Pyramid Hip Roof
There are several types of hipped or hip roofs. A normal hipped roof is built over a rectangular structure and features a ridge across the uppermost portion of the roof. If there is no ridge, such that all four sloping roof surfaces meet at a single point, the roof is a pyramid hip.
Three other conditions for a typical pyramid hip are four triangular surfaces, eaves of the same length, and a square base. Pyramid roofs may also have three or more triangular surfaces. A particularly interesting pyramid hipped roof is octagonal, with eight sides. Another term for pyramid hipped roof is a pavilion-hipped roof.
Typically used on smaller buildings such as a garage or pool house, the pyramid hipped roof was the typical type that was used on the American Foursquare house style that was popular from 1890 to 1930. This particular house style was also known as a box house, cube or square style.
Developed as a departure from the much more elaborate late Victorian style, the Foursquare was known for its simplicity and honesty. Other architectural styles that utilized pyramid hip roofs include log cabins, Italianate and classic American bungalows. A definite design advantage of the symmetrical pyramid hip roof is that it is just as striking from all angles.
A contemporary application of the pyramid hipped roof design is being utilized in tropical countries where hurricane resistant roofs make all the difference to the survival of a structure in high winds. Interestingly, these structures—called hip hales—are being constructed mainly with bamboo, which is indigenous to the tropical landscape and sustainable.
If you have questions about building a pyramid hip roof or want a free estimate on having one built for you, find a local roofing contractor.
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