The roof of a building is an important architectural feature, that requires in-depth research and a rationale before the design can be finalized. A roof not only makes up around 40% of the exterior of the building but it also helps against severe weather conditions, maintaining energy efficiency and providing extra inner space. Be it a house, a corporate building or a restaurant, the shape of the roof adds to its durability, ensures the building’s strength, and of course, enhances the overall aesthetic appeal. Top architects in Lahore use different roof styles in their architectural designs, depending upon the requirement of the client and the suitability of the structure. If you are planning to construct a building, be it residential or commercial, read the following list of top trending roof designs in Pakistan to make the best choice:
Butterfly Roof
The Butterfly roof design appears to be a v-shaped structure, supporting two wing-like constructions on each side that converge in the middle. As the name suggests, when you look at the roof, it looks like a butterfly in mid-flight. These roofs are a common choice in contemporary-styled homes and have been a popular choice in the residential buildings of Lahore in the late 90s. Butterfly roofs are aesthetically pleasing and give a more dramatic effect to the architecture of the house making them stand out. One prominent feature of this design is that it allows for loft windows to be easily incorporated into the building, allowing better natural ventilation and cooling effect in the summers, as the widows are constructed on the North-South line. North-facing windows receive minimum direct sunlight and help in keeping the inner environment cool. The materials commonly used by Pakistani Architectural firms to build these roofs include EPDM rubber, PVC, and other solid membranes, as they help in keeping the structure leak-proof and airtight. So if you are one of those people who want to add the 90s nostalgic vibe to your home while ensuring roof efficiency then this design is for you.
Saw-tooth Roof
The saw-tooth design of the roof consists of a series of slopes set at the same angle with dual pitches on each side of the sequence. This design is becoming popular in modern home designs and office buildings because of its sustainable features. The structure of the saw-tooth roof is such that the steep surfaces of the slope are built in a direction opposite to the equator ensuring minimum exposure to direct sunlight. Also, the steep ridges allow uniform light to enter the building through the ceiling, keeping the internal temperature cooler during the summers and cozy in the winters. These roofs are constructed using eco-friendly materials, including wood shingles, reinforced metal shingles, etc. As Pakistan experiences long spells of hot summers, top architects in Pakistan are actively using this style of roof in modern houses because it allows for higher ceilings, bigger windows, and larger living spaces. If you want a modern designed house with an efficiently functioning yet unique-looking roof then the saw-tooth roof design is the perfect choice for you.
Flat Roof
A flat roof is one of the simplest roof designs that you would see around. It has minimum or no slope at all, reflecting exactly what the name suggests- a flat surface on top of the building. Initially, these roofs were only used for single-story factories or buildings that were spread over a larger area but with the advancement in architectural design and innovation, these roofs are now incorporated in multiple-story houses, apartment buildings, and educational centers as well. This design offers numerous advantages that make it a hot trend. It gives an extra outdoor space that can be used in various manners including having a roof garden, a luxurious patio, or a roof deck that can be converted into a partial penthouse- giving it a more private feel. These roofs are easy to build, maintain, and clean. Also, because of their flat surface, they allow easy installation of solar panels and cooling units. Flat roofs are simple, effective, and purposeful. In case you want a minimalistic touch to your building and ensure efficiency, these roofs are the right ones for you.
Dutch Gable Roof
A Dutch gable is the old classic design of roofs. These roofs are the most commonly used styles in European countries. However, this roof design is gaining popularity in Pakistan now as well. People are now more open to stepping out of their comfort zones and experimenting with new styles. Dutch gable design typically has two sloping sections that join to form a pitched triangular roof. It is a budget-friendly and easy-to-build structure that can be built using numerous materials including wood, concrete tiles, cedar shingles, aluminum sheets, etc. This shape is preferred by some clients because it looks regal. Furthermore, these roofs allow the house to have higher walls and comparatively larger windows, both of which are important to help regulate the temperature in the form of natural ventilation. The triangular structure of the house lets the hot air travel up while keeping the temperature cooler inside. You will see a lot of houses that incorporate such roofs and look marvelous.
Skillion Roof
Skillion roofs are the top choice for architects that go with the minimalistic philosophy but want a touch of trendiness added to it. These roofs are also known as mono-pitch or shed roofs- that is actually a simple flat roof with a little style twist. In the skillion roof, the design includes a visible slope, usually attached to the taller wall of the house. This portrays that the roof of the house is higher at one point, while it is actually a stand-alone structure on a flat roof. This design is a popular choice amongst clients because of two reasons. The first one is the fact that they are significantly cheaper as compared to the other designs and they also offer an additional decorative feature to the building. Secondly, these roofs are very efficient for drainage issues. Many areas in Pakistan experience heavy monsoon rainfall and drainage becomes a challenge. Best Construction Companies in Pakistan use these roofs in their modern house designs to avoid the drainage problems and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the house.
Dome Roof
A dome-shaped roof is a very exclusive design that is not usually incorporated in residential buildings or corporate offices. They are more commonly seen in the designs of hospitality buildings, wellness sanctuaries, spas, mosques, and temples. However, with the active trend of installing skylights in houses, architects are now incorporating mini dome shape roofs for the casement. These roofs add to the value of the house and help in uplifting the aesthetics, both external and internal. With this type of roof design, there is a lot of room for creativity. Architects use dome roofed rooms in residential architecture to give them a more innovative and luxurious look. These inverted bowl-style roofs are an expensive option and require a strategic building approach which is why they are not a common choice for many people. But if you have a good budget and you want your house to have a unique and luxurious roof design then do consider combining dome roofs.
There are a number of roof designs that are being used in Pakistan depending upon the requirement of the building structure, preference of the client, and overall feasibility of the project. Each roof design offers significant structural advantages ranging from being eco-friendly to being extremely economical. Towards the end, the choice remains yours. So when looking to build, make sure you have a deeper insight of all the roof types.