From <a href="https://inhabitat.com/nyc/brooklyns-broadway-stages-installs-the-largest-private-solar-roof-in-nyc/">solar arrays</a> and <a href="https://inhabitat.com/nyc/coned-and-columbia-study-shows-green-roofs-retain-more-water-than-expected/">green roofs</a> to <a href="https://inhabitat.com/nyc/new-book-reveals-new-york-citys-most-elite-elaborate-rooftop-gardens/">exquisite gardens</a> and <a href="https://inhabitat.com/nyc/brooklyn-grange-worlds-largest-rooftop-farm-kicks-off-second-growing-season/">massive farms</a>, rooftops in New York City boast a lot more than just air conditioners and water towers. Covering our buildings' roofs is a hallmark of <a href="https://inhabitat.com/nyc/tag/green-building">sustainable building</a>, and in a dense urban landscape like the Big Apple, it also makes total sense for maximizing our space. While green gardens and relaxing sundecks are no-brainers, what about entire houses? More than a few New Yorkers have turned building rooftops into their own private plots. Not only are these abodes a unique twist on <a href="https://inhabitat.com/nyc/tag/green-roof">green roofs</a>, but they add some unexpected variety to our concrete jungle. Hit the jump for a look at NYC's sky-high homes.

We have long been fans of <a href="https://inhabitat.com/prefab-friday-rooftop-prefabs/">green prefab houses</a>, and what better place to plop one down than on a rooftop? The sleek <a href="http://www.loftcube.net/">LoftCube</a> is a chic and cheerful prefab designed specifically for rooftops. Designed by Werner Aisslinger, the square structure can be transported by helicopter and costs around $60,000 -- a total steal for a rooftop apartment in New York City....<br><br><a href='https://inhabitat.com?p=933229&preview=true&preview_id=933229'>READ ARTICLE</a>

The sleek <a href="http://www.loftcube.net/">LoftCube</a> is a chic and cheerful prefab designed specifically for rooftops. Designed by Werner Aisslinger, the square structure can be transported by helicopter and costs around $60,000 -- a total steal for a rooftop apartment in New York City.

The $2000 prefab Icosa Village Pod has been spotted on a Williamsburg rooftop. The geodesic dome folds into itself and can be easily assembled just about anywhere.

On top of an East Village apartment building, there's a Cape Cod style bungalow, complete with a horse weather vane. (For more pictures, <a href="http://www.scoutingny.com/">www.scoutingny.com</a>)

The beach front house looks like it was picked up in a tornado and accidentally dropped in New York City. From the street, it's barely noticeable. (For more pictures, <a href="http://www.scoutingny.com/">www.scoutingny.com</a>)

Between West 77th and West 78th Streets, there is a cute A-frame hidden on top of a building. (For more pictures, <a href="http://www.scoutingny.com/">www.scoutingny.com</a>)

A different view gives a clearer picture of the house.

This pink checkered home is located somewhere high on Eighth Avenue. Is it its own structure or simply a quirky penthouse?

There is a full-fledged suburban home -- with a chimney! -- on top of a 4 story building at 13th Street and 3rd Avenue. (For more pictures, <a href="http://www.scoutingny.com/">www.scoutingny.com</a>)

The wooden structure spans the entire apartment building and even has a patio. (For more pictures, <a href="http://www.scoutingny.com/">www.scoutingny.com</a>)

Others have turned building rooftops into <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwillys/sets/72157606566769262/">whole suburban landscapes</a>, with a house, a yard, and a shed. Hey, why sacrifice city living for suburbia when you can create a better version in the middle of Manhattan?