When the topic of roofing systems are brought up, most people automatically think about the roofs on their homes or commercial buildings. This is actually quite understandable as those are the roofs that you see on a daily basis. However, throughout the years, there have been a few roofing systems that stand out with genius design and breathtaking aesthetic appeal that are renowned around the world.
Some of these world-famous roofing systems include:
- Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall – When it comes to the topic of green roofs, the Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall is one of the most prominent examples that experts will give you. This is because it’s one of the best examples of promoting green roofing in a highly urbanized environment as the building is situated in the middle of a busy city. Thanks to the aid of ecological architect Emilio Ambasz, the roof of the Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall can be explored like a park as walking paths, gardens and reflection pools were integrated into the roof’s design.
- St. Peter’s Basilica – Whenever a person hears the words “Vatican City”, chances are one of the first things that’ll come to their mind is the Basilica at St. Peter’s Square. And with good reason as not only is it regarded as one of the largest places dedicated to Catholic worship but its roofing system is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Italy. Built using the Renaissance style of architecture over 500 years ago, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is also one of the largest domes in the world.
- Olympiapark – Olympiapark was built in Munich, Germany in order to accommodate the 1972 Summer Olympic Games. However, one tidbit about this building that people may find surprising is that Olympiapark’s roof isn’t made of solid material; instead, it’s actually made of “skinned” material that can be lightweight and durable at the same time. In fact, due to this, you can actually walk up the roof and zipline from the top.
- Domed Roofs of Santorini – Santorini is one of the most popular tourist destinations around the globe for its pristine beaches and wonderful views. However, these aren’t the only things that make Santorini a prominent place: roofing on their buildings do as well. Like St. Peter’s Basilica, you can also see domed roofs in Santorini and these roofs are usually made with whitewashed limestone that can reflect the sun’s rays and keep home interiors as cool as possible. Other than that, the design of these roofs also allows strong winds and storm surge to pass over the building without creating structural pressure, preventing them from sustaining any damage.
- Hospice Roofs – The region of Burgundy in France is often known for a few things such as great wine, delicious dishes, Dijon mustard, and for being the cradle of one of Europe’s most prominent ruling families, the Habsburgs. However, what some don’t realize is that Burgundy has a popular tourist attraction in the form of their hospices. These buildings, which are medical facilities that date back to the 15th century, have roofs that have eye-catching patterns, colors and designs, making them one of the most well-known roofs around the world.
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral – St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the mother church of Vienna’s Archdiocese and dates back to the 14th century. However, its age and history aren’t the only things that make the cathedral well-known. In fact, it’s roof is one of the features that help make it one of the most prominent landmarks of Vienna. This is due to the fact that the roof, which is made with 230,000 multi-colored, glazed tiles, can form images such as the coat of arms of Austria as well as the heraldry of the city of Vienna. Apart from that, the steepness of the roof also ensures that it’ll only need rainwater to be washed clean.
- St. Basil’s Cathedral – Located in Moscow, Russia, St. Basil’s Cathedral is another landmark that’s known for its roofing system. According to experts, the famously colored roof and patterned domes were added in several stages throughout the 1680s all the way up to the 1860s to properly reflect the changes in Russian styles. The vivid colors used on the roof, on the other hand, were heavily favored during the 17th century.
- Sydney Opera House – The roof of the Sydney Opera House is said to be one of the most unique structures in the world thanks to its curvaceous and shell-like shape. Believe it or not, however, the roof of the Sydney Opera House wasn’t made from scratch; it was actually made of precast concrete panels that were covered by over a million tiles that were imported from Sweden. Designed by Jorn Utzon, the Sydney Opera House took 14 years to complete and cost 102 million Australian dollars, 13 ½ times the original budget.
- Casa Mila – Whenever people talk about Barcelona, Spain, the tourist attraction they’ll automatically think about is the Sagrada Familia. However, there is another unique attraction in Barcelona that was designed by the very same architect who designed the Sagrada Familia: Casa Mila. Designed by Antoni Gaudi, the construction of the Casa Mila began in 1906 and was completed in 1910, gradually becoming one of the city’s most remarkable sights. This is partially thanks to its roofing system, as it has skylights, fans, chimneys and staircase exits that are made of lime-covered brick and broken marble or glass. This allows stunning sculptures to be integrated into the building itself.
- Thean Hou Temple – While it may look like it was constructed centuries ago, the Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur is actually only a quarter of a century old. The misconception that it’s an ancient structure can be attributed to its roof, which are adorned with multi-colored tiles, sweeping curves and dragon sculptures.
Need someone who can help you replace your home’s roof? Look no further than Sterling Exteriors. With 15 years of home improvement experience under our belts, we are one of the leading experts to turn to when it comes to roofing and siding services and you can count on us! Not only are we dedicated to providing homeowners such as yourself with the best products on the market but we will also ensure that you receive nothing but the best customer service from our crew. Give us a call at (513) 685-8055 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote today! We serve homeowners in Cincinnati, Loveland, Newtown, and other nearby areas in OH.
