The Groundbreaking Building That Inspired Modern Flat Roofs

Daniel Bracewell • 8 February 2024

One key advantage flat roofs have over typical pitched roofs is that they can serve as a functional multipurpose space, and a consultation with experienced expert specialists will help you maximise the value of your roof.

This has been a known advantage of flat roofing for thousands of years, with them being a profoundly important part of Persian, Arabian and Ancient Egyptian architecture.

It took significantly longer for these types of buildings to become ubiquitous in Europe and the United Kingdom, simply due to weather considerations; with more rainfall and freeze-thaw cycles to contend with, much stronger and more advanced waterproofing is needed than in the Middle East.

One of the most influential people behind this change was the legendary architect Le Corbusier, one of the most influential and pioneering designers of the modern world.

Arguably his most famous concept, 1929’s Villa Savoye, was built using the “Five Points” of his architectural approach, one that would be massively influential to architecture as we know it today:

Ground-level supports and pilotis.
A functional flat roof.
An open-plan design with no supporting walls.
Long ribbon windows for natural light.
Facades designed purely for aesthetics.

The Villa Savoye was the last building to follow these five points so closely, and the flat roof in particular became a unique talking point, one that would inspire generations of designers from that point onward.

It was an early example of a rooftop garden and terrace, allowing for a space for the building’s wealthy inhabitants to relax and embrace nature.

However, there were issues with this pioneering approach; because the focus had been purely on aesthetics, the detailing was less than ideal, and Le Corbusier’s insistence on not having sills and downpipes that would have channelled rainwater away from the roof contributed to pooling.

This water would eventually cause leaks to occur every French autumn, necessitating expensive repairs due to the damage to a building not designed to be lived in. Ultimately the Savoyes moved out in 1940 due to the German occupation of France in the Second World War, the building being used by both the Germans and the Americans at varying points.

It survived demolition and managed to be designated as a historical monument despite its designer still being alive.

Even if it had been demolished, its legacy lives strong in every flat roof constructed since, whether as part of a Modernist masterpiece or a robust commercial building.

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Why Spring Is An Ideal Time To Replace The Garage Roof

by Daniel Bracewell • 9 February 2026

With winter now nearing its end, now is a good time to start planning garage roof replacement work as the weather starts to get warmer, drier and lighter.

How Can Ice Dams Damage A Flat Roof?

by Daniel Bracewell • 20 January 2026

With 2026 starting with a burst of cold, wintry weather in the north of England, now is a good time to consider what damage snow and sub-zero temperatures can cause to your flat roofing in Manchester . One potential risk is the formation of ice dams – but what are ice dams, how do they cause damage and what can you do to prevent them? What are ice dams? As their name suggests, ice dams are areas of ice that prevent melted snow and ice flowing off of a roof. They form when the warmth from inside your home hits the roof, melting the snow and ice that has settled on the flat roof. This water then runs off the roof, but if temperatures are still below freezing, as it reaches the colder edges, it can re-freeze, creating a dam. These ice walls hold pooled water on the roof, rather than letting it escape – and it’s this that can cause the damage. On flat roofs, ice dams can also form around depressions in the roof – in other words anywhere that water can sit, you could end up with a pool that is unable to drain. They cause damage because standing water on your roof can seep into the underlying structure if there are any cracks or signs of damage in your roofing material. When ice dams form at the edges of roofs, they can also lead to damp penetrating walls if the pools of melted snow last long enough. How can you prevent ice dams from forming? The best way to prevent ice dams is to ensure that your roof is properly insulated. This will prevent the heat from your home melting the snow that’s accumulated on your flat roof while the outside temperature is still below freezing. Keeping your gutters and drainage channels clear is also essential. This helps to ensure that any snow that does melt has somewhere to go and can safely leave your flat roof. It’s one of the reasons why cleaning your gutters in the autumn is a good idea.

Can You Install Solar Panels On A Flat Roof?

by Daniel Bracewell • 10 December 2025

If you’re exploring how to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, you may be looking at the likes of solar panels for your home. But what if your property has a flat roof rather than a pitched roof? Can you still install solar panels on a flat roof? The short answer is yes, you can! In fact, it is often easier to install solar panels on a flat roof than it is to fit them to a sloped roof, which might make this an even more appealing avenue to explore when you’re looking at flat roof ideas . In many cases, you also don’t need planning permission to install solar panels on your flat roof. Of course, there are exceptions if you have a listed building or live in a conservation area, but if you own your house (different rules apply for flats too), you should be free to add solar panels to your home as you choose. There are different kinds of mounting systems for flat roof solar panels and which is most appropriate for your home will depend on the direction it faces. It is worth noting that the cost of installing solar panels is often higher on flat roofs because of the mounting system, but some of this can be offset by the lower labour costs because the installation process is usually more straightforward. One of the main reasons homeowners install solar panels is to reduce their energy bills. Many report savings of hundreds of pounds each year, which means these panels often pay for themselves relatively quickly. What’s more, under the Smart Export Guarantee , you can sell any energy you don’t use back to the National Grid, which can increase the rate at which your investment in solar panels pays for itself. So, if you are exploring ways to make the most of your flat roof, consider solar panels as an option to reduce your energy bills and do good for the environment.