# Energy-Collecting Roofs The Energy Roof Makes Self-Sustaining Homes a Possibility By Michael Hines | Published 2012-01-20 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/energy-roof1 References: [designbuzz](http://www.designbuzz.com/energy-roof-produces-green-energy-fights-global-warming.html) & [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/Energy-Roof/2839545) Houses may one day be able to [fully power themselves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/florian-busch-architects) if the Energy Roof ever goes from concept to reality. This redesigned roof features a slew of eco-friendly energy collectors including a solar panel designed in the shape of a leaf. Energy Roof was conceptualized by Wooho Park and is comprised of three layers. The first layer is made up of a "solar ivy," leaf-shaped solar panels with tiny piezoelectric materials embedded in them. The leaves can gather solar as well as wind energy and can even collect rainwater. The second layer is made of hydrophobic metal (resistant to water and ice) and the layer below that is a garden. The [garden of the Energy Roof](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hope-villa) would be used to trap heat and collect rainwater. All electricity collected by the roof would be used to power the home and all the water would help to keep the garden growing. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Self-sustaining Homes:** The development of Energy-Collecting Roofs presents an opportunity for the creation of entirely self-sustaining homes. - **Eco-friendly Energy Collection:** The emergence of Energy-Collecting Roofs highlights the potential for wider adoption of eco-friendly energy collection systems in both residential and commercial settings. - **Multifunctional Design:** Energy-Collecting Roofs demonstrate a trend towards the development of more multifunctional design solutions for homes and buildings. ### Where This Applies - **Green Energy:** Energy-Collecting Roofs could disrupt the global energy industry by making green energy more affordable and feasible for homeowners. - **Home Construction:** The development of Energy-Collecting Roofs represents an opportunity for innovation in the home construction industry by incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable materials into building design. - **Smart Home Technology:** Energy-Collecting Roofs are a prime example of how smart home technology can be used to create energy-efficient and self-sustaining living environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Consolidated Photovoltaic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-systems.md) - [Solar Powered Compact Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e55000.md) - [Water-Powered Family Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breach-house.md) - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md) - [Quick-Install Solar Shingles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-energy-shingle.md) - [Self-Sufficient Housing Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ripple.md) - [Energy-Harvesting Camper Awnings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xponent-power-xpanse-awning.md) - [Plant-Covered Concrete Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-kd45.md)