Trends in pitched roof architecture
The roof is the most important architectural component of the house, which largely determines its appearance.
For many thousands of years, it has come a long way of development and continues to change, following new technologies and fashion trends. So, what trends can be distinguished today in the design of roofs and the choice of roofing materials?
1. Original, non-standard roof shape
Just a couple of decades ago, most private developers were forced to limit themselves to the simplest pitched roofs. Anything is possible today. The development of technologies and materials has made it possible to create the most complex designs that can surprise even the most discerning consumer.
There are a lot of options. For example, a multi-level roof, in which the slopes do not converge in the ridge, but create a broken structure. If the house has a complex shape, it can be decorated with a multi-gable rafter system, which is a combination of several gable (gable) elements.
On houses of a variable number of stories, multi-level roofs are actively in use. For the calculation of the slope of the roof, the slope intercept form calculator will make your calculation easy.
But, being carried away by design delights, it is worth remembering that the more complex the roof, the more expensive it is. In addition, calculating a fancy “hat” for a house requires a highly-skilled architect. If you make mistakes, for example, in determining the angles of inclination of the slopes, snow and rainwater will linger on the roof, which is fraught with leaks.
2. Shed roofs
Shed roofs are increasingly erected over the walls of small, budget country houses – planes lying on walls of different heights. The main advantage of such a roof is its maximum cheapness.
It is quite easy to design it, there will be few materials, and the weight of the structure will be minimal, which will also save on the foundation. But it should be borne in mind that the attic space under such a roof will directly depend on the height of the ceiling, which means that you need to approach its layout with special care.
3. Gable roofs for wooden house building
Despite the fact that today architects can offer a roof of the most bizarre shape, gable structures do not give up their positions due to their simplicity, practicality, and ease of execution.
This time-tested, practical configuration has been and remains the most popular in the frequent timber construction industry.
4. Asymmetrical roofs
Even the simplest roof gives some room for imagination. For example, you can make the slopes asymmetrical, adding originality to the house. This decision, under the funny name “salt shaker”, came from the United States.
The first settlers created temporary dwellings, and then completed it, “building up” the house where it was needed. This is how the fashion for stingrays of different lengths appeared, which has taken root in our country.
5. Green roofs
In the so-called eco-construction, focused on the maximum environmental friendliness of building materials, green roofs are increasingly encountered. The surface of the slopes covers with a layer of soil and grass, low shrubs, and sometimes trees can plant on it.
This tradition comes from Norway. A living roof not only decorates the house but also serves as an excellent heat insulator, which, in fact, makes it popular in countries with cold climates.
6. Multi-colored roofs
The widest range of roofing materials allows you to “paint” the most bizarre patterns on the roof. By combining tiles of different colors and shades, you can create bright mosaic panels on the slopes.
Flexible shingles show themselves well here. But of course, it is important not to forget about good taste and a sense of proportion. A picturesque roof should not draw too much attention to itself. It is necessary to harmoniously combine it both with the facades of the house and with the surrounding landscape.
7. Roofing as a reflection of national architectural traditions
In different countries, the criteria for beauty are quite different, and what people consider attractive in our country is unacceptable, say, in the countries of East Asia.
Such structures not only look beautiful but also protect the house well. Snow easily melts from steep overhangs, and in latitudes where winter can last more than six months, this is especially important.
8. Reconstruction and construction of shingles roofed temples
Previously, tiles use mainly wooden shingles and gilding, but now flexible bituminous tiles are increasingly you can find on the domes of churches.
9. The contrasting combination of roof and facade
When choosing a coloristic solution for facades and roofs, there are two main ways – a combination of two related colors and a contrast of opposites.
The second option is in vogue today. Choosing light walls to a dark roof and vice versa, you can fully emphasize the individual characteristics of the house.
10. Black roofs
In terms of design, a black roof is a win-win solution. It matches the facades of any color and shade in the best way. In addition, dark roofing materials emphasize the architecture of the roof, “drawing” a clear silhouette against the sky, so they are in use when the structure has a complex shape.
11. Round roofs
The emergence of flexible shingles, which easily take the desired shape, gave impetus to the development of spherical, hemispherical, and ¼ spherical roofs, which look very unusual and are always striking.
But there is a significant advantage in this kind of design – it does not care about the strongest wind. A house with a rounded dome can withstand even a hurricane.
12. An integrated approach to the design of buildings
For professional architects, an integrated approach to a project is more important than ever. Both the house and the roof should place in harmony with each other, with full-fledge parts of a common whole.
And of course, in order for the building to please the eye, you need to fit it into the surrounding landscape, emphasizing its beauty.
