Grass roofs are a popular trend throughout Scandinavia, where homeowners and architects are taking inspiration from Mother Nature to create beautiful homes with a traditional yet modern aesthetic. Scandinavian-style grass roofs are commonly seen in the countryside, with their steep angles and warm colors, but are now being seen in urban settings too. A grass roof house can have a wide range of possibilities, from a basic pitched roof with a grass covering, to a more elaborate roof made from terracotta tiles. Whether you are looking to create a traditional Scandinavian-inspired house or are looking for a more modern take on the classic design, grass roof houses can provide a stunning and unique look. When building a Scandinavian grass roof house, it is important to consider the type of plants you are using. Low-growing, maintenance-free grasses like sedges and coil-like shrubs can provide a beautiful green surface, while higher-growing grasses like fescues and rye-grasses can provide more of a colorful, textured look. Using wild flowers and herbs can also add an extra touch of color and texture to the roof. It is also important to choose a covering that is breathable and water-resistant, such as hemp or green-roof membranes, which will keep your roof protected from the elements.Grass Roof House Designs - Scandinavian Style
Modern grass roofs don't always involve traditional Scandinavian-style designs; they can be adapted to suit any home. Grass roofs can be used to create a contemporary feel, with sleek lines and shapes that are perfect for modern homes. Instead of a pitched roof design, a flat roof with low-lying plants can add a neat, modern look to your home. Flat roofs can also help to insulate your home by holding in heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. Modern grass roofs often incorporate strong colors, with vibrant yellow and orange grasses replacing the traditional green colors. Wildflowers and ornamental plants can also be used as a focal point, creating an interesting look in any home. Contrasting colors and textures can help create a modern and eye-catching look, while still being pleasing to look at.Modern Grass Roof House Design Ideas
In Japan, traditional grass roofs are usually made from rows of parallel poles, which support long, narrow sheets. The sheets are typically made from woven reeds, with soil and vegetation spread over the top. This creates a living, green roof with a unique look, full of character and environment-friendly. Grass roofs are more commonly seen in rural areas, as they provide an interesting contrast to the surrounding buildings. Traditional Japanese grass roofs differ slightly from those seen in Scandinavia; they often have thatched roof designs, with the grass acting as insulation against the cold. Long, curved overhanging eaves, known as watarido, are often seen on these roofs, providing an extra layer of protection against the elements. Traditional roofs have a very low pitch, which more closely resembles a low-lying mound.Traditional Japanese Grass Roof House Designs
Grass roofs have been used in Mediterranean countries for centuries, with the practice first appearing in the Roman Empire. Mediterranean-style grass roofs typically feature terracotta tiles on a low-pitched roof, which give an aesthetically pleasing and rustic-looking roof. In order to create the grassy covering, homeowners should use a mix of grasses and wildflowers, as well as groundcover plants. The lush vegetation of a Mediterranean-style roof can create a cool and calming environment, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. The installation of a traditional clay-tile roof can often require building permission, but a grass roof requires much less paperwork and can often be built without the need for a permit. Additionally, the greens of the vegetation will provide a stunning contrast to the deep reds and oranges of the terracotta tiles, creating a unique and eye-catching look.Grass Roof Home Designs - Mediterranean Inspiration
Grass roofs can be adapted to a wide range of contemporary home designs, from sleek modern lines to minimalist designs. Low-maintenance grasses are key for contemporary roof designs, as they will provide an aesthetically pleasing and low-maintenance surface. These low-maintenance grasses include fescues, rye-grasses, and sedges, which will all provide year-round greenery. In order to create a modern look, homeowners can utilize metal sheet roofing with a grass covering. Metal roofs provide a sleek and modern look, while also creating more of a lightening effect compared to a traditional clay-tile roof. The addition of grasses and wildflowers will create a contemporary flair, while providing a vibrant and natural look.Contemporary Grass Roof House Ideas
Grass roofs are a popular choice in Australia as well, where the hot climate and plentiful rainfall provide ideal conditions for grass growth. Grass roofs can be seen on a wide range of homes in Australia, from stunning country mansions to quaint and colorful cottages. The use of grasses and other vegetation can provide a stunning finish to any home, while also providing extra insulation for the interior. In order to create a successful grass roof, homeowners should select plants that are native to the area, and should be mindful of the potential for water runoff. Additionally, installing dry-rock or gravel on the surface of the roof can help to retain moisture, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing finish to the roof. With so many stunning designs available, grass roofs are a popular choice for many Australian homes.Spectacular Grass Roofs House designs in Australia
Grass roofs have been used in Iceland for centuries, with the practice of covering buildings with grass originating in Viking times. Over the years, this tradition has been refined, creating a range of stunning designs that are perfect for any home. Grass roofs in Iceland can create a low maintenance, eco-friendly house, with the vegetation providing additional insulation and evaporation cooling in the summer months. This helps to regulate the internal temperature of the home, reducing energy costs. Icelandic grass roofs feature a variety of different native plants, with a wide range of vegetation types available. Narrow-leaved grasses, such as fescues and ryegrasses, are typically used in Iceland, alongside various wildflowers and herbs. The addition of various shrubs, such as heather and grasses, can also be used to create a lush and inviting green look.Icelandic Grass Roofed House Design
Grass roofed cabins provide an eco-friendly and low-maintenance living space, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Cabins provide a tranquil and peaceful environment, with a lush green covering creating the perfect escape for relaxation. Grass roofs are perfect for cabins, as they provide extra insulation and retain moisture, ideal for colder climates. When building a grass roofed cabin, it is important to use low-maintenance grasses, such as fescues and ryegrasses, as well as wildflowers and herbs. Long-lasting groundcover plants should also be used to help retain moisture and insulate the cabin. Additionally, gravel and dry-rock can be used to help stabilize the roof and prevent the possibility of erosion.Grass Roofed Cabins Design Ideas
Sustainable building designs are becoming more popular, with grass housed roofs being an excellent option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Grass roofs help to retain heat in the winter and cool air in the summer, meaning that energy costs can be drastically reduced. Grass roofs also provide an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional roofing materials. Grass roofs are also low maintenance and require little upkeep, which means that resources can be conserved. Additionally, the extensive root systems of grasses and other vegetation provide an extra layer of protection for the building, helping to prevent any water from seeping in and causing damage. Grass roofs are an excellent choice for those looking to create a sustainable and ecological home.Sustainable Grass Roofed Building Designs
When it comes to grass roofs, planning is essential. Homeowners should carefully consider the type of roofing materials they wish to use, as well as the type of vegetation that will best suit their home. It is important to create a plan that takes into account the climatic conditions of the area, as well as any surrounding buildings, in order to ensure that the grass roof is able to adequately cope with the weather. Homeowners should also consider the height and pitch of the roof, as this will affect the amount of maintenance the roof will require. Additionally, it is important to choose the right type of vegetation to ensure that the roof is adequately insulated and water-resistant. With careful planning, a grass roof can be designed and built to provide a stunning and low-maintenance roof.Grass Roof House Plans
For those looking for a luxurious and striking roof for their home, grass roofs are an excellent option. Luxury homes can feature a range of stunning grass roof designs, from low-lying mounds to traditional steep-angle roofs. Wildflowers, shrubs, and other plants can also be used to create a vibrant and beautiful roof, perfect for any home. Creating a luxury grass roof requires careful planning and installation, with experienced professionals helping to ensure that the roof is correctly installed and fitted. Luxury grass roofs should use the highest quality materials, with robust and ready-made membranes providing an extra layer of protection against the elements. Grass roofs create a unique and luxurious look, perfect for any modern or traditional home.Luxury Grass Roof House Designs