Why Did We Stop Building Natural Roofs?

No.090 — Read old posts on Tinyfarmlab.com
Reading Time 4 minutes

Roofing has been part of human life for a very long time.
The earliest roofs, around 40,000 BC, were made from animal hides.

Early roofs were made from whatever materials were nearby.
At first, people used animal hides, like mammoth skins, to protect themselves.

Later, came materials like thatch, clay tiles, slate, wooden shingles, etc.

Once upon a time, these natural roofs kept homes cool, ventilated, and in harmony with their surroundings.

These materials were popular because they were locally available and affordable.
They also offered good natural insulation.

But over time, people shifted to modern roofing materials for several reasons:

1. Maintenance Challenges
   Natural roofs need regular upkeep.
   Thatch, for example, can wear out or get damaged by pests.
   Repairs are often labor-intensive and costly.
   

2. Durability and Longevity
   Modern materials like metal and concrete last longer.
   Metal roofs can last 50 to 75 years.
   They resist rot, mold, and insects better.
   This means fewer repairs and replacements.
   

3. Fire Resistance
   Metal and concrete roofs don’t catch fire easily.
   This makes them safer in wildfire-prone areas.
   

4. Modern Aesthetics and Urbanization
   Urban growth brought a preference for sleek, modern looks.
   Concrete and metal fit these styles well.
   

5. Perceived Modernity and Status
   Using modern materials is often seen as a sign of progress.
   Homeowners may choose these roofs to show status or keep up with trends.

Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine an enclosed space without a concrete slab or metal sheets.

They are easy to install but hard to breathe under.

Modern roofs are often treated like hats:
identical and mass-produced,
no matter the climate or context.

And while we gained convenience,
we lost comfort.

Consequences of the Shift

Switching to modern roofs has some downsides too:

1. Environmental Impact
   Making concrete and metal uses a lot of energy.
   This leads to higher carbon emissions.
   These materials are harder to recycle, causing more waste.
   

2. Thermal Discomfort
   Natural roofs insulate better and keep homes cooler.
   Metal roofs absorb heat and can make homes hotter.
   This increases the need for air conditioning.
   

3. Loss of Cultural Heritage
   Traditional roofing is part of local culture and craftsmanship.
   Using fewer natural roofs risks losing this heritage.

For many, switching to cement slabs and steel sheets wasn’t just a choice of convenience, it was a necessity born out of disconnection.

• Wood has become expensive and scarce.
  Once available from local forests, timber now often travels long distances and is regulated due to deforestation.
  

• Slate is banned or restricted.
  In many regions, slate quarrying has been stopped to protect ecosystems, cutting off access to what was once a timeless roofing material.
  

• Thatched roofs? Try finding someone who can actually build one.
  The artisans who knew how to weave and maintain thatch are ageing out, and few younger builders are learning the craft.
  

• Bioregional knowledge has faded.
  Most people today don’t know what grows in their region, what can be harvested sustainably, or where to find vendors who offer local natural materials.
  

• Architecture education taught us concrete.
  Not cob. Not bamboo. Not mud roofs. As architects, we’re trained to draw beams and slabs — not thatch details and mud walls.

Modern roofing systems like concrete slabs or corrugated sheets might give us a false sense of permanence, but lack the depth of structure, rhythm, and scale relationships that bring comfort and coherence to space.

We believe there is hope.

We can start using natural materials again.
Mix old techniques with new technology to make roofs strong and lasting.

Find and support artisans who keep these skills alive.
They are cultural bridges we must protect.

Be honest about how long buildings last.
Most homes change every 20-25 years.
So, build with climate resilience in mind.

Know your local climate and materials.
Choose what grows nearby and what the earth can renew.

Source reclaimed materials—
wood, slate, tiles,
from old or abandoned buildings.
It saves resources and carries history.

Train new generations in natural roofing crafts.
Workshops and apprenticeships can revive lost skills.

Combine natural materials with modern waterproofing and fire retardants.
This can solve maintenance and safety issues.

Use digital tools like 3D modeling to design better natural roofs.
Technology can help us innovate while respecting tradition.

By blending tradition, tech, and respect for nature,
we can build roofs that protect us and the planet.

The roof shelters not only the body but also the memory.

Love,
Raghav and Ansh

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