5 Bizarre Roof Designs from Around the World You Must See!
Throughout history and across cultures, roofs have not just been practical, weather-shielding components of homes, but also canvas for architectural innovation and artistic expression. Some regions have given birth to roof designs that may seem bizarre to outsiders but are often deeply rooted in local culture, history, or environmental needs. Here's a fascinating look at five of the most unique and bizarre roof designs from around the globe.
Cubic Houses of Rotterdam, Netherlands
Design: Imagine a forest of trees, but instead of tree tops, there are cube houses jutting out at odd angles. Architect Piet Blom's innovative design turns cubes tilted over by 45 degrees to rest on hexagon-shaped pylons.
Tradeoff: While visually spectacular, these houses are not the most space-efficient, given the irregular shape.
Implication: A testament to the blend of art and architecture, these houses reflect the idea of "living as an urban roof" where each house represents a tree.
Reversible Destiny Lofts – Tokyo, Japan
Design: These apartments look like a mix of children's playhouses with bright colors and odd shapes. Designed by architects Arakawa and Madeline Gins, they intended the complex design to challenge inhabitants and thus extend their lifespan.
Tradeoff: The quirky design features can sometimes be impractical for daily living.
Implication: The lofts represent a unique architectural philosophy, emphasizing interaction between inhabitants and their surroundings.
Stave Churches – Norway
Design: These wooden churches boast roofs with multiple tiers, often intricately carved with Norse and Viking motifs.
Tradeoff: The delicate wooden designs require regular maintenance to prevent decay in Norway’s wet climate.
Implication: Beyond their religious function, these churches are living reminders of Norway’s medieval history and its Viking past.
The Lotus Temple – New Delhi, India
Design: Resembling a half-open lotus flower surrounded by its leaves, this Bahá'í House of Worship consists of 27 free-standing, marble-clad "petals".
Tradeoff: The complex design and vast space make it a challenging structure for climate control.
Implication: Symbolizing purity and beauty, it’s a place where people of all religions can gather to worship.
The Dali House – Catalonia, Spain
Design: Famed surrealist artist Salvador Dali's house in Portlligat is a labyrinthine structure with a bizarre roof featuring giant egg sculptures and other eccentric designs.
Tradeoff: Functionality clearly took a backseat to form in this design.
Implication: The house stands as an extension of Dali’s artistic mind, filled with quirks only he could dream up.
In conclusion, while some of these roof designs might seem bizarre to the unacquainted eye, each tells a tale of cultural richness, architectural daring, or individual genius. They serve as powerful reminders that roofs, often seen just as protective shields, can also be canvases for expressing identity, history, or sheer artistic bravado.
