It is not only in clothes that trends keep changing; architecture also sees a change in trends over the years. Contemporary architectural styles have been gaining ground on a global level too, with people increasingly on the lookout for innovative, energy-efficient homes.

This has led to a greater interest in the roof designs in homes. However, it’s not just the roof design that makes a house modern, but the overall design of the house. The roof profile is just one part of the whole picture. Modern roof designs can be flat, shed shaped or gabled. The design of the roof also has a lot to do with the local climate. In places like Kerala where it rains heavily, gabled roofs are the best as they allow effective drainage of rainwater.

Though gabled roofs have been trending since time immemorial, the modern gabled roofs are simple, straightforward and have functional designs – all requirements of modern designs. When layered with stylish tiling of variant materials and designs, they exude modern, aesthetic charm.

While the main purpose of the roof is to protect your home from the elements, it also adds to the style of the house and increases its durability and energy efficiency. When choosing a roof for your home, there are certain features you need to look into:

Budget

Simple, uncomplicated designs cost less than designs with complex angles, small individual roofs, etc.

Personal preference

Your personal preference is the most important decider of your roof design.

Purpose

If you want rooftop access, then a flat terraced roof is for you. And if you are looking for extra natural lighting with clerestory windows, then shed roofs should be your ideal. Gabled roofs offer extra loft space if that’s what you need.

House design

Most modern home designs go well with flat roofs or shed roofs.

Neighbourhood

Depending on your preferences, you might want your roof design to blend in with those in your neighbourhood, or you might just want to play it differently and want your roof to stand out instead!

Modern roofs come in newer materials aside from the traditional clay tiles. Concrete designed tiles, asphalt, metal roofing, reflective roofing, multi-dimensional angular roofing, etc, are some of the modern options available.

Flat roofs offer panoramic views, extra living space or gardening space too. These roofs slope slightly towards one side to prevent water collection and should be built by an expert. The modern shed roof goes well with modern eye-catching home designs. Gabled roofs are an all-time favourite too and can be optimised to fit the contemporary look.​