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smitty
Member
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# Posted: 6 Apr 2011 10:49pm
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Hi folks,
I was wondering if someone here, can help me understand the formula behind building an A frame.
We have been talking about that style of cabin, and love the idea.
So far we know we want it to be 20x24 and we want at least 7' ceiling 1st floor and loft.
So I need to figure out, how to go about it. How I get my angles.
Can anybody help me get my head wrapped around it? So it makes more common sense.. I'm a hands on, take it apart figure out how it works kind of guy. I have no book smarts..
Thanks.
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 7 Apr 2011 12:23am
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Paper, pencil, eraser and an architect's scale
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 7 Apr 2011 09:23am - Edited by: Gary O
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My one word of advice:
Don't.
Yes, they are a very aesthetically romantic style, and look great lakeside, or on a treed slope. But that's kinda where it ends.
They are just plain not efficient.
Walls are not accommodating, so cupboards become mysteriously lacking in the space dept., and your heat will all go to the peak, where your sleeping loft may be (suffocating), all the while you'll be freezing your arse off down below.
In construction, most everything is roof, so expense can be a deciding factor.
Have you stayed in, or been in an A frame?
If not, please do so.
My advice, smitty.
BTW, I like your straight forward style (reminds me of me 30 yrs ago.....)
Gary O'
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 7 Apr 2011 10:22am
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I second Gary's thoughts on the utility of an A-frame, but it is a personal choice. They seem like tunnels inside to me. But again, personal choice.
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steveqvs
Member
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# Posted: 7 Apr 2011 05:16pm
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I was looking at A-frames too. I like them but have not yet decided what type of cabin to build.
http://www.houseplansfree.net/a-frame-house-plan-36-feet-high.html
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smitty
Member
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# Posted: 7 Apr 2011 08:08pm
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Steve,
We are in the same boat, different paddle.
Trying to decide what to build. Ran into A frame and started researching it.
Like the design, but in order to squeeze 4 people in it comfortably, it would have to be so big, it would lose the cost effectiveness I think..
Still might build one later on, for an out building/work shop. But After looking at it closer, don't think it's right for us.
Thanks for the reply guys. Y'all are helping us out more than you know.
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smitty
Member
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# Posted: 7 Apr 2011 08:32pm
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Gary O'
After talking about it with the better half, we decided (I think) to take your advice. A frame seems like a great efficient style of building, but, the cons seem to out weigh the pros..
And I don't know about being straight forward, I'm social on the internet, but pretty much keep to myself in the real world. Mind my own business and stay out of trouble.
I got to make some tough decisions here in the next few days, so just doing all my homework. Y'all are going to get tired of my questions soon ;)
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Just
Member
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# Posted: 7 Apr 2011 09:11pm
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if a a frame is one of the poor choices then i think a hip roof is one of the best !' just' me
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 7 Apr 2011 09:17pm
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Quoting: smitty And I don't know about being straight forward, I'm social on the internet, but pretty much keep to myself in the real world. Mind my own business and stay out of trouble.
I just mean you use few words to get your point across.
I used to be that way, then somehow the dam broke, and now an evil entity keeps pulling the little cord attached to my back......
Topic point; Glad you are reconsidering cabin style.
Anyone considering 'A' frames for a cabin should stay in one first.
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Jeremy165
Member
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# Posted: 12 Apr 2011 10:03pm
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So I know I am definitely in the minority. But I love A-frames. Especially in the woods or mountians. I am building an A-frame, here's my thread, http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/6_996_0.html
Pros
Depending on the design its basically all roof and no walls = low maintenance
You can build the main structure on the ground and them tilt them all up in one day
High snow areas are no problem
Its different
Cons
You have a triangle shaped dead space where you can't walk, furniture can't sit against... unless you build pony walls as I am doing.
Heating issues as everyone says, but this is minimized if upstairs bedrooms (you said 4 people, so maybe you want separate bedrooms) are enclosed. Also, windows that open or a ceiling fan in the upper area would greatly help. All structures need some ventiliation.
To sum it up, it is not a super open, sunny, daylight type feel, but in certain areas (like mine) you need the snow-shedding perfomance and it fits in well with the neighboring home styles. I'm sure no matter what style you choose you will have a great time constructing your cabin and using it in the future.
Jeremy
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 13 Apr 2011 09:15am - Edited by: Gary O
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Quoting: Jeremy165 unless you build pony walls as I am doing.
Well put summation.
You've got your thinkin' cap on for sure, Jeremy.
Can't wait to see the pix of both your builds, and a continuation of the video, smitty.
Happy building to the both of you.
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Borrego
Member
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# Posted: 13 Apr 2011 03:14pm
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Easiest for sure would be a shed roof design. Make the back 8' and the front at 14' for a loft. Cheaper, easier, stronger, quicker..... IMHO
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smitty
Member
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# Posted: 13 Apr 2011 06:32pm
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Borrego,
That is actually one of the ideas we had, and honestly is not totally off the table yet.
Less lumber, less time consuming, easier roofing, but how strong is the snow load on a shed roof? I don't know.. How big of a span without interior load bearing walls. I just don't know. But I do like the idea.
Gary O,
The video is going to be fun to look back on I think.
Not much to record right now though.
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Borrego
Member
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# Posted: 13 Apr 2011 07:31pm
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Quoting: smitty How big of a span without interior load bearing walls. I just don't know. But I do like the idea.
Just throw a midspan beam up there. Cut the rafters and hang them so they're all inside the same plane... If ya know what I mean?
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 13 Apr 2011 09:19pm - Edited by: Gary O
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Quoting: smitty Gary O, The video is going to be fun to look back on I think.
Smitty, your video is your testament . It's tedious, I know. But should be quite rewarding.
Wish I had that kind of patience, but there would be a lot of bubbing on mine, and a discoloration of the air around me.....let alone the out takes...
Years later, little darling great grand child on my knee "Hey grampa, why wath the air blue in your day, and what'th a thumbith?"
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