AIA Course: Retractable Roofs: A Sustainable Solution
OpenAire Continues to Offer Continuing Education
Retractable Roofs: Simple and Efficient Energy Savings
A retractable roof is a motorized or manual operable roof structure that can be moved or retracted to reveal the interior of the space. It may be all or a part of a larger roof surface
A common misconception is that retractable roofs are only used for stadiums when in fact, the range of applications is far broader.
Retractable roofs can be included in the design of new and renovation of existing; buildings.
Retractable roofs promote the extensive use of daylighting and natural ventilation. Not only does this save significant amounts of energy, but it also contributes to the health and well-being of building occupants.
Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is desirable for reducing the risk of airborne disease transmission allowing building operators to provide guests with spaces that feel healthier and safer.
For specific unit details and pricing for your project, please reach out to our team directly.
Who is this AIA course for?
Duration: AIA Course runs until Feb 2026
Upon completion, student will be able to:
- Define retractable roofs, and enumerate their application on both new and existing buildings.
- Discuss how retractable roofs contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of building occupants.
- Explain how retractable roofs can save energy through daylighting
- Review how a retractable roof can enable natural ventilation and reduce reliance on mechanical systems, reduce reliance on power grids, plus potentially reduce the load of airborne disease pathogens.
- Describe how retractable roofs contribute to a building being sustainable and can reduce the carbon footprint and the operational costs of a building.
Attendee Testimonials!
“Relevant topic for the times!”“Providing insight into the range of uses of retractable uses.”
“Discussion about positive impact on users!”
“How open air solves ventilation need passively.”
“Presenter provided information that I was not aware of.”
“It was well organized and the images were useful!”
“I liked the presentation. It was inspiring and with great examples.”
“The introduction to retractable roofs was a great benefit.”
“I liked how Nancy Patterson marched thru the slide/topics! She is a good speaker and could present other professional subjects to groups online or at seminars.”
“The case studies that gave the energy savings and quality of space data.”
“The explanation and examples of how retractable roof can be adapted to existing buildings.”
“The Q&A was very useful, and her focus on energy savings. I didn’t think of these are helping save energy. Always saw them in the opposite way.”
“Previously unfamiliar with this roof type so this was very informative.”
“It’s not common to see all of these retractable roofs in actual application so case study review and information is very helpful.”
“Great presenter, clear and concise.”
“I liked seeing the different applications of retractable roofs. Further, I was surprised to see the roofs meet the energy code, since roofs receive the most insulation in a buildings envelope.”
“Versatile Roofing Solutions to bring outdoor environment to the interior.”
“It was educational and useful as is.”
“Seeing all the options for retractable roofs was helpful.”
- This course is approved as a Structured Course
- Approved for structured learning
- Approved for Core Learning
- This course is approved as a Core Course
- Course may qualify for Learning Hours with NWTAA
- Course eligible for OAA Learning Hours
- This course is approved as a Core Course
- This course can be self-reported for Learning Units to the Architecture Institute of British Columbia