From pinnacles to domes, glazed tiles to gold, the world is full of astonishing roofs. Like the proverbial cherry on the cake, these beautifully embellished roofs protect their buildings with style and present some of the world’s great architectural masterpieces. Here are five of the most iconic roofs from around the world.
Sydney Opera House, Australia
Designed to resemble the sails of the yachts in the harbour, this unique roof was constructed from pre-cast concrete pieces held together by steel cables and covered with over one million Swedish tiles. Taking 14 years to complete, this world-famous structure has become a global landmark thanks to its innovative design.
The Taj Mahal, India
Some of the world’s most famous roofs are dome-shaped, from St Basil’s in Moscow with its colourful onion domes to St Paul’s Cathedral in London, whose copper-covered dome is an integral part of the London skyline. But perhaps the most famous of them all can be found in India on top of the stunning Taj Mahal. A shining example of Mughal architecture, this iconic building took 16 years to complete.
The Chrysler Building, USA
The New York skyline is packed with recognisable roof lines, but none more so than the Chrysler Building. An incredible piece of Art Deco architecture, this roof is composed of seven arches, each terraced behind the next, bearing an instantly recognisable sunburst pattern. Like a modern-day steeple, it stretches into the sky and looks spectacular when lit up at night.
Grand Palace, Thailand
The dazzling jewel at the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace has one of the most extraordinary rooflines in the world. Incredibly detailed and quite exquisite, the entire roof of the Grand Palace is ornamented with symbols relating to Thai culture and history. Incredibly complex and quite beautiful, it’s also completely unique. If you require something more subtle when it comes to your Cheltenham roofing needs, contact a high-quality roofing company like http://hempstedroofing.com to discuss your options.
The Bird’s Nest, China
This iconic sports stadium dominates Beijing, and they’ve even opened a rooftop walk with breathtaking views over the city. The Bird’s Nest got its name from the overlapping web of steel girders designed to hide the machinery for the retractable roof. That never appeared, but the innovative design remained and is known worldwide.