ROOFS

Because of its tensioned and curved structure, the roof requires 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 homeowners who want an open, light and economic building.

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4. Hyperbolic paraboloid, 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 makes the roof appear as if it is 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 modern aesthetic today.

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As an oblique roof extends beyond the walls of the house, it provides privacy and shelter for outside entertaining areas while allowing natural light to filter inside.

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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 can also boost the energy efficiency of the house, as solar panels can be strategically mounted at an angle to maximize the rays of the sun.

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2. Butterfly, or inverted, gable roof. Resembling the wings of a butterfly, this roof consists of two planes that slant down toward each other. The butterfly roof gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s and is still used by architects today.

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A monopitched 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, enhanced views and a greater sense of spaciousness inside.

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1. Monopitched roof. A monopitched roof is a single sloping surface or roof plane angled in only one direction. A split monopitched roof, as on the house seen here, has two separate, unattached, nonintersecting planes.

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