When it comes to residential designs, we all want our dream homes to stand out. With boxed-up forms all around, are you ready to stand out? Opting for an A-frame house can effortlessly do the task.
Although these triangular homes have existed for centuries, with a modern lifestyle and an increasing trend for vacation homes, the style is making a comeback. These align well with the trending minimalism and, at the same time, hint at a rustic visual appeal. A modern A-frame house comprises a steep roof, which imparts structural stability and makes it a pocket-friendly home.
Let’s dive deep into the details of an A-frame house and how to design the spaces within.
An A-frame house follows simple and informal architectural language with the form of a house resembling the capital letter A. These tall homes have steep sides starting near or from the ground. A-frame house plans follow an open-concept planning with minimal dividing walls.
This unique architectural style took birth thousands of years back; however, the trend returned in the 1950s-60s when these became popular as vacation homes in the United States. One of the primary reasons for their gain in popularity is a functional roof that sheds snow quickly.
Features of A-Frame Houses
Let’s explore the key features that make these houses stand out from the rest.
Roof that Stands Out!
What imparts an A-frame house its unique look is the distinctive roof. Its profile is steeply sloping to resemble the alphabet A. Apart from being the house’s most striking feature, it efficiently keeps the home weather-resistant by shedding water, snow, and leaves.
Open and Airy Spaces
The strep slope of the roof offers high ceilings in the interiors. Further, making spaces more airy and spacious is the open-floor planning. The fewer the walls, the more the versatility in living.
A Cozy and Functional Loft
The form of the roof leaves a loft space beneath. A staircase or ladder access serves the function of a home office, an additional bedroom, or a cozy reading nook. Loft helps in maximizing the utility of vertical spaces.
Windows Capturing Views
A modern A-frame house features large windows to keep the interiors extroverted towards natural views. Full-height windows welcome natural light and connect interiors and exteriors seamlessly.
What are the Advantages of A-frame Homes?
Modern and minimalist aesthetics.
Sound and safe structure.
Good insulation qualities.
Versatile planning.
Exudes a timeless appeal.
Consumes less materials and energy.
One of the best residential solutions for both cold and warm climates.
An affordable and scalable structure.
What is an A-Frame House Kit?
An A-frame house kit comprises the vital building items to construct the house. The sizes of these kits range from smaller homes to large family-sized houses. Manufacturers prefabricate these homes and deliver them to the site. Further, the assembly is taken up either as a DIY project or with a contractor.
Top 5 A-Frame House Kits
1. Den A-frame Kit
Area: 115 sq. feet
Cost: $27,000
These DIY A-frame kits feature floor-to-ceiling windows for a seamless connection with nature. It comes in three color variations and hosts two guests at a time.
2. Bivvi Base Camp Cabin
Area: 110 sq. feet
Cost: $33,000
Wish to nestle within nature? Bivvi Base Camp is the best option, offering a retreat on wheels. It leaves you with the flexibility of towing to the desired location. The small one-room cabin features a kitchenette, toilet, and a room. The design is open to customization as per needs.
3. Avrame Duo 75
Area: 428 sq. feet
Cost: $31,325
Avrame Duo 75 is a single-story structure best for a short-term stay. It comprises strength-graded timber and typically requires 3-6 days for assembly.
4. Lushna Villa Massive
Area: 164 sq. feet
Cost: $20,020
These A-frame homes are best suited for camping enthusiasts. They blend with the natural surroundings for a seamless experience. It features simple bedroom designs with large glass walls for a one-of-its-kind experience.
5. The Backcountry Hut Company System 00
Area: 107 sq. feet
Cost: $43,965
The Backcountry Hut Company features three models for outdoor cabin systems. These easy-to-install A-frames can be easily assembled in less than one week. It comes in three sizes: one room is the least expensive, and system 00 is the latest model.
How much do A-frame Houses Cost?
Let’s understand the overall breakdown of estimated costs involved in building A-frame houses.
Preparation of the Lot– $2000- $6000
Foundation– $4 per square foot
Labor and construction materials– $50- $150 per square foot
A-frame Plan– $200- $2000
Plumbing Services– $4- $5 per square foot
Electrical Services– $4- $9 per square foot
Septic Tank– $10000- $25000
General Contractor– 10-20% of the entire project cost
Owing to the simplicity of designs, A-frame homes are comparatively cheaper than traditional houses. The cost factor for these homes depends upon the scale, material, and desired amenities.
These are totally worth it as they’re inexpensive, aesthetic, and easily adaptable to the desired configurations.
Design Ideas for A-Frame Houses
1. Make a Statement with Decor
With the unique form of A-frame houses already making them stand out, make sure not to neglect the interior decor. There’s no restriction to creative ideas when it comes to interior design. Jazz up the spaces by introducing statement items like intricately patterned rugs, wall art, or bold chandeliers. Let these accessories contrast against the subtle theme.
