Architecture
5 Types of Sloping Roofs That Hit the Right Pitch
Take a look at the everyday roof from a new angle
A roof is one of the most functional aspects of any house, providing the very essence of shelter. But just because it serves this important purpose doesn’t mean it can’t be an exciting architectural feature. By considering the pitch – the steepness of a roof – and the combination or intersection of planes, a roof can turn your home not only into something visually unique, but also into a more functional space for living.
Here, we consider five types of sloping roofs and their pitch perfect benefits.
Here, we consider five types of sloping roofs and their pitch perfect benefits.
… 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.
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.
2. Butterfly roof (or inverted gable roof) …
Resembling the wingspan of a butterfly, this roof consists of two planes that slant down towards each other. The butterfly roof gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s and is still used by contemporary architects today.
Step inside this cramped Coogee cottage
Resembling the wingspan of a butterfly, this roof consists of two planes that slant down towards each other. The butterfly roof gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s and is still used by contemporary architects today.
Step inside this cramped Coogee cottage
… 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.
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.
3. Oblique roof
Steeply pitched, an oblique roof appears like a giant wing soaring above a building’s outer edge.
Steeply pitched, an oblique roof appears like a giant wing soaring above a building’s outer edge.
… for privacy and shelter outdoors
As an oblique roof extends beyond the walls of the house, it provides privacy and shelter for outside entertaining areas while still allowing natural light to filter inside.
As an oblique roof extends beyond the walls of the house, it provides privacy and shelter for outside entertaining areas while still allowing natural light to filter inside.
4. 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.
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 lightness in structure
Because of its tensioned and curved structure, the roof requires only minimal contact with exterior walls and no internal supports, as can be seen in this awning that shades a rooftop terrace. The hyperbolic roof is ideal for home owners who want an open, light and economic building.
Because of its tensioned and curved structure, the roof requires only minimal contact with exterior walls and no internal supports, as can be seen in this awning that shades a rooftop terrace. The hyperbolic roof is ideal for home owners who want an open, light and economic building.
5. Saw-tooth roof
A saw-tooth roof is a series of ridges comprised of a vertical glass window that meets a pitched roof. The name, obviously, refers to the fact that these roofs look like the teeth on a saw and may consist of a single ‘tooth’ or many ‘tooths’.
A saw-tooth roof is a series of ridges comprised of a vertical glass window that meets a pitched roof. The name, obviously, refers to the fact that these roofs look like the teeth on a saw and may consist of a single ‘tooth’ or many ‘tooths’.
… 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.
TELL US
We’d love to see if you have a roof that strikes a different pitch. Share a photo in the Comments.
MORE
Understanding Flat Roof Construction
Houzz Tour: Butterfly Roof Flatters Sydney Terrace
The Shed Roof: Why It Works
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.
TELL US
We’d love to see if you have a roof that strikes a different pitch. Share a photo in the Comments.
MORE
Understanding Flat Roof Construction
Houzz Tour: Butterfly Roof Flatters Sydney Terrace
The Shed Roof: Why It Works
A mono-pitched roof is a single-sloping surface or roof plane angled in only one direction.
A split mono-pitched roof, as on this house pictured, uses two separate, unattached, non-intersecting planes.