We’ve compiled a list of our favourites
The Queen of England – now she is pretty famous world-wide. But did you know that there are famous roofs too? Maybe not quite as famous as the Queen (unless it is the roof of Buckingham Palace), but in both fact and fiction you’ll find references to well-known roofs.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourites – have you any to add?
Sydney Opera House
Perhaps one of the most iconic skylines you will see, this innovative roof is the brainchild of architect Jorn Utzon.
Some see it as shells, whereas other picture it as sails set against the surrounding water; whichever way you view them, they are created from concrete panels lined with a million and more Swedish times. However, that isn’t the most amazing thing about this roof – it just looks really great.
Centre Court, Wimbledon
Argh to live in Britain with the constant threat of rain! Hence the closing roof on the Centre Court was born, to protect the delicate court below and maintain suitable conditions for the players.
Made of folding fabric, it’s designed to open and close in a concertina fashion. An in-built air-flow system prevents the build-up of condensation and maintains the existing levels of light and air.
Gone now are the days when players dash off court at the first hint of rain!
Fiddler on the Roof
This iconic musical is full of mean and metaphors. Although it is considered that the title came about because the authors couldn’t decide and so randomly picked, others think the name has deep connotations.
The fiddler opens and closes the show on the roof, and this could be linked to the character’s position between old and new.
The roof is symbolic with a view, so again can be used for a metaphor as to what the character is going through. But really – it’s just great to have the word “roof” in the title - we’ll leave the analysis to the literally types!
Camille Pissarro - Red roofs, corner of a village, winter 1877
It seems famous painters appreciate the beauty of a roof skyline too. This charming picture features at the forefront a series of roofs peeing through the winter trees, mimicking the tones of the season. We think roofs are beautiful – so do painters, it seems!
Pointed Roofs – Dorothy M. Richardson
Although this book is not focused on roofs as its subject, we just loved the title – and why wouldn’t we?
This book is famous for its literal techniques, but for us, it’s all about the roofs…
Up on the roof
Who doesn’t love a musical classic – especially when it features roofs, like this little ditty?
It was probably made more famous in the 90’s by Robson and Jerome, but it doesn’t matter who made the best version, the words stay the same.
They speak about climbing up high, to let your cares drift away into space, symbolising the freedom of being on top of the world. To us, the roof is the most important aspect of your home – it protects and offers you freedom to enjoy your home – this song resonates with our own passions.
These different examples represent roofs at their most innovative, but at the end of the day, the most special roof is the one on top of your home – after all, where would you be without it?
If you need some inspiration, or to arrange a free, no obligation quote, please get in touch with our expert team today.