2. Opt for Space-Saver Planning
Owing to their unique form, A-frame house demands strategic planning. Rather than congesting the interiors with too many walls and dividers, keep it open! An open-plan approach helps maximize function and minimize the chances of unplanned awkward nooks.
3. Welcome Nature with Full-height Glass
You can effortlessly enhance the quality of living by blending nature into the design. Take advantage of the triangular form and introduce floor-to-ceiling glass. It helps retain an airy feel in the interiors and welcomes natural light. This approach helps in keeping the home extroverted towards natural sceneries.
4. Keep it Simple and Monochromatic
Let your A-frame house be all about nature and surroundings rather than glittering interiors. Enhance the spatial quality by opting for a monochromatic palette. It helps establish unified aesthetics in the interiors and doesn’t make them overpower the natural views. For a monochromatic look, opt for hues of the same color, like black, gray, brown, beige, etc.
5. Blend Design Styles
Are you finding it hard to decide on a single theme for your home? Don’t worry! Your modern A-frame houses can blend styles. Don’t restrict your creative thoughts while mixing patterns and styles. It helps impart a unique look to the house. While picking themes, be mindful about knitting the themes together with a binding element like tone, texture, or pattern.
6. Embrace Minimalism
Do you wish to curate airy and uncluttered interiors? Minimalism is the key! For bright homes, keep the color palette light and furniture sleek. Avoid introducing extra furnishings to save floor space. Stick to the ‘less is more’ ideology and let nature take center stage rather than overwhelming interiors.
7. Curate a Focal Point
Don’t keep the interiors bland! Instead, develop a feature wall to grab attention and serve as an element of interest in your house. Whether an A-frame tiny house or an expansive one, opt for a wall treatment to jazz up the look. You can accentuate the aesthetics by picking wooden or neutral accents or introduce wallpaper, paint, or personalized wall treatment.
8. Take Advantage of the Nooks
You can’t wholly avoid awkward nooks showing up in your A-frame house. But don’t worry! With an intelligent approach, you can maximize every inch of the house. Consider the idea of placing a bunk bed where the bottom of the bed accommodates storage drawers and a table, whereas the upper bunk offers additional sleeping space.
9. Keep the Steps Narrow
With a small footprint of an A-frame tiny house, you don’t want a staircase to eat up the space. Always opt for a narrow staircase to solve the space-eating issue and, at the same time, maximize utility. Another approach is to go for a custom ladder or a spiral staircase. You can also introduce additional storage underneath the steps by adding shelves and drawers.
10. Enable Sky-gazing with Skylights
Don’t we all love gazing at the night sky? By introducing a skylight to your A-frame house, you can enjoy that experience every night. It also enhances the efficiency of the interiors by letting in natural light and keeping interiors comfortable.
11. Go for Modular Furniture
A-frame homes are typically smaller than conventional residences. Thus, these demand strategic interior planning for optimizing the space. Get rid of the bulky furnishings and introduce sleek and modular furniture. It will help to keep the interiors neat and organized.
12. Give Priority to Plants
This typology of the house is most prevalent in mountain or forested areas. While the views stay open to natural sceneries, why restrict nature outside the house? Incorporate leafy planters and hanging baskets inside to blur the lines between interiors and exteriors.
13. Striking the Geometrical Balance
The form of an A-frame house speaks for its aesthetics. At the same time, interiors must be planned thoughtfully to avoid overwhelming spaces. Play with geometry by adding rectangular artworks, round mirrors, and square frames to strike a geometrical balance.
14. Natural and Neutral
Stay in sync with nature by opting for a natural theme in the interiors. From color scheme to materials, the mood board must stay neutral. Let the architectural elements shine by highlighting them in darker tones. It will aid in keeping the look exciting and balanced.
15. Introduce a Pop of Tone
Don’t shy away from adding a pop of color to the monochromatic interiors. Enhance the visual appeal of your A-frame houseby adding colorful art or furnishing. It brings a sense of drama along with adding depth to the space. Opt for colors that contrast nicely with the rest of the design theme.
FAQs
How do you frame a house?
The best way to frame a house is to opt for A-frame kits that suit your needs and design taste.
How much does it cost to frame a house?
The average price to frame a house is about $150,000, with the price per square foot ranging between $100-$200 with labor and materials.
How to build an A-frame house?
You can either build it with the DIY building kit or develop the plan with an architect. Another option is to work with a prefabricated A-frame for the site.
How long does it take to frame a house?
The time needed for framing a house ranges between 5-8 weeks.
Conclusion
A-frame homes look nothing less than a dream! Their unique form and blurred lines between interiors and exteriors make them the perfect retreating spot. Play around with design ideas that align with your taste and impart a personalized flair to your homes.
