When it comes to the topic of roofs, experts say that not many people tend to pay them much attention. After all, to most people, it is just a component that covers their home and protects the property from the elements at the same time. However, there are some roofs around the world that simply turn heads, drawing attention for their spectacular design.
In this article, the expert roofers of Howard Roofing & Home Improvements list the five most famous roofs seen around the world.
1. Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall – The roof of Fukuoka Prefecture’s International Hall in Japan is one of the newest iconic structures that are classified as “green roofs”. Located in the middle of a busy, high-tech city, the roof of the hall boasts a combination of commercial and open green space with 15 green terraced steps that can be explored like a park, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty of nature in the middle of the city.
2. Sydney Opera House – The Sydney Opera House’s roof is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world due to its unique look. Designed by Jorn Utzon and taking 13 years to complete, the individual tiles that make up this roof numbered up to over a million and were imported from Sweden. Apart from that, it was also one of the earliest cases of structural analysis by computer.
3. The Domed Roofs of Santorini – In the island of Santorini, Greece, some homes and churches are built with domed roofing systems that are colored white and blue. While it’s definitely nice to look at, such a design does have a practical use. In fact, the domed shape of the roof prevents strong winds and storm surges from creating structural pressure when passing over. Other than that, the whitewashed limestone that it’s made of can also reflect the sun’s rays to keep the home’s interiors cool, improving the building’s energy efficiency.
4. St. Stephen’s Cathedral – St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the mother church of Vienna’s Archdiocese and its roof dates back to the 14th century. According to professionals, the roof is covered by 230,000 multicolored, glazed tiles which form various images such as the coat of arms of Vienna and the heraldry of the Republic of Austria itself. And if that isn’t enough, the roof is also steep enough that it’s never covered in snow and only requires rainwater to be washed clean.
5. The Hospice Roofs of Beaune – The Burgundy region of France is often known for its wines, Dijon mustard and dishes. However, this isn’t their only claim to fame; in the Burgundian city of Beaune, centuries-old hospices have enchanting roofs that provide eye-catching color patterns and designs, further increasing the beauty of Burgundy.
Need help deciding on a roof design? Make your search for an expert roofing contractor much easier by turning to Howard Roofing & Home Improvements. When it comes to roof replacement and repair services, we are the number one experts to approach and we won’t let you down! Give us a call at (636) 296-1057 or fill out our contact form to request a FREE quote. Talk to us today! We serve homeowners in St. Charles, MO, and other nearby areas.