Turning a building from “meh” to “wow” with your choice of roofline.

Fiddling with the Roof

When you think about your roofline, it’s easy to focus on how it looks from the outside, right? But at Your Small Home, we’re all about that inside aesthetic too. Maximising ceiling height to create space and interest is always high on our list of must-haves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for creative ways to sneak in a loft or mezzanine within our roofline designs.

Remember, chatting with your designer, architect, and builder is key when picking out your perfect roof. Different designs can affect structural elements and construction methods, which might just give your budget a little shake-up!

Now, let’s dive into the rooflines we love to work with:

Gable Roof:

A classic charmer - The gable roof is bold, simple, and instantly recognisable. With sloping sides that meet at the ridge to form a triangular peak, it’s simple and cost-effective. The gable roof allows for good ventilation and runoff. Although a simple classic you can play with pitch, add skylights or dormers to create something uniquely yours. Inside your home the gable roof offers a stunning visual aesthetic when the full height of the ceiling is used. Loft space can be added by increasing wall heights and using the pitch to create usable height.

Skillion Roof:

Also known as a Shed Roof or Mono Pitch Roof this single sloping surface offers a modern, edgy vibe that stands out in a sea of gabled neighbours. They’re not just about good looks either — The angle, (particularly steeper angles), means run off is never an issue. Whilst we work with angles of around 5-7 degrees for a sleeker look, steeper angles offer up significant advantages when you’re looking at a usable loft space. Internally the ceiling line provides a simple yet stunning architectural feature, providing a stylish openness.

Butterfly Roof:

This V-shaped roof slopes down to meet in the middle and really does resemble butterfly wings. It doesn’t just look cool— It allows for high ceilings and natural light through clerestory windows, if you choose. It’s also a clever rainwater collector, practically begging for a sustainable rain barrel for water collection. The unique shape of the butterfly roof really does make a compact home feel spacious, special and creative.

Curved Roof:

Historically used as an alternative to the flat roof in buildings such as barns, the curved roof can add real interest to a small home. They look great and offer excellent run off. A curved roof does require a more flexible material but any good supplier will be able to guide you through the options. Inside, curved ceilings open up rooms, turning plain old spaces into showstoppers. Light moves differently across a curved surface, creating pockets of sunshine and shadow that shifts throughout the day. A curved roof is certainly a point of difference – unexpected, playful, and seriously unforgettable.

Flat, Hip, Gambrel, Jerkinhead, A Frame, Saltbox and the list got on… Whilst we work more closely with the rooflines we've outlined, there are literally dozens to choose from. Check out the link below for more information and ideas.

So many rooflines, too little time...