Unbelievable Roofs Used in Great Architecture
It can be said that a building is only as beautiful as its roof is. Great architecture wouldn’t be nearly as satisfying without the very thing that covers it, the roof. Ingenious roof design is an art in and of itself. Daring architects and carpenters have played with materials and shapes that would ordinarily never be considered for a proper roof. That is what makes the following buildings so artfully remarkable:
1. Brazilian Leaf Roof
In the easy breezy beachside town of Rio de Janeiro, there is a giant size banana leaf. That is to say, there is a house that has a roof shaped like a banana leaf. One can’t help but feel in a tropical paradise under this cool shading. The designers had the idea of man communing with nature when they built this seaside house. They truly pulled it off without a hitch.
2. Casa Battló
Antoni Gaudi’s influence is seen and felt all over Spain. As an architect, he reigns supreme in his bold use of color, texture and contrasting material usage. One of his most famous roofs is the Casa Battló . Resembling a mix between magnified fish scales, pieces of a broken mirror and flowering bulbs, this roof is the work of a true artist. When in Spain, and it doesn’t matter which city, one is sure to run into a Gaudi building. The spectacle of which will never leave one’s memory.
3. The Eden Project
In the south western region of England, Cornwall is a land of beauty and a haven for artists. One of the most divine examples of Cornwall’s dedication to artistic expression and environmental consideration is the roof of the Core at the Eden Project. The design is part sunflower and part Fibonacci code which is a mathematical calculation. The Eden Project is an educational institution on the inside and a design inspiration on the outside.
4. California Academy of Sciences
In San Francisco, some lucky students get to go to school under rolling green hills. The rooftop of the California Academy of Sciences is one wide green field with rolling hills and all. Students even get to lounge on this real grass roof during their breaks. As green buildings go, this one takes the cake.
5. Bellagio Hotel Flower Roof
The designers who showcase their work on the world famous Las Vegas strip know they have to bring their best game to this town. The roof is made of glass flowers that overlay each other in what appears to be a bed of blooming bulbs. The best part about this roof is that it is best enjoyed from the interior of the casino/hotel. A person is sure to get a sore neck from looking up for so long. In the dry desert of Nevada, this roof is a breath of fresh air.
Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher specializing in Austin commercial roofers. For readers who are interested in learning more about this subject, Peter recommends they check out KiddRoof.com.