Flat roofs offered simple clean lines that the architects of Moderne movement inspired to. Rejecting the overuse of decoration used before, they looked towards a simpler way of life. Flat roofs offered space as it gave a whole extra floor to use. Sunlight, fresh air and contact with nature were key elements in the design of modern homes in the 1920's and 1930's.

Flat roofs were a break from tradition and developers of housing estates were reluctant to build anything too different. Instead this new style was expressed in individually commissioned homes, factories and workplaces. These new roofs were so radical that building societies were reluctant to give mortgages out because of difficultly with resale. Many flat roofs were changed to pitched ones within the next couple of years.

 

 

 

 

Manual of Low-Slope Roof Systems

Understanding the Edwardian and Inter-War Houses

Roofing and Insulation

 

Useful Research Websites

BBC Homes 1920's:

BBC Homes 1930's

Hidden House History

Francis Frith Photo Archive

The Geffrye Museum

English Architecture: Britain Express

Looking at Buildings: Pevsner Architectural Guides

 

Useful Links to Articles

Design Styles- Architecture, interiors and furnishings: Dezignare

1930s and Art Deco Fireplaces

Forum Debates

Channel 4 Homes Forum

Rotted decking to a flat roof - Youtube

 

The 1930s House Manual

The 1930s House Explained

The 1930s Home

 

Home Georgian Victorian

Edwardian 1920-1930 Post War