A-Frame Buildings
The A-frame construction method exploded onto the scene in the post-WWII era as citizens began to choose this simple, inexpensive means of building for their vacation homes. A-frames utilize a large triangle-shaped roof structure that meets at an apex atop the home and typically extends all the way down to the foundation line. Modern landscapers have appropriated the feature for a variety of backyard buildings, from sheds to greenhouses. Historically, A-frame construction has served primarily as durable shelter constructed from all manner of local materials, including logs, raw wood, bamboo, and thatch.
Much of the aesthetic appeal of the A-frame undoubtedly resides in its oversized roof. Its large surface area makes it a prime candidate for display, with modern homeowners choosing to implement decorative patterns with their shingles. Clay roof tiles may also be coupled with a stucco or adobe covering on the walls to create a villa-like aesthetic. The roof may also be left smooth for mosaics, murals, or painting. Some homeowners choose the A-frame for a clubhouse for children, constructing it from simple plywood.
The A-frame building also has applications for serious gardeners and landscapers. Its tremendous roof surface area may be opened up for the installation of large windows. When oriented toward maximum sunlight, the backyard A-frame can be an extraordinarily effective greenhouse. The extreme angle of the roof may make accessing plants toward either side of the structure a bit tricky, but homeowners can circumvent this by loading plants on movable platforms. Sections can be rotated into the center aisle for watering and then placed back toward the greenhouse's sides for maximum natural light. Akin to their suitability as greenhouses, A-frames can also serve as excellent early planters for a variety of flowers and plants. They are a low-cost solution for starting vegetable and herb gardens significantly earlier than in open soil. Passive heating options, such as black plastic barrels filled with water, can help protect the seedlings from frost.
Perhaps the most enticing feature about A-frame construction is its simplicity. Homeowners and landscapers interested in one or more backyard structures can acquire the necessary supplies in an afternoon, with the actual assembly taking not much longer than that, depending on the size of the building. Innumerable combinations of building materials may be used, from plywood to slate tile. Homeowners who are concerned with historical authenticity may choose fresh thatch for the roof, though this method requires more frequent maintenance than modern tar and asphalt shingles. A completed A-frame also makes an excellent storage shed for firewood.
Tags: A-frame, building, construction, roof, homeowner, greenhouse
