One of the many things that made mid-century architecture so unique was roof design. During this period, America saw a change from the traditional Tudor- and cottage-style roofing to lower pitched, flat and hard-angled rooftops. Some popular styles included the gable roof, the shed roof, the flat roof and the zig-zag roof. Today, most people recognize mid-century architecture by its roofing style.

Perhaps my favorite roofing style of the period is the butterfly roof. This roofing style, which is still popular in Hawaii today, takes its inspiration from — you guessed it — the wingspan on a butterfly. Generally, you see these roofs with either one or two gables sloped toward the middle.

The butterfly roof is still alive in Richmond today. Though this style of roof is rarely, if ever, utilized in the area anymore, a few local rooftops have withstood the test of time:

Commonwealth Cleaners on Hermitage Road

Colony Cleaners on Staples Mill Road

And here’s a fun butterfly awning at Printing Department Inc. on Spencer Road