Though it’s one of the most dominant architectural features, the roof is often overlooked when it comes to design. Its role in protecting against sun, rain, and wind is well understood, but its influence on your home’s character is just as significant.

Whether you favour traditional forms or bold contemporary silhouettes, today’s roofing solutions offer a balance of style and resilience that elevates both function and aesthetic.
 

Gable Roof Design: A Timeless Choice

Defined by two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, the gable roof remains one of Australia’s most recognisable designs. This simple structure directs water away efficiently and encourages natural ventilation, making it ideal for homes in high-rainfall areas.
 

Builders often choose gable roofs for cost-effectiveness. The straightforward structure reduces construction time and can adapt seamlessly to heritage and contemporary home designs.

Steel profiles that complement gable designs include:

• LYSAGHT CUSTOM ORB® for a traditional corrugated look.
• LYSAGHT SNAPSEAM® for crisp, contemporary lines.

Skillion Roof Design: Sleek and Solar-Friendly

A skillion roof uses a single sloping plane, often at a striking angle. This sharp silhouette defines many modern and box-style homes. Beyond its striking appearance, the skillion roof is ideal for solar panels thanks to its consistent pitch and orientation. Its single-sloped design also allows rainwater to drain quickly and efficiently.

For contemporary projects, steel profiles such as:

• LYSAGHT ENSEAM® provide strong vertical or horizontal detail.
• LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® 700 HI-STRENGTH® delivers clean, low-pitch spans with concealed-fix performance.

Flat Roofs: Minimalist And Adaptable

Flat roofs, though slightly pitched for drainage, feature heavily in urban and box modern designs. Its signature low profile allows the creation of rooftop gardens and outdoor spaces while helping reduce overall building height in areas with council restrictions.

Steel options that suit flat roofs include:

• LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® 406 for concealed-fix installations.
• LYSAGHT IMPERIAL™ from the ZENITH® range for high-end, standing seam finishes.

Butterfly Roofs: Bold Architectural Impact

Butterfly roofs feature two skillion slopes angling inward to form a central valley. This design creates dramatic interiors with clerestory windows (high, narrow windows placed near the roofline) and maximises rainwater harvesting. Metal roofing supports the sharp, geometric lines that define this modern style.

Hip Roofs: Balanced and Durable 

Hip roofs slope down on all four sides, creating a balanced and compact form. This aerodynamic shape resists uplift forces and is a sensible choice for storm-prone regions. Wide eaves also provide natural shading and help regulate indoor comfort.

Steel roofing brings this design to life with impressive versatility.

• LYSAGHT CUSTOM BLUE ORB® suits traditional curved hips.
• LYSAGHT SPANDEK® delivers a sharp, modern interpretation.

Curved Roofs: Form and Freedom

Architects use curved roof designs to create striking, organic shapes. The strength of steel enables these sweeping forms while retaining the ability to span long distances without compromise. Profiles such as LONGLINE 305® achieve dramatic curvature with structural integrity.

Your Roof, Your Style: Finding Your Roof Match

In Australia, roof design is both a practical and personal choice. From the timeless charm of a gable to the sleek efficiency of a skillion, each style reflects your lifestyle, climate, and vision.