Rank «fifth facade» or «fifth wall» the roof was given for a reason – this is one of the fundamental elements of the structure. The functional load on this part of the structure can hardly be overestimated. It protects the house from natural manifestations in the form of precipitation, winds and the scorching sun, helping to maintain the microclimate necessary for life inside..
In addition to its practical value, the roof also has a decorative function. With it, you can give the structure a finished look or decorate the house in an unusual way. The roof allows the entire structure to maintain a certain style or to give it the desired shape.
Flat roof in building design
The main thing is the division of roofs into flat and pitched. The second type was for a long time more common and was used in private construction most often. But the trend of recent years allows us to confidently note the increasingly frequent use of a flat roof as a decorative element of a building. Moreover, this form is an integral part of the overall design style..
There are several distinct advantages that distinguish a flat roof from others. Among them:
- relative cheapness;
- well thought-out system for the safe removal of snow and water;
- variety of possibilities for design ideas;
- the ability to use a wide range of materials.
To make the construction of a flat roof less expensive, its small area allows. In addition, simple installation will not require additional costs for installation and maintenance of this part of the house. It is also worth noting that maintenance of technical heating elements (chimney) or energy supply (solar panels, windmills) is greatly simplified on a flat surface..
The fact that communications, fans, air conditioning units and many other things can be easily placed on such a roof is also a bonus for its owner. At the same time, the facade of the house will not look loaded with devices that may not fit into the general idea of the designer..
The safety of such a roof during heavy rainfall raises doubts among many. They are unreasonable, since with proper installation, the possibility of large blocks of snow falling, as in the case of pitched roofs, is excluded. Usually snow is on the roof all winter long, after which the melt water goes into the drains.
Competently calculated parameters will provide the roof with the necessary lifting capacity, eliminating the risk of collapse of the structure. Some flat deck structures even allow a pool to be installed on it.
This additional area can be used in various ways. The open space can be transformed into a terrace, garden, sports area and more. Here you can place an observation deck or equip a cozy corner with wicker furniture and a canopy.
Despite the openness of this surface, the roof is a secluded place. Therefore, you can spend time there for any activity. A family breakfast or a romantic dinner surrounded by small trees in tubs will give everyone a lot of pleasure..
On a roof with a flat surface, you can use landscape design elements. With enough funds, you can set up a garden that cannot be equipped with a pitched structure. Some nature lovers organize greenhouses, flower beds and greenhouses in this useful area. With the right approach and design, you can provide yourself and your family with a year-round harvest of fruits and vegetables.
In the interior of such premises, you can use all kinds of design techniques. What is on the roof of the building will not interfere with the implementation of any design idea inside the house..
You can use a flat roof for buildings in different styles. Most of all, such a design solution suits modern styles: hi-tech, minimalism. You can find a flat roof as a finishing element in the construction of frame houses.
What material can be used
For a flat roof, piece or sheet materials are best suited. The main property of such a material is the ability to create a solid carpet. Among its varieties:
- polymers;
- bitumen;
- bitumen-polymer materials;
- mastics.
These materials, combined with thermal insulation, screed and core slabs, can form the basis for stunning designs in flat roof deck designs..
Flat roof house and general plot style
Since houses with flat roofs are most in line with modern stylistic trends, straight lines and simple shapes will be the best design for such a structure. At the same time, there are no clear restrictions on the choice of landscape design elements..
In the vicinity of such a structure, elements from natural and artificial stone, metal and plastic will organically look. The terrace can be decorated with decking or natural board. A path made of slabs of the correct shape will emphasize the severity of the outlines of the building.
If there are some other structures on the site: a bathhouse, a garage, a technical room, then they must be maintained in the same style, then the harmony of the entire ensemble will be achieved. Perfectly fits into the overall picture of a pond or pool of the correct shape. Lighting fixtures can be hidden. It is better to use spotlights mounted directly into the walls of buildings, walkways and other structures.
You should not install elaborate fountains and lanterns with monograms in old styles on the territory. They will add inconsistency to the overall atmosphere. If this element is nevertheless used, then its color palette should be kept in neutral shades characteristic of the minimalist style: white, black, beige, sand. Chrome elements will look great. They can be stair railings, details of benches, lighting fixtures, garden furniture and more..
The simplicity of flat roof structures will require the appropriate design of the entire site. At the same time, the flight of the designer’s imagination is not much limited.