skip to main content

Building a Home Design Dilemma

Help with roofline question

2 years ago

What drives the complicated roofline phenomenon? If you eliminate things like vaulted ceilings, can you more easily simplify away from all the hips and valleys? Or is it a much complex issue to solve? Trying to get a better understanding so I can articulate what we want and what we don't want! Thank you!

Featured Answer

3onthetree

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

A hip would be the type of roof shape. Valleys in roofs are usually created from the footprint of the building. A simple rectangle footprint could have no valley. A simple 'L' footprint could have 1 valley. An 'H' footprint could have 4 valleys, or none at all. If you are concerned with the look of many nested gables, porticos, dormers, and so forth, those can illustrate the footprint or be added to the simplest of roof shapes with nothing to do with the footprint. So anything and everything is possible in any scenario, limited only by your imagination and budget.

An interior vault or cathedral ceiling, though affected by the roof layout, is not an overriding concern for the complexity of the roof or shape of footprint. You can have one with a simple roof or complex one.

In general, the American vernacular has made an association with steeper roof slopes and more complex shapes and adornment to represent higher cost, quality, and design grandeur. However, these traits alone do not have to represent the term "McMansion."

The best way to articulate what you want is through pictures of examples to your design team.

0

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

houssaon
2 years ago
I agree that I see so many houses with complicated rooflines.
0
just_janni
2 years ago
Small lots, large houses turning designs into squares to maximize the square footage one can jam on a piece of property with driveway access. Also - build for "grandeur"...

Add CAD and other design programs that move boxes around like tetris, and then click "roof it" - in the hands of the unskilled and voila!

https://mcmansionhell.com/post/149948821221/mcmansions-101-roofs
0
Related Discussions
Another question------extending roofline?
Q
Comments (5)
Only if you reconstruct the roof entirely to extend a gable. The hip is at it's lowest point already. Bringing it down further would have you hitting your head, and reducing the slope of an already marginally sloped roof isn't really practical. With all of the work you want to do to this ''ugly'' house, you would be better off tearing it down and building another house in its place. Whole home remodeling is never cost effective. Maybe you should buy a house that is more appealing to you from the beginning rather than spending 100K to remodel a 50K house.
...See More
Please help...is this a crazy roofline
Q
Comments (3)
Thanks Houssaon! Flo, I totally agree. I've been looking into this and realize it is very complex. Reading the little I could find about reverse gables indicates there is a lot involved. I appreciate the feedback.
...See More
Help! Need creative solutions for roofline problem?.
Q
Comments (1)
Weve heard that we’d have to change the entife house roofline Only if you want a roof over the new space.
...See More
Looking for the specific name for roofline and style of this house
Q
Comments (6)
You are right. I have seen that done and it's helpful. The house is loated in MIlford Delaware. It iis off the main street entering the town but not sure of the "district". It is in what I would call the old hospital neighborhood. Milford is quite small. It is the only one I have seen there so far, though there are other bungalows and Sears kit homes nearby. I looked over a listing of Sears homes and it does not appear to be one of those. It was built between 1930-40.
...See More
Jamie Fisher
Original Author
2 years ago
I was trying to avoid saying McMansion, but, yeah -- that's exactly what I'm talking about. Can a plan be easily adjusted to simplify the roofline, or is it a complete redesign?
0
Jamie Fisher
Original Author
2 years ago
This is really helpful. A simpler roofline depends on a simpler footprint, while a more complex roofline (gables, etc.) can be applied to either a simple or a complicated footprint. Do you think builders sometimes design all these random bump-outs in the footprint to facilitate the "grander" roofline? I have plenty of inspiration picks I can show them!

Thanks so much!
0
3onthetree
2 years ago
Yes. Builders (and to an extent speculative designs) only build what people will buy.

One caveat, on the complete opposite end of "complexity" is obviously "simplicity," and in some instances this simplicity can illustrate grandeur and high level. Think in terms of houses that make the cover of an architectural "trade-leaning" magazine (e.g. Arch Digest or Dwell, not House Beautiful). But those are not the typical house that the masses like Matt & Suzy Homeowner buy and/or build.
0
Jamie Fisher thanked 3onthetree

Related Stories

Help! 5 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Do You Have an Answer for This Week's Design Dilemmas?

GREEN DECORATING 8 Questions to Help You See Through Green Hype

By Laura Gaskill

With the ecofriendly bandwagon picking up some dubious passengers, here's how to tell truly green products and services from the imposters

ORGANIZING 4 Questions to Help You Organize Your Favorite Photos

By Jennifer Phelps: Organize. Design. Reinvent!

Organize your keeper photos with a system that's just right for you, whether it's in the cloud or you can hold it in your hand

DECORATING GUIDES These Questions Will Help You Choose the Right Accent Chair

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Narrow down the style, color, material and size you want for a chair that will enhance your space

CURB APPEAL 7 Questions to Help You Pick the Right Front-Yard Fence

By Matthew Ankeny

Get over the hurdle of choosing a fence design by considering your needs, your home’s architecture and more

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Questions That Will Help You Pick the Best Plants for Your Site

By Curtis Adams

Before you head to the nursery, learn more about your outdoor space

4 Questions for Houzz Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Help Houzz Readers Revamp Their Struggling Spaces

5 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Houzz Members Need Your Help With This Week's Design Dilemmas!

0

5 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

How Many of This Week's Design Dilemmas Can You Help Solve?

5 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Help Your Fellow Houzzers Solve Their Home Design Dilemmas!

Sponsored

More Discussions

When will Houzz Pro make it so we can design the exterior of homes?

33

Second story floor plan recommendations

38

thoughts on this houseplan?

21

Ontario height of building a house

4

Oil Rubbed Bronze vs Matte Black

3