Gabriel Reichler

HSMSE

Civil Engineering and Architecture

Octagonal gazebo roof with vents

Advantages:

Provides shade
and protection
from rain for an
octagonal
gazebo
Vents help keep
gazebo cooler
on hot days as
hot air rises and
escapes, while
not sacrificing
rain protection
Weight of roof
is distributed
between eight
columns,
providing
stability
Very amenable
to decoration

Disadvantages:
Not an optimal use
of space
Somewhat
complicated to
build
Vents must be
installed and
maintained
properly to avoid
possible damage to
underside of roof

This type of roof is only used on octagonal gazebos. Gazebos have become popular in
many parts of the world where the weather is suitable for relaxing outside for a
significant portion of the year.
Conclusion
1. What is the most common roof type where you live? Do different areas or neighborhoods
have different styles? List two of the styles and describe why you think they are
predominant.

Flat (low-pitch) roofs are most common in Manhattan, probably because it is easy to
place various types of equipment, such as water towers, ventilation, communications
antennas, and elevator machinery, on top of them and have that equipment be
accessible and not take up space on the ground, and they also provide the potential for
recreational use. In neighborhoods with smaller buildings, gabled roofs, which simplify
drainage, are not uncommon.
2. If you were designing a house for yourself, which roof style would you choose and why?

My choice of roof style would depend on multiple factors, such as the location, size and
shape of the house.