halfhipped

Halfhipped is a term used in architecture and construction, particularly in relation to roofing. It describes a roof style that is a combination of a gable roof and a hip roof.

In a traditional gable roof, two sloping sides meet at a ridge, forming triangular ends called gables. In contrast, a hip roof has slopes on all four sides, with no gables. A halfhipped roof, also known as a dogleg roof or jerkinhead roof, features a gable end that is partially covered by a smaller, truncated hip. This means that at the top of the gable end, the roof slopes inward, creating a small hip shape before the main gable slope continues down to the eaves.

This design offers some advantages. The partial hip can help to reduce wind resistance compared to a full gable end, as it breaks up the wind flow. It also provides more protection to the gable walls from the elements. Visually, the halfhipped roof offers a distinctive aesthetic, blending the strong lines of a gable with the softer, sloping form of a hip. This style can be found in various architectural periods and is often seen in residential buildings. The construction of a halfhipped roof is more complex than a standard gable due to the additional framing required for the truncated hip section.