Lessenaarsdaken

Lessenaarsdaken are a class of roofs described in Dutch architectural terminology as mono-pitched or shed roofs. The defining feature is a single sloping plane that runs from a higher edge to a lower edge, creating a straightforward, unidirectional slope. The term is widely used in the Netherlands and Belgium, but the design appears in a variety of European and global contexts, from traditional houses to contemporary architecture.

Construction and features: A lessenaarsdak is typically supported by a simple timber or steel frame. Roofing materials vary and can include metal sheeting, asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or slate. A gutter is usually placed along the lower edge to manage rainwater. Because there is only one slope, interior spaces adjacent to the higher edge can be taller than those toward the lower edge, and attic space is generally limited.

Applications and design considerations: Lessenaarsdaken are commonly used for extensions, garages, farm buildings, and modern houses where a clean, geometric silhouette is desired. They offer economical construction and flexible site integration. The slope, direction of the run, and roof pitch influence daylighting, ventilation, and rainwater management, so designers select parameters to suit climate, topography, and aesthetics.

See also: shed roof, mono-pitched roof, lean-to roof.