All homes have a roof. It’s an integral structure that keeps the weather out. Some roofs are purely functional; others are more aesthetically pleasing. Most homeowners go for functional rather than anything likely to win design awards, but in case you’re looking for inspiration, here are some amazing and unusual roof designs.
A Mushroom Roof
No, not literally. There is a property in Bethesda, Maryland, that has a very distinctive mushroom-shaped roof. Made from concrete, this roof really does resemble the soft curves of a mushroom. It’s even a similar color!
Surprisingly, the mushroom roof of the Bethesda property is actually rather attractive. There are skylights in the roof to bring in more light and a quick glance at the interior photos reveals a nice natural wood and stone aesthetic. The property was listed for sale on the market in 2018 and sold for a very respectable £1.5m. Clearly, there was at least one buyer who aspired to live in a mushroom house.
The Bob Hope Dome House
There is a house overlooking the Coachella Valley that has a very unusual roof design. Once the former residence of Bob Hope, this property looks a bit like a space-age UFO. The house was designed by famed architect, John Lautner, and is one of the most distinctive homes in the world. The giant domed roof has a central opening to allow light into an inner courtyard.
Sadly, the architect’s vision didn’t quite find a match with his celebrity clients. The Hopes envisaged something that reflected their celebrity status among the Hollywood elite, and when the house was finally finished, Mrs. Hope furnished it with gold, pink, and black furnishings, much to Lautner’s horror.
The house was restored in 2019, with new wood panels, LED lighting, and an infinity pool. Bob Hope’s former home may still look futuristic from the outside, but thankfully, it’s a bit more tasteful on the inside now!
Not all unusual roof designs are found in celebrity homes. The following are available if you have deeper than average pockets and a desire to create a home that’s a talking point in your neighborhood.
An Inverted Curve
Curved roofs are unusual, and you won’t see many unless you leaf through a design magazine. In a traditional design, a curved roof bends down towards the ground, creating a dome effect. An inverted curve is an exact opposite. Here, the roof curves up towards the sky.
As you might expect, this is a cutting-edge design for homeowners after a unique style of property. Not only does it look amazing from the outside, but it also creates some unusual ceilings inside the property.
Copper Roof
Copper is a non-standard roofing material, but when it’s first installed, the amazing rich color of this metal will give any property the “wow” factor. Copper roofs start off a rich burnt sienna shade and then slowly weather into a blue-green color. At no stage is a copper roof anything other than attractive, so it’s a great choice if the aesthetic appeal is at the forefront of your design process.
Another advantage of using copper as a roofing material is that it is extremely hard-wearing and long-lasting. A copper roof can easily last 100 years. That’s far longer than a shingle roof and probably much longer than you!
Copper roofs are also lightweight, which is an advantage, and resistant to fire, mildew, and golf ball-sized hail – another advantage if you happen to live in the mid-west where fierce storms are prevalent.
Green Roof
Green roofs are fast becoming the choice for eco-conscious homeowners. As the name suggests, a green roof is partially or completely covered in grass, flowers, or other vegetation. These roofs can be flat or partly slanted. Vegetation is planted over a waterproof membrane. An irrigation and root barrier is usually included.
One of the main advantages of a green roof is that it is environmentally friendly. Green roofs save energy and act as a rainwater buffer. When planted in an urban area, a green roof encourages biodiversity and filter out harmful pollutants.
The downside is that a green roof is heavy, and the underlying roof structure will need to be strengthened to support the extra weight of wet soil and vegetation.
All of these roofs are unusual or striking. If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may not want such a cutting-edge solution. But that’s OK, as a standard shingle or tile roof is perfectly fine. To find out more about your roofing repair or roofing replacement options, speak to Semper Solaris – you can find information on them here. Their roofing installations are covered by long manufacturer warranties and are designed to last.
Keep a close eye on your roof, whether it’s an inverted curve or a shingle apex. Roof problems need attention sooner rather than later, or you will have major problems to deal with.
