5 Modern Interpretations Of The Classic Pitched Roof Design

The pitched roof is a classic… it’s what kids put on their houses when they first learn how to draw and also what the house emoji shows on all our modern devices. But what is a pitched roof exactly? That’s actually easy to deduce. A pitched roof slopes downwards at an angle, usually in two parts from a central ridge and sometimes in one part from edge to edge. It can be of several different types, the most common ones being the mono-pitch and the couple roof. Below you’ll find five examples of contemporary structures which are still rocking the pitched roof and doing it justice.

JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof
JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof
JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof
JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof

Located on a small hill outside Gundagai in Australia, the Kimo Hut is a place destined to to bring peace and comfort and to allow inhabitants to unwind and to enjoy the natural beauty which surrounds them. It’s one of the structures on a farm, a rural getaway that inspires people to escape from all the distractions of modern life and to enjoy simplicity for once. The pitched roof goes all the way down in some areas, leaving the ground floor exposed in others. This was a project by studios Luke Stanley Architects and Anthony Hunt Design.

JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof
JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof
JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof
JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof

This weekend cabin from New Zealand has a pitched roof taken to a whole new level. Instead of the usual pitch with the usual angle, this roof is quite acute. That of course has an impact on the available floor space which is diminished but gives in return a bold and eye-catching appearance which at the end of the day makes this cabin memorable and unique. In total there are 70 square meters of living space organized on a main floor and a mezzanine area. This was a project completes by studio Chris Tate Architecture in 2016.

JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof
JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof
JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof

The pitched roof is a defining feature for A-frame cabins and houses. This is a perfect example: a modern retreat in Valle de Bravo, Mexico which offers some amazing views framed by the glazed facades and the large windows. The house takes full advantage of its A frame design to maximize its potential in every way possible. The architects at Método made sure of it. What’s really cool about this cabin is the way in which the windows were embedded into it. Check out the balconies in particular.

JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof
JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof
JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof

Well, this is a very interesting-looking house. It’s a unique retreat found in the middle of a dense forest in Japan and its design is a direct response to the topography and the overall natural characteristics of the site. In other words, because the site is populated with lots of trees, a flat roof would not have fit and would have damaged the tree branches whereas this pitched roof fits comfortably and looks cool at the same time, mimicking the conifer trees growing in the area. The house, as a result, looks a lot like a tent and that makes it extra cozy inside. This was a project completed by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP.

JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof
JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof
JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate Pitched Roof

A pitched roof also gives this charming house from Australia lots of character. It was designed by Solomon Troup Architects and it’s meant to serve as an addition to an existing house. The design and overall form of the building take inspiration from old timber sheds common in the area. Both the roof and the exterior walls are clad in timber boards stained black with sections in a lighter color for contrast and diversity. The pitched roof has an uneven length, creating this oblique line across the side of the house and extending outwards on one side to form a protective shell around the space, sort of like an extension of the interior living space.