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A hip roof extension can add a lot of space to your home, especially if you're looking to create a new living area or expand your kitchen.
Hip roof extensions are popular because they can be built on top of an existing hip roof, allowing you to maintain the original look of your home.
The key to a successful hip roof extension is to ensure that the new roof is properly aligned with the existing one, which can be achieved by using a matching roof pitch and overhang.
This will not only create a seamless visual transition but also provide additional living space without altering the exterior appearance of your home.
What Is a Roof?
A hipped roof is a type of roof that slopes on all sides without any vertical sides or gables. This unique design creates a lot of unused space under the roof.
The sloping roof of a hipped roof house is what makes it so attractive for extensions. Many homeowners choose to extend their living space upwards by creating spacious loft rooms.
In construction, a hipped roof is actually a sloping roof. This is what allows for the creation of loft rooms without taking up too much space in the garden.
Hipped roof extensions are a very attractive option because they transform the use of your property and expand your space without impinging on the garden.
Design and Planning
A hipped roof extension can be a great way to add some extra space to your home, but before you start building, you need to think about the design and planning.
The first step is to consult with a professional architect or builder to assess the feasibility of a hip to gable extension on your property. This will help you determine if your existing roof structure can accommodate the extension.
You'll also need to work with an architect to create detailed plans for the extension, considering factors such as interior layout, windows, insulation, and overall aesthetics.
Here are some key pros and cons to consider:
As you can see, there are some potential downsides to consider, but with careful planning and design, a hipped roof extension can be a great addition to your home.
What Is a Hip Joint?
A hip joint, in the context of a house, refers to a roof structure that slopes on all sides. This can be a traditional design with equal-length slopes or a more modern, asymmetrical approach.
Traditionally, hip roofs have equal-length slopes, but modern designs often experiment with different shapes and sizes.
In design and planning, it's essential to consider the slope of a hip roof when building an extension. This can affect the overall appearance and functionality of the new space.
A hip roof extension can be built to butt up against an existing exterior wall, which can be beneficial when creating a single-storey extension.
Design Advantages
Hipped roof extensions offer many practical benefits, including self-bracing roof structures that are perfect for houses in exposed windy or snowy locations.
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One of the most significant advantages of a hipped design is that it's easier to build from a construction point of view, making it a more efficient choice.
The structure of a hipped roof extension also means that there's nowhere for rain to sit, reducing the likelihood of damp. Guttering can be installed on all sides for good drainage, which is a major plus.
In particular, hipped lean-to styles are a good choice for single-storey extensions to prevent a window on the first floor from being blocked.
Here are some key benefits of hipped roof extensions at a glance:
Design Planning Considerations
A hipped roof extension can be a great way to add space to your home, but it's essential to consider the design and planning carefully.
The height of the space is a crucial factor to consider, as a low head height may not be worth building, and in some cases, building regulations won't allow the extension to take place.
To ensure easy access to the new space, you'll need to install a full staircase, which may impact the layout of the floor below and the loft itself.
You should also consider the use of the new space, thinking about who will be using it and whether it will be a comfortable and useful addition to your home.
The design of the extension should take into account factors such as interior layout, windows, insulation, and overall aesthetics.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
The advantages of a hipped design include a self-bracing roof structure, easier construction, reduced likelihood of damp, and the ability to install guttering on all sides for good drainage.
However, it's essential to weigh these benefits against the potential drawbacks, such as costly and time-consuming construction, potential disruption during construction, and the initial planning and design investment.
Extension Ideas
If you're planning a hip roof extension, consider using a glazed oak-frame extension to blend in with the original house, like Rachel and Tim Buxton did with their 17th-century farmhouse.
A hipped roof can also be used to create a seamless addition, as seen in the zinc roof extension built in timber frame to replace a flat-roofed garage. The goal is to make the extension understated and elegant, complementing the traditional house without competing with it.
A small hipped lean-to roof extension can provide extra storage space and a cloakroom, as in the example of the homeowners who added a small front extension to their house. The hipped roof allows the first floor window to remain unobstructed, maintaining the home's original charm.
Can You Extend?
Extending your roof can be a bit tricky, especially if it's a hipped roof. Hipped roofs have sloped sides on all four sides, which can make it harder to convert them into a loft space.
A common solution is to boost headroom by extending the roof sideways, which can be done with a large projecting side dormer or by converting the side hip to a new gable. This is often the most practical option for extending an existing hip roof.
Five Great Projects
Adding a hipped roof extension can be a fantastic way to enhance your home's appearance and functionality. A pyramid-style hipped roof, like the one used by the Buxton's 17th-century farmhouse, can create a striking contrast with the original house.
Planning permission often requires new additions to be clearly distinguishable from the main house, which is exactly what the Buxtons did. They chose a pyramid-style hipped roof to contrast with the main house and later brick extension.
In some cases, a hipped roof can be used to blend in with the original house, as seen in the zinc roof extension built in timber frame. This design approach helps to create a seamless transition between the old and new parts of the house.
The homeowners' goal was to create an understated and elegant extension that complements the traditional house, not competes with it. The architect, Daniel Bär, achieved this by using a zinc roof and a timber frame.
A small hipped lean-to roof extension can be a great way to add extra storage space and a cloakroom, as seen in the example where the first floor window remains unobstructed. This design allows for a clear view and a functional space.
The hipped roof enables the first floor window to remain unobstructed, making it a great option for small spaces.
In some cases, a hip to gable roof extension can be used to create a generous master suite with a walk-on balcony, as seen in the example where the original roof tiles were reused. This design approach creates a spacious and airy feel.
The new roof features hip to gable loft extensions to fit a generous master suite with a walk-on balcony.
Mirroring the existing house's roof design can be a great way to create a cohesive look, as seen in the example where the Victorian house's roof design was delicately mirrored in the contemporary extensions. This approach helps to create a sense of continuity and harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hip roof more expensive?
A hip roof is slightly more expensive than a gable roof due to increased material costs and waste. However, lower labor costs can offset some of the extra expense.
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