A-Frame Cabin Variations for More Light and Floor Space

Traditional A-frame cabins have two big problems. Only the front and back have windows. And the angled roof/walls provides less usable floor space high enough to stand up.

These A-frame cabin variations address both problems.

A traditional A-frame cabin is charming, but has windows and doors only on the front and the back. A lot of the floor space has a low ceiling.

Some designs combine two A-Frame cabins with the connecting wall high enough to keep the space usable.

Modify the Roof Line

An A-frame cabin has a distinctive triangular shape, with walls meet at the roofline, forming an “A”.

This cabin has double slope, more vertical side walls/roof sides meeting a roof with a very slight pitch.

Inside you can see how more vertical wall sections than a pure A-frame gives more practical interior space.

Modifying the roof line of a steep-sided A-frame cabin adds practicality while keeping the high-ceiling rustic look. Actually this makes it not exactly an A-frame anymore, but it has a similar unique look. By having more vertical walls that are higher, there is more usable floor space.

Gambrel Roof A-Frame

A gambrel roof line, like the roof on a barn, has a double slope on each side. Instead of a sharp peak, the roof has two shorter slopes.

A gambrel roof  gives a lot more space and headroom. But, it uses a lot more pieces and is harder to build.

Dutch Colonial and Georgian homes feature a gambrel roof with two symmetrical sides, each with two distinct pitches. The top slope is shallower and the lower slope is steeper. This creates a lot more headroom and usable space second floor or loft.

Flat Roof A-Frame

An A-frame with a flat roof has less slant to the walls. This hybrid design is easier for a do-it-yourselfer to build.

Arch Roof and Round Roof A-frames

An arch or curved roof provides more space inside. An arch roof has two curved sides that meet at a point. “An arched roof gives even more room… than a gambrel roof, because the framing does not have cross pieces.” PHMC Pennsylvania Agricultural History Project

A Quonset Hut is basically an round roof A-frame.

Skylights or Roof Windows

You actually can put a window into the roof/wall to add light and potentially ventilation.

Skylight/windows that open can allow some ventilation.

These windows add a little extra head space, as well.

Multiple windows can be added later to any roof. You can see more photos of this project at Velux Panorama Roof Windows

Dormers

Dormers, with or without windows break the angle of the roof line with a flatter pitched roof area to add headroom. Dormer windows can be added to any pitch of roof to make existing floor space usable.

Dormers with windows can also add light and ventilation.

Combining dormers and a modified roof keeps a lot of the charm of an A-frame while adding more usable space, like a door to a porch.

Wings

A lot of A-frame cabins have additional floor space with more standard walls, either as part of the original design or as a later addition.

Mother Earth News has a house plan to build your own modified A-frame cabin. 

Here is the plan for a low-cost modular assembly, 840-square-foot, two-story cabin. The cabin can be transported to the building site in sections. This plan includes how-to instructions and great graphics.

You can buy these plans at Mother Earth News Pre-Fabricated Owner-Built Gambrel Roof A-Frame Plan