Butterfly Roof House Plans in South Africa
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In the western world, there is a growing appreciation of the value of alternate designs for housing and other buildings. Among these is the butterfly roof house plan, which is also known as a Dutch or gabled roof, or in some cases a hipped roof. The distinctive features of this design are twofold: Firstly, all four walls have a sloping roof with two gabled roofs meeting at the top to form a V-shape. Secondly, each gabled section also has a secondary sloping roof that extends down to cover one or more sides of the house. The combination creates the appearance of butterfly wings from above—hence its alternative name in some regions (although it’s clear that not everyone can agree on an official name).
How to Build a Butterfly Roof House Plan
To build a butterfly roof house plan, you’ll need to start with a basic design. You can find plenty of ideas online, in home magazines, or by speaking to an architect or builder. Once you’ve picked a design, you can start to incorporate the butterfly roof into the design of your choice. As a general rule, you want to make sure that the upper slopes of the butterfly roof sections are steep enough to shed water effectively, but not so steep that they create a risk for leaks. The lower slope of the secondary roof should be steep enough to divert water away from the walls. Beyond that, there are a few other things to keep in mind as you design your butterfly roof house plan: What materials will you use? How much space do you need? What budget do you have to work with?
What Is a Butterfly Roof?
A butterfly roof is the name given to a roof plan in which two gabled roof sections rise to a V-shaped peak. The term is also used more generally to describe any roof with a V-shaped upper section, regardless of whether it has two gabled sections. There are two types of butterfly roof: one with two gables and a half-gabled roof above it, and a Dutch gabled roof plan with a half-gabled roof above it. The former is often called a “full” butterfly roof; the latter is sometimes referred to a “Dutch” butterfly roof.
Benefits of a Butterfly Roof House Plan
– Increased attic space : One of the biggest advantages of a butterfly roof is its ability to create an extra-large attic space. This can be helpful for a variety of different purposes, such as storage, a playroom, or even an extra bedroom.
– Natural light : Butterfly roofs have a high eaves-line, which means that they can bring in a lot of natural light inside the home. This can be a great feature for any room, such as a living room, kitchen, or even a bathroom.
– Protection from the rain : Another advantage of the high eaves-line on a butterfly roof is that it provides additional protection from rain.
– Covered rear wall : Many butterfly roof designs include a lower secondary roof that covers part of the back wall. This can be a useful feature for a variety of different homes, such as those in a rainy climate, or those with a lot of foot traffic.
– More indoor space : A butterfly roof can create extra indoor space in a variety of ways. It can allow for an extra-high ceiling, create an extra-long room, or even bring in more natural light.
Disadvantages of a Butterfly Roof House Plan
– More expensive than a basic roof : Butterfly roofs are more expensive than a basic roof, so they may not be ideal if you’re working to a tight budget.
– Roof pitch : One thing to keep in mind with a butterfly roof is that the roof pitch may be steeper than a basic roof, which can make it more prone to leaks.
– Tall ceilings : Butterfly roofs can create very high ceilings, which is great if you’re trying to create extra indoor space. However, high ceilings can also cause a variety of problems, such as overheating in warm climates.
– Outdoor space : Butterfly roofs often create more indoor space than outdoor space, so they may not be ideal if you’re trying to maximize your outdoor space.
– Additional structural support : Butterfly roofs often require additional structural support, which can make them more expensive than a basic roof.
Who Might Like a Butterfly Roof House Plan?
Butterfly roofs are often best for someone who wants to maximize indoor space, and is willing to accept the trade-offs involved with that choice. Butterfly roofs are also ideal for someone living in a rainy climate, or for someone who wants to keep foot traffic away from the back wall of the home. If you’re looking for a way to add architectural interest to your home, then a butterfly roof can be an effective design choice. Butterflies are also associated with change, growth, and new beginnings, which can be a useful reminder as you start a new chapter in your life. If you’re interested in a butterfly roof house plan, consider the advantages and disadvantages of this design to determine whether it’s right for you.
Final Words: Is a Butterfly Roof Right for You?
Building a butterfly roof house plan is not a quick or easy decision. It will take time to research the various designs, discuss your needs with a builder, and then choose a specific design. However, it can be a worthwhile investment, as a well-designed home can increase in value over time. Whether you choose a butterfly roof, or some other design, make sure that it meets your needs and is well-suited to your environment.
