In this post, we take a look at some modern roofs around the world that, as we talked about in an earlier blog, show roofs these days do more than just provide shelter over a building’s occupants, they also improve the energy efficiency of a building and serve as whole new area for a building. From roof replacement and roof restorations to roof designs from the get go, these buildings are stellar examples of how much roofing has evolved. 

Caterpillar House

We’ve all become conscious of the environment and the impact of our human activities on our world. Energy reduction and conservation is one aspect of reducing our environmental impact.

This ranch-style home has an award-winning roof, why? Not only does it have a peculiar yet stylish look with its elegant curved low slope, it also incorporates integrated photovoltaic panels which ensures the house is able to supply all of its own energy needs. It was designed by Feldman Architecture.

Victorian Desalination Project

The ultimate modern roof is green and it’s living and breathing – basically a roof built out of plants. These roofs have the standard base on which is laid a waterproof layer. It’s on this layer that all types of plants are grown. The largest installation of green roofing in the Southern hemisphere is the Victorian Desalination Plant Green Roof in Wonthaggi, Victoria. Blending with the surrounding landscape, the roofs also store and cleans rain water, whilst providing acoustic and thermal insulating properties for the buildings they sit atop. It’s designed by Aspect Studios.

Haus fur Julia und Bjorn (The House for Julia and Bjorn)

This two-storey home located in Western Austria was designed by Architekten Innauer Matt and features a steep roof and structural elements that include roof cantilevers (beams). The roof’s pitch allowed loft spaces to be created in both of the smaller bedrooms, each with its own staircase.

Treehouse Solling

This two-storey tower was designed by Baumraum and is located on top of a man-made lake in Uslar, North Germany. The roof was formed using curving sheets of zinc and incorporates a skylight, making it perfect for stargazing, not to mention save a ton in energy bills!

Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre

Designed by Dublin-based, Heneghan Peng Architects, the centre’s sloping grass roof cleverly shows off the amazing views of Ireland’s Antrim coastline and blends with the surrounding topography. The roof allows visitors to walk over the building and features window panels that expose glimpses of the exhibition space below.

Mirage

The flat and minimal look is currently a hot trend and this building takes the flat roof to whole other level. Sitting atop the sharp sloping rocky plot overlooking the Aegean Sea, Mirage is a single-story structure whose living space is covered by a rimless infinity pool rooftop. It was designed by Kois Associated Architects, and from a distance on higher ground it looks as if the pool is a part of the surroundings and the sea.

Quinta de Lemos

Designed by studio Carvalho Arujo, this building’s roof showcases the vast Portuguese landscape like no other. The immense concrete roof sits atop the single-storey Quinta de Lemos Guesthouse, Restaurant and Wine Showroom. Nestled amongst the rocky landscape, the roof is covered with paving slabs helping it to act as an extensive viewing platform.

Solar City

Buildings don’t have to be extreme to qualify as a modern roof with energy reducing properties. Many times it’s often a case of roof restoration or roof replacement, wherein roofers install or paint lighter colours on roofs. Light colours give an airier feel and have been proven to contribute to the thermal effectiveness of a building. In some parts of Queensland, we see a preference for lighter colours like cream and off-whites. Just like in Townsville with its groundbreaking project “Solar City”.