Owner: Joseph Pernaselli

Structural engineer: Larsen & Landis

Builder: Regensburg Home Improvement, Remo Construction Company

Metal fabricator: Delta Iron Works

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Year Completed: 2023

Size: 780 square feet

Photos: John Carlano

Project Description

This project entailed construction of a large roof deck, accessible via a pilot house, upon a 3-story townhouse in the Passyunk Square neighborhood of South Philadelphia. 

The existing building, the lower portion of which had once been an auto body shop, occupies the entire lot.  With no outdoor space or yards, it was particularly important to the owner that the roof deck be generous in size, plus as high as allowed by the zoning code. 

The deck frame is a hybrid of structural steel and dimensional lumber; the former chosen for long-term durability and stability, plus a particularly long span made necessary by the unusual layout of the existing house below.  The walking surface is composite decking made of reclaimed wood fiber and recycled plastic, and the perimeter guardrail consists of steel flat bar and stainless steel cable rail infill.

The deck does double duty as a means of cooling load avoidance.  Covering nearly the entire roof of the house, it blocks the summer sun, reducing air conditioning demand and improving comfort indoors.   

Inside the pilot house, a widened intermediate stair landing allows for a kitchenette with bar sink and undercounter beverage refrigerator to support activities on the deck.  A fire table will be installed at the front/north half of the deck.

The pilot house exterior wall and roof assemblies are well-insulated, air-sealed and include smart vapor control.  The cladding is high-density fiber cement installed in a rainscreen application.  Additional insulation was also applied to the roof of the house itself.

The roof deck affords remarkable 360˚ views across the city and beyond.  With few other buildings of comparable height in the immediate vicinity, one almost has the sensation of flying.