Good roof design is imperative to ensuring a roof lasts and is also aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

When it comes to the residential world, there are some roof designs that truly stand out, whether this due to their structural, ecological or aesthetic design choices. Then there are also those roofs that stand out because they’re simply quirky.

In today’s blog, we’ll be looking at 5 residential roof designs that are all astonishing or notably unique for their own reasons.

1. Shark roof

* Source: GOC53

When it comes to a unique residential roof design, it’s hard to go past the roof of Bill Heine’s, a resident of Headington in Oxford, England. While his neighbours complained and town planners tried to have the fibreglass shark embedded in his roof removed, Mr Heine’s fought for his artistic statement (an objection to the atomic bomb) and, in the end, was allowed to keep the design. While he was allowed to keep the design, this has not allowed for others to incorporate equally stand-out designs on their roof as his was considered an extraordinary artistic statement.

2. An eco-friendly apartment complex

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Green roofs have become a popular option among individuals and businesses that want to be more eco-friendly towards the world in light of their building’s construction. One phenomenal example is that of Hundertwasser House in Vienna, which is an apartment complex originally designed by architect Friedenscreich Hundertwasser.

The complex itself was built between 1983 and 1986 and, since then, has been considered one of the most eco-friendly residential buildings in Europe. Along with its eco-friendly sensibilities, the green roof is also a visual delight, with its roof designed in a wave-like manner that spirals upwards.

3. A roof fit for golf

* Source: Tréndir

When you have a home sitting atop high in the hill of Spain, what should you do to your roof? Well, include a mini-golf course is the answer to this rather specific question. As it stands, the roof to this futuristic-looking home stretches outwards towards a river valley, with the roof being supported by tough steel and aluminium frames. Futuristic in aesthetics, built to support a roof structure that overhangs, and allows for a fun game of golf. It’s not too often these attributes come together in one home.

4. Bubbles

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In Tourette-sur-Loup, France, there is a home that has been designed to resemble bubbles. From the actual walls and roofing of the house to their windows, everything is achieved in a spherical design. However, the design is more than just aesthetic. The bubble windows and their placement allow for natural light to easily enter the home through the day, and provides a wonderful view of the night sky once the sun goes down.

The house was designed by Antti Lovag, one of Hungary’s most prized architects, back in the 1970s. It was intended to be the residential home for French fashion icon Pierre Cardin.

5. Make your privacy public

* Source: DigsDigs

The chief reason this next roof design has been included is simply because of the fact that it goes against most expectations of what you could or should do on a roof. In Japan, this roof design accounts primarily for the inclusion of an entire bathroom, which is only surrounded by glass.

You’d certainly need to be comfortable in your own skin to use this bathroom and wouldn’t want to have any qualms with doing your private business (undressing, showering, number 1s and number 2s). While the shower does have a curtain you can pull across, there’s nothing else there to provide you with privacy for your other bathroom-related tasks.

However, for as much as this rooftop bathroom design is certainly not for those who like privacy, there’s no denying that the design is still, on an aesthetic level, appealing. The glass walling allows for complete natural lighting and the rooftop bathroom overlooks a patio area. In our view, we’d be fine if the rooftop just had a pool on it instead.

Have any other fantastic residential roof designs you believe deserve a mention here? Share them with us in the comments below.