a more refined experience.
Reimagining Space, One Surface at a Time
What was once utilitarian can become inviting. With the right system, even an unused rooftop can evolve into something functional—an open-air place where people want to pause, breathe, and return refreshed.
Explore the full range of pedestal decking systems available through Elevated Deck Systems™ and take the next step in creating workplace environments that support both performance and well-being.
