A dutch hip roof, also referred to as a dutch gable roof, is a combination of a gable roof and a hipped roof. In some cases, the gable section of the roof is placed on top of the gable section and is called a “gablet.” Some Dutch hip roofs feature flared eaves.
The hip roof design can be used on all four sides of the house or it can be a true combination of a gable and hip roof and leave the front and back of the home open. Dutch hip roofs can also use a fully extended roofline on two sides and a shortened roofline on the other two. Because of the complexity of Dutch hip roof framing, it can cost more than other roof styles, but it certainly creates an interesting design.
The History Of Dutch Hip Roof Design
Dutch hip roof design originated in Holland during the 17th century and was often seen on simple stone-walled structures. While the origins of this roof style is decidedly Dutch, it’s unclear exactly how the flared gables came to be popular, and some believe that flared eaves were a design evolution that took place in the early days of America, around 1750. As Dutch immigrants moved to the New World to escape religious persecution, they brought their construction methods with them, which created the Dutch Colonial style.
Early examples of this type of roof were often seen on simple stone houses common in rural Dutch home-building. These simple homes were constructed with stone and when the home became too small for expanding families, they would often build a larger home close to the original and connect them to form a larger home with multiple “wings.”
Around 1750, the flared eave style gained popularity around the southern Hudson River area (source: A Field Guide to American Houses, Virginia Savage McAlester). Dutch hip roofs can blend gable roof and hip roof design, but they can also draw from classic gambrel styles, adding a flared eave.
Early Dutch hip roof pictures show traditional roofing materials that included wood shingles and slate tiles as these natural materials were easily accessible in the early American colonies and were durable as well as beautiful.
Common Dutch Hip Roof Features
Four-sided hip roof with a gablet on top
Flared eaves
Dormers
Dutch Hip Roof Pros
Creates an Old World look and feel
Allows snow to slide off of the roof
Allows for proper drainage
Creates extra space in an attic
Allows for a loft area
Captures a unique look
Dormers add light to upper floors
Four sloping sides create a self-bracing design
Dutch Hip Roof Cons
Flared eaves can be challenging to construct
Complicated roofline that can add cost and time to the project
Can be more expensive than other roof styles
More seams means more opportunities for leaks
Brava Roof Tiles Are Ideal For Dutch Hip Roof Design
Early Dutch Colonial homes used wood and slate as roofing materials, but these types of materials come with downsides. In the early days of America, these materials were plentiful and, frankly, they were some of the only available options.
Today’s modern materials allow homes to reflect the charm and nostalgia of traditional styles, but without the downsides of traditional materials. Dutch hip roof house plans can benefit from today’s advanced technology to create a long-lasting and beautiful home design.
Brava roof tiles are available in Cedar Shake and Old World Slate styles that capture that essence of traditional materials that would have been found on early Dutch hip roofs and come with a host of benefits. The use of Spanish Barrel Tiles can create a truly unique look and offer a modern take on a traditional design.
Authentic molds create roof tiles that honor the historic craftsmanship and timeless tradition associated with natural materials.
Individually colored tiles ensure that there won’t be repetitive patterns and tiles will look naturally sourced and weathered.
Recycled materials make our roof tiles sustainable and fully recyclable, which helps keep materials out of landfills.
Lightweight tiles remove the need for added structural support to hold the weight of traditional slate tiles, and can cut down on labor and installation costs.
State-of-the-art compression molding technology makes it the strongest cedar shake, slate tile, and barrel tile available.
A wide range of colors allows you to choose the perfect color to complete the home’s aesthetic.
A 50-year limited lifetime warranty offers peace of mind.
Maintenance-free materials mean you can spend time enjoying your home instead of worrying about it.
Brava’s synthetic roof tiles offer the best choice for Dutch hip roofs. Our products replicate traditional materials, so you can easily achieve a classic Dutch Colonial look without the maintenance and worry that comes with traditional materials.
Contact the experts at Brava today to see how our composite roofing materials are the perfect choice for your Dutch hip roof house plan!
