Hyperbolic paraboloid roof (or saddle roof) A hyperbolic roof curves both ways – following a convex curve about one axis and a concave curve about the other. The tension of the roof makes it appear as if stretched from corner to corner, creating a seemingly organic form. While progressive architects first used the hyperbolic paraboloid roof in the 1950s and 1960s, it still evokes a very modern aesthetic today.
for eco-friendliness The butterfly roof eliminates the need for traditional gutter and downspout systems as rainwater drains into the central trough where it can be harvested. It also boosts the energy efficiency of the house as solar panels can be strategically mounted at an angle to maximise the rays of the sun.
… for natural light and a sense of spaciousness A mono-pitch roof allows for higher ceilings, provides space for clerestory windows (windows above eye level) under the eaves of the roof, and enables architects to lengthen gallery windows on the seams of the house. This allows for an influx of natural light in the house, enhanced views, and a greater sense of spaciousness inside.
Materials The roof slope has a direct effect on the materials a shed roof can be covered with. Any slope less than 5cm in 30cm is considered flat and must be waterproofed as such. Slopes between 5:30 and 10:30 are generally considered low slope, while those between 10:12 and 30:12 are considered conventionally sloped. Each roof material has its own limitation with respect to roof slope, beyond which it’s either not advisable to use, or special procedures must be followed to install that material. Having said this, with the right budget, (almost) anything is possible.
Metal roofing Low maintenance, a crisp aesthetic and an affordable price point make this a favourite roof finish of mine. Metal roofing can be site-fabricated, where the pans are formed from metal coil stock, or it can be pre-manufactured and arrive on-site already formed into pans. The preformed pans can be installed quickly and, depending on the finish, can have a warranty of up to 35 years. I like the look of natural galvanised sheeting, a bright silver that dulls with age, and its natural patina protects the finish from corrosion. When that’s not right for the project, I select a painted grey galvanised sheet that mimics a natural metal finish.
Elevated roof Sometimes it’s not the building you want to appear to be floating but parts of it. In this farm house design by Richard Cole Architecture, he firmly grounds the building into the flat landscape to accentuate the hovering roof form that appears to detach like a rocket from its main body. To achieve this, minimal steel structure holds up the roof at various points with perimeter glazing installed to visually separate the main body of the house from the roof form above. The fact that you can see right through the glazing to the landscape beyond helps create the floating illusion.
Structure In another Richard Cole design, the roof members, which are set on an angle, appear to buckle under the weight of pressure trying to hold the roof up. The illusion is deliberate, to once again create a floating roof. The key to this design is once again the perimeter glazing that allows light and the outside to be more visible from the inside. There is a clear distinction between the roof form and the main body of the house below.
Modern application: Even in different climatic conditions, directing airflow can increase the perception of a comfortable temperature and contribute to a natural ventilation strategy. These wind cowls (or chimneys) were designed for the BedZed housing project in the U.K. They adjust to the direction of the wind to draw air through a ventilation system in the apartments below, while minimizing heat loss.
VELUXSave to IdeabookEmail Photo Velux Sun Tunnel Skylight Light from a skylight can be harsh, creating a spotlight effect and bringing as much heat into the house as light.
Roofing: That’s interesting: The architects looked to cool-store technology (usually used in warehouses where bulk frozen foods are housed) when searching for a roofing material that would deliver a budget-friendly option that also offered superb insulation. They used structural insulated panels (SIPs) where a thick layer of insulation is sandwiched between steel panels.
for warmth and light Architects used saw-tooth roofs in 19th-century factories before the days of electric lighting, when daylight needed to reach the deep dark recesses of the building. Thus, a saw-tooth roof more effectively exploits daylight, allowing natural light and warmth to spread further into the house.
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