Architectural Innovation: The Butterfly Roof Explained
An exploration of a distinctive roof form, its historical context, and structural characteristics.
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What is a Butterfly Roof?
Defining the Form
A butterfly roof, sometimes referred to as a V roof, is a distinct architectural roof configuration. It is characterized by the inversion of a conventional roof structure, featuring two sloping surfaces that descend from opposing edges towards a central valley. This unique shape is evocative of the wings of a butterfly, hence its name.[1][2]
Historical Evolution
Origins and Development
The modern iteration of the butterfly roof is widely attributed to architects William Krisel and Dan Palmer, who introduced it in the late 1950s in Palm Springs, California. Their work on nearly 2,000 homes across developments known as the Alexander Tract has been described as the largest Modernist housing subdivision in the United States. While Krisel popularized the form, he acknowledged that he was not its original creator.[2]
Key Milestones
The emergence of the butterfly roof spans several decades and influential architects:
- 1930: Le Corbusier utilized the butterfly roof form in his design for Maison Errazuriz in Chile.
- 1933: Antonin Raymond incorporated this design in a Japanese residence, featured in Architectural Record in 1934.
- 1943: Oscar Niemeyer designed the Pampulha Yacht Club in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, which gained significant publication.
- 1945: Marcel Breuer employed the butterfly roof in his Geller House project in Long Island, New York.
- 1950: Joseph Eichler constructed the Atherwood housing tract in Redwood City, California, featuring this roof style.
- 1957: Krisel first used the form in the Twin Palms neighborhood of Palm Springs, California.
Structural Principles
Water Management
A key characteristic of the butterfly roof is its efficient water drainage system. It lacks traditional gutters; instead, rainwater is directed towards one of two points at the ends of the central valley. These points typically lead to a scupper or a downspout. This design simplifies water collection and reduces the potential for ice dams in colder climates.[4]
Form and Configuration
Butterfly roofs can be symmetrical, with the valley precisely in the center, or asymmetrical, with an off-center valley. The valley itself may be flat, potentially incorporating a central roof cricket to guide water towards the drainage points, or it can slope if the entire roof structure is tilted towards one end of the valley.[4]
Architectural Integration
Enhancing Natural Light and Space
The butterfly roof design facilitates higher perimeter walls. This architectural feature allows for the integration of clerestory windows. These windows, positioned high on the walls, permit significant natural light penetration into the interior spaces without compromising occupant privacy. This design element is particularly associated with Mid-century modern architecture, contributing to the characteristic aesthetic of homes from that era.[3]
Cultural Appearances
In Media and Fiction
The distinctive form of the butterfly roof has been featured in various creative works. Notably, a prominent house with this roof design served as the setting for "Shangri-La," the residence of a corrupt property developer in the 2009 British television crime drama trilogy, Red Riding.
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Cited Information
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References
References
- The Free Dictionary definition. Retrieved 2016-04-09
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not architectural advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional architectural consultation, design, or structural engineering services. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific building projects and ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.