The Architect's Toolbox: A Roof That Connects Earth to Sky
The design of a roof can connect us to the earth or, above all, lift us up. Which style is for you?
A roof has many important functions. Its main purpose may be to shed water and protect us
from the elements, but a well-thought-out roof does so much more. It can bind us to the landscape or soar upward. And the best roofs can do both at once
A roof can also serve as a platform and foil for chimneys, cupolas, wind vanes, and anything else
that might be on top of it. And the roof becomes the terrace that puts us on top of everything.
From the classic inverted “V” of gable roofs to flat slabs, roofs come in many shapes and forms.
The gable roof of the farmhouse tells a different story from the grassy hip roof that surrounds the
ground. And the roofs of the seemingly non-existent modernist houses tell us a completely
different story.
Some roofs hug the ground and touch the sky. This roof aspires to what is above and at the same
time is connected like a tent with a wide meadow. The simple geometry of the roof shape is
emphasized by the absence of shadows at the gable ends. And the thin slit roof windows of the
barn are like half-open eyes that are neither awake nor asleep.
Some roofs reach higher when they come up and lift us up. Starting with a simple gable, the
roof follows the geometry of the form below. The roof is extended from here and subtracted from
there. All the while it pulls us into the clearing and rewards us with a bit of sky.
A simple roof shape can be powerful in any sky. Minimal details in a monochromatic palette
allow us to focus on what’s important. The simple yet powerful shape reads more clearly against
the vibrant blue sky.
The roof can become a platform on which the cupola illuminates the night sky. Whether
cupolas, chimneys, or anything else, these elements of the roof continue their vertical movement,
directing the gaze upward. The ubiquitous and often small size weather vanes can achieve the same
effect.
Even a humble roof can be a bridge between earth and sky. The simple roof form with simple
windows and doors keeps the house cozy and rustic, while the two brick chimneys keep us from
forgetting the sky above us.
Sometimes we hide the roof. Here, like a Dutch street scene, the wall takes overs and dominates.
Nevertheless, the wall continues to rise upward, revealing the shape of the roof behind it.
Sometimes we let the roof take over. We extend the roof over the walls and let the sun cast deep
shadows. And the inverted “V” was emphasized as a motif.
A flat, modern roof anchors us. All our spatial experiences are horizontal or Euclidean. As if the
sky doesn’t matter anymore.
But sometimes that flat roof blows away. Not always satisfied with the ground, the flat,
modernist roof curves and slopes toward the sky. It starts to lift us high like the wings of a jet
plane.
Let us know: what about the roof of your house? Does it lift you up? Does it tie you to Earth?
Would you change it if you could?
Next:
Additional gadgets from architect’s toolbox https://kdroofers.com
Find home design inspiration https://kdroofers.com
Nitharsana
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