Gambrel roof
A gambrel roof (also known simply as a gambrel), is a type of two-sided roof that is characterised by vertical gable ends and two slopes on each side. The upper slope is of a shallower pitch than the lower slope which is steeper.
It is similar to a Mansard roof but differs in that it is not hipped, but has vertical gable ends instead. It also typically overhangs the building façade, whereas a Mansard does not.
The etymology of the name is from ‘gamba’, a Medieval Latin term meaning ‘horse’s hock’ or ‘leg’. It was a design that was commonly used for barns and domestic roofs in America.
The advantage of the gambrel roof design is that it can provide an elegant aesthetic and allows for increased storage or living space beneath its steeper sides. It maximises headroom inside the upper storey of the building whilst lowering, what would if it were simply-pitched, be a very tall roof.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Health wellbeing and productivity
BRE conference on ways of providing and maintaining quality indoor environments.
CDBB publish foundational definitions and values to guide the development of the National Digital Twin.
Despite the reduction in staffing, most users remain satisfied with the service.
We run through the top 37 styles in history - but how many would you recognise?
Improving approaches to risk in the built environment sector.
Megatrends: Smart Building Technology
Share your BREEAM knowledge to help improve the industry.
Driving innovation with BREEAM
Are you innovating without realising it?
Is timber a carbon source rather than a carbon sink?
Disputes on infrastructure projects can have a major impact on delivery.