ON SITE
THE MODERN THATCHED ROOF Thatching is a universal and age-old practice and is one of the most sustainable industries in the world. It is perfect for rural settings because thatch darkens as it begins to age. The
colour allows the roof to blend in more with its surroundings and creates a sense of harmony and belonging. It’s almost inconceivable to think of safari lodges, game
parks, holiday resorts, etc in the African continent without thatched roofs. But especially since most of these lodges are located outside municipal areas and far from major
towns and/or cities, it is of the utmost importance to design thatched roofs thoroughly and effectively to reduce maintenance and to ensure a long lifespan. Modern techniques have advance thatching to a very fine art but there are some important fundamental aspects to keep in mind when designing a thatched roof, such as: • Keep the design simple. The more complicated it is, the more maintenance it will require at a later stage. • Make sure the contractor or engineer supplies the thatchers with structural drawings. This prevents unnecessary guesswork and specifies exactly how much material will be required. • A thatched roof should have a minimum pitch of 45 degrees and minimum of 35 degrees over dormer windows. • The smoother a thatched roof, the more velvety
34 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN JUNE/JULY 2020
