A-frame homes are often more than one story high and feature an open loft-style interior. Floor-to ceiling windows in the upright walls aren't common, and due to both the aesthetic and practical benefits A-frame houses typically have exposed beams and vaulted ceilings.
R.M. Schindler made the A-frame's U.S. debut in California in the 1930s. Southern California. Schindler. A Vienna-born architect Schindler admired and worked alongside Frank Lloyd Wright, who ultimately took him from the Midwest to Los Angeles for the construction of the famed Hollyhock House.
While Schindler was certainly an architect to himself, A-frame houses existed long before he constructed his first at Lake Arrowhead. The practical and sturdy A-frame construction methods have been utilized throughout Asia and Europe for hundreds of years.
Given their pitched rooflines, A-frame buildings are ideal in areas with snow, since they're not prone to accumulation of snow, which can cause serious damage to roofs. A number of homes built with A-frames in the U.S. were constructed between the 1950s and 1970s. They're usually located in mountainous, forested areas which include Colorado, Utah, and the Pacific Northwest.
A-frames have witnessed a recent resurgence because of the tiny home movement as well as a general trend towards sustainable living. Their minimal design and minimal exterior maintenance requirements helps to make them an ideal choice for people looking to downsize or make the commitment to a more sustainable way of life.
A big perk for homeowners who live in A-frames is their low-cost robustness. If you're building a new home it's likely that their construction is typically cheaper than conventional designs. If you're buying an older house it's possible to save as much as 60% off the cost of building a new one. It's safe to say that the A-frame is sturdy regardless of the interior style preferences you have.
Homes that can be able to withstand snow conditions very well tend to also be able be able to withstand temperatures that are hot. A-frame roofs properly insulated provide great protection from the elements, which means that they're energy efficient and adaptable.
