Gambrel Roofs Set Dutch Colonial Revivals Apart

by Rachel Grace · 8 photos · 13 comments

traditional exterior by Arch Studio, Inc.

The symmetrical front facade gives this home the formal and balanced appearance all colonial revivals are known for, while the gambrel detailing sets it apart as a Dutch colonial.

by Arch Studio, Inc.

traditional exterior by Westover Landscape Design, Inc.

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The portico, clapboard siding, gambrel roof and double-hung, multipaned windows are all Dutch colonial revival characteristics.

by Westover Landscape Design, Inc.

traditional exterior by Ron Brenner Architects

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This Dutch colonial revival home features a gambrel roof; the roof of the mini kick-out addition mirrors the main one.

by Ron Brenner Architects

traditional bedroom by Frank Shirley Architects

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Inside the gambrel of a Dutch colonial revival, you can see how the four slopes are split symmetrically down the middle of the central ridge beam.

by Frank Shirley Architects

traditional exterior by Motionspace Architecture + Design

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With its flared eaves, the gambrel roof is the distinguishing feature of this Dutch colonial home in Seattle.

by Motionspace Architecture + Design

traditional by COOK ARCHITECTURAL Design Studio

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Together, timber squared columns and a stone knee wall create a stately Dutch colonial full-width front porch.

by COOK ARCHITECTURAL Design Studio

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Diagonal cross balustrades are perfectly suited for a traditional Dutch colonial. Here they help enclose a screened-in porch.

by Ron Brenner Architects

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The wood shingle roof, brick chimney, clapboard siding and entry portico all contribute to this home's colonial revival charm, while its gambrel profile delineates it as a Dutch colonial revival.

by Kerrie L. Kelly

Comments

Arch Studio, Inc. Thank you Rachel for a wonderful article about Gambrel Roofs! I think that these types of roofs are very distinctive, and create wonderful indoor spaces upstairs. A little more tricky to design and build than your average roof, but well worth it!

6 months ago · Like ·

Gambrell Renard Home Decor A roof named after me ;-) nice article.

6 months ago · Like ·

cmalovrh I used to live in a Dutch Colonial many years ago. I love that house and have a soft spot for that design. Love all the homes shown, but that last one is my favorite. Love the older established look. Reminds me of some homes from 1940s movies.

6 months ago · Like

lalumdane what is the little "flip" that comes out at the base of the roof called that makes a little overhang. We have a Gambrel but the roof terminates with the same angle as the face of the roof so its not as pretty. Does anyone know if you can add this after? Thanks!

6 months ago · Like ·

Melodie Moore I am building a house with gambrel roof. Can't wait to see that roof go up, just started the frame up.

6 months ago · Like ·

Arch Studio, Inc. The little "flip" at the end of the roof is called a "flair".

6 months ago · Like

lalumdane Thank you for the info @ArchStudio" - Any idea if it can be added on afterwards?

6 months ago · Like

Elizabeth Reynolds Interiors, LLC I love the lines and shadow of my dutch colonial. Plus, the roofline allows for living space on the third floor.

6 months ago · Like ·

julcoe My house was built in 1883 with a gambrel roof. Would you still call it a Dutch Colonial? I have heard it referred to as a " Farmhouse Vistorian" or a "Queen Ann Farmhouse". Curious.

6 months ago · Like

dutchcol Need to re-roof our Dutch colonial. The thick shakes are reaching their end after 30 years. Ideas? Love the roofing choice from Ron Brenner architects.

3 months ago · Like

kurgan1976 I am unhappy with the look of the front of my house. We will need to replace our roof soon and I would like some suggestions for color and texture. Also the front door is fiberglass and can be repainted, the current faux wood grain color is the only one that they would do at the time of ordering. The brick is brown and will remain. I think the problems lies with the current colors but any input you have would be greatly appreciated!!

5 weeks ago · Like

lalumdane just some thoughts - the house is very balanced so there is no real focal point - bring the focus back to the front door. with such strong white verticals, a portico with white columns might work well.

5 weeks ago · Like

kurgan1976 Very interesting and something I had never considered!! The only down side is that we may only be in the house 5 more years so we were trying to keep the cost to a minimum.

5 weeks ago · Like ·