jennifer bonner explores ordinary roof typologies in atlanta

a drive through neighborhoods across america demonstrates stylistic differences in the domestic architecture, but arguably the single most common element of the single family home is the roof. whether located in ann arbor, albuquerque, or atlanta, shared structures crisscross national geographies and neighborhood boundaries. ordinary and simplistic, yet highly repetitive, gable and hip roofs dominate the scene while butterfly and mansard roofs represent a rarer species. dormers, A-frame, and shed roofs are combined to make a complex system of functional envelopes with countless variations. it is upon these observations that jennifer bonner has developed an exhibition called ‘domestic hats’.

view of the exhibition
image © patrick heagney (also main image)

by focusing on the intersection of non-similar shapes — folded geometries that just don’t belong—foreign types are discovered within the context. originals are copied and hybrid forms are manipulated to create sixteen unique massing models with rigid terrains that capture light and shadow. the display calls for designers to consider misbehavior in the architecture, particularly at the roofline.

a large combination of massings
image © patrick heagney

details of the display
image © patrick heagney 

roof typology sampling
image © patrick heagney

axonometric drawings
image © caitlin peterson

visitors at the exhibition
image © caitlin peterson

iconic gable face with eleven exploded miniature gables

flipped gable volumes as booleaned butterfly roofs

hip roofs with oblique cuts and shifted planes

hips, gables, dormers, A-frames, sheds, and mansards combined and viewed in six parts

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.