pogldach

Pogldach is a term used in architectural discourse to describe a modular roof system characterized by a tessellated field of shallow, polygonal panels that form a sloped, protective enclosure. Panels are typically made of glass, polycarbonate, or translucent metal and are mounted on a track or grid that allows individual panels to tilt or slide to regulate daylight and ventilation. The system often incorporates integrated drainage and rainwater collection channels, as well as insulation layers to limit heat loss.

The word is a neologism with unclear origins, appearing in design blogs and forum discussions in the late 2000s and 2010s. It may be a portmanteau of a Slavic root and the German Dach (roof), or a stylized contraction of “polygon” and “Dach,” but there is no consensus on its etymology.

Variants of pogldach include configurations with fully glass-topped fields or mixed-material panels, and panel shapes such as hexagonal or pentagonal tessellations. The system can be assembled as standalone roofing or as an extension over existing structures, and is used in contexts ranging from conservatories and atria to public pavilions and commercial kiosks. In sustainable design, pogldach is valued for daylighting control, potential for passive solar gains, and opportunities for rainwater harvesting. Some implementations integrate building automation to adjust panel angles in response to weather, solar position, and occupancy.

Limitations and considerations include higher upfront costs, the need for precise engineering and robust framing, potential glare management challenges, and ongoing maintenance of seals, tracks, and moving components.