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Roofs Around the World

by | Roofing

If you’re reading this indoors, you are sitting under a roof. If you’re reading this outdoors, it sounds like you’re probably not with us in Northeast Wisconsin. Roofs are usually above our heads; often, we don’t even think about them. Here are some of the coolest roofs around the world that are definitely difficult to ignore.

Roofs Around the World

 

Togo, Africa – Tata-Somba House

Traditional mud house with a thatched roof, exemplifying roofs from around the world, stands in a sunny rural landscape. The structure boasts round and rectangular shapes amidst grassy surroundings and a blue sky. A smaller circular hut peeks from the left.

Though simple in design, the traditional Tata-Somba houses of the Tammari people in Benin and Togo are elaborate in their utility – providing basement levels for livestock and drying areas for grain on the roof. The thatch coverings provide shade from the sun.

 

Moscow, Russia – St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil's Cathedral, showcasing its vibrant, onion-shaped domes, stands majestically under a blue sky with white clouds. Located in Moscow's Red Square, this iconic wonder is a striking example of fascinating roofs around the world as people bustle below, enjoying the captivating view.

Russia’s beautiful onion domes have become synonymous with the nation’s traditional architecture. The unique roofing element was originally implemented to keep snow from piling up on tent churches and is now said to symbolize a burning candle.

 

Kathmandu, Nepal – Pagoda

The tiered-eave roofing design of traditional pagodas in Nepal, Japan, China, Vietnam and Southeast Asia is a one-of-a-kind way to construct a tower. Often, the roof of a pagoda is decorated with an elaborate metal finial at its point, which functions as a lightning rod.

 

Kitzsteinhorn, Austria – Igloo

Three snow-covered igloos, showcasing unique roofs from around the world, are set against a backdrop of a mountain range under a blue sky. The igloos have doorways and are surrounded by snowy terrain, with peaks visible in the distance.

A hut made entirely out of snow and ice, igloos work by using the snow as an insulator for the body heat of the persons inside. This domed roof design allows the heat to circulate, producing up to a 50-degree difference in temperature between the inside and outside.

 

Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, China

Panoramic view of a traditional Fujian Tulou, showcasing one of the unique roofs around the world. This round, multi-storied earth building features tiered rooftops and wooden balconies beneath a partly cloudy blue sky. Red lanterns hang from the eaves, with clothes visible on the balconies.

Though traditional Chinese architecture is an extremely broad field covering many different building styles and influences, the decorative tiled roofing is almost ubiquitous throughout the historical building scape. Flashed eaves are common on temples or homes of wealthy people and incorporate decorative figures and murals along the eaves.

 

Milan, Italy – Duomo Di Milano

A large crowd gathers in front of the Milan Cathedral, a Gothic architectural marvel with intricate spires and detailed facade, under a clear blue sky. The square is bustling with people, admiring one of the most famous roofs around the world and capturing a lively atmosphere.

Gothic buildings and cathedrals are recognizable by their buttresses and heavenward-pointed architecture. The use of spires is perhaps the biggest distinction of Gothic roofing. No building exemplifies this better than the Duomo Di Milano in Milan, Italy. Not only is it a perfect example of Gothic architecture, but it holds the award for the most spired building in all of Europe.

 

West Sumatra, Indonesia – Lareh Sago Halaban House

A traditional Minangkabau house, celebrated for its roofs admired around the world, stands under a blue sky. The building features intricate wooden details, nestled within a lush garden with a pathway guiding visitors to the inviting entrance.

The term Rumah Gadang is Indonesian for “Big House,” and perhaps there is no more appropriate name for this style, which features dramatic curved roofs with multi-tiered unswept gables.

 

Samoa – Fale

A rustic beachfront hut with a thatched roof, reminiscent of roofs around the world, features wooden lattice sides standing proudly on sandy ground. The turquoise sea sparkles in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Traditional Samoan Fale (“House”) features wooden skeletal poles holding a large domed roof. These expansive roofs are constructed from thatch, traditionally woven by Samoan women.

 

Glaumbaer, Iceland – Turf House

A sod-covered house with a turf roof showcases the unique charm of roofs around the world. Featuring small white-framed windows and a triangular wooden door, the structure sits on a grassy field under a cloudy sky. A red-roofed building is partially visible in the background.

Based on Viking longhouses, the turf houses of Iceland feature grass-covered roofing. The widespread availability of turf at the time of settlement allowed for its utility as a roofing material. They are rare to see nowadays but make up an important part of Iceland’s rich architectural history.

 

Tamil Nadu, India – The Kanchipuram Kailasanathar Temple

A stunning example of roofs around the world, this colorful Hindu temple features intricate carvings and statues on its tall gopuram tower. Encircled by ornate walls and framed against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, the sandy ground in front provides a clear and open space.

 

Perhaps the most interesting roofs in the world, Gopurams, are found at the entrance to Hindu temples and serve as massive 3-dimensional murals depicting elements and characters of Hindu mythology. The tallest Gopuram in the world is almost 25 stories high. That’s 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty (without her pedestal)!

Did you enjoy this tour of roofs around the world? Looking to spruce up your roof? Contact us!