Six Basic Roof Shapes / photo credit
In architecture, the roof shape of a structure will have a big impact on the overall design. Above you can see six basic roof shapes, but for the purposes of this concise article we are only going to discuss the following:
- Gable Roof
- Gambrel Roof
- Hipped Roof
- Flat Roof
Remember there are advantages and disadvantages to every roof shape, but most importantly you should choose the shape that best fits the visual aesthetic of your entire Tiny House RV design.
A Tumbleweed Elm w/ a Gable Roof Shape & Dormers
Gable Roof
When you ask a child to draw a house, what do they usually draw? Answer: A gable roof shape with two windows, a door and perhaps a chimney. The gable roof shape is classic, sophisticated and summons an emotional connection of “home”.
Here is what the interior of a Tiny House RV with a gable roof looks like:
A classic gable roof. *Note, the roof expands to shed dormers in the loft.
This Tiny House RV’s great room feels spacious because of the peaked roofline, guiding your eyes skyward. The steep 12:12 roof pitch also allows for easy rain and snow runoff.
“Runaway Shanty”– Tiny House RV being built on a Tumbleweed Trailer w/ Gambrel Roof Shape
2. Gambrel Roof
The gambrel roof shape is a staple for the traditional American “country home”. As you travel through the rural areas of the United States, you will see many examples of the gambrel roof used on farmhouses and barns. You might also see this roof shape used in a few colonial residences around New England.
Here is what the interior of a Tiny House RV with a gambrel roof looks like:
April’s Tiny House RV with a Gambrel Roof Shape
The gambrel roof provides more interior ceiling space than the gable, while also providing a decent slope for snow and rain runoff. That being said, this roof shape is more difficult to construct and will be heavier than a traditional gable.
The Tumbleweed Cypress w/ a Hipped Roof
3). Hipped Roof
The hipped roof, seen here on a Tumbleweed Cypress, is our most popular Tiny House RV design. A visual charmer, hipped roof shapes can be seen all over the country in residential architecture. The design resonates will many home owners, which has lead to its overwhelming popularity.
Here is what the interior of a Tiny House RV with a hipped roof looks like:
The hipped roof, as seen above in the small loft above the door, slants inward but still provides ample space for storage or a display.
The Tumbleweed Mica w/ a Flat Roof
4). Flat Roof
The term “flat roof” is a bit of a misnomer. This roof shape is not completely flat, but actuality has a slight slant for rain runoff. Flat roofs are an ancient form of architecture, but the design is still used all over the world today. For example, most green roofs (roofs used for growing vegetation) are flat roofs.
Have you made a tiny house on wheels with a mansard roof?
Hi Gloria and thanks for your question. We haven’t designed a Tumbleweed Tiny House RV with a mansard roof. You can take a look at our four Tumbleweed Models to see if there is a style that fits for you. We also just published a blog post about a couple who designed a Tiny House with a barn shaped roof and they talked about the benefits and trials of doing so. Read more about “Runaway Shanty. Beautiful Tiny House RV with Barn Shape Roof“.
Hey this is awesome! I am a roofing contractor, and have recently looked at getting into the tiny homes. Great information, and I am very glad I bumped into this! Thanks!
Also glad I came upon this. I am in the design phase of my tiny home, and am looking for a roof that maximizes interior space, but also allows for rain capture. Any input on how well a flat roof can be used as a water catchment system?
I didn’t even think about the gamble style roof before looking at this. It almost acts as a best of both worlds for my situation of a flat roof doesn’t pan out.
Anyways, thanks for posting this good info!
Hey guys, why is flat roof style i snot good? I though it is more space inside with the same maximum height. Or not? Could you clarify flat roof case?