FEATURES
More than just a roof
over your head
As we learn more about how to build and incorporate natural
elements around a structure, a roof is a versatile space and
contributes to sustainability in more ways than one.
By Ntsako Khosa | Photos by Pexels
A roof can cover about 150m 2 of space that can be sustainably productive.
“A
roof is usually just a covering covering. Insulation is also a requirement planet. It is only in recent years where we’re
just to keep the weather out,” for new buildings. “It is now time to put seeing an increase in the implementation of
says founder of Roof Rats, aside this outdated concept. Modern living green aspects inside and outside buildings.
and the growth of cities are putting a strain These may have been influenced by the
on the delivery of services,” he says. acquisition of green certifications and
Diederik van ‘t Hof.
He says traditional roofing comprises a
ceiling with a wooden construction that
holds up a tile, slate or corrugated iron
18
MAY 2018
RESIDENTIAL // COMMERCIAL // INDUSTRIAL
For centuries, construction rarely took
into consideration building to save the
ratings through organisations such as the
Green Building Council of South Africa