If you want to build a comfortable home that is also energy efficient, here is a house style with a unique design. A-frames have been around since the 1950s and they are becoming popular due to their practicability. Inside, you will find a lot of space due to the relatively high ceilings that maximize the usable area vertically.
While they are suited for any climate, people living in mountainous areas favor them as the steep roof prevents snow build-up. Compared to other house styles, A-frames have larger windows. You will benefit from passive solar heating, which is essential in a cold climate. After analyzing some promising options, we found 6 best A-frame house styles that we think you’ll like.
6 Best A-Frame House Plans
The best A-frame house plan is 5726HA, but let’s take a closer look at our category winners.
- Best for your average family: House Plan 5726HA
- Best on a budget: House Plan 57205HA
- Best luxury: House Plan 81831AB
1. 5726HA
SPECS
| Total Heated Area | 1,769 sq ft |
| First Floor | 1,306 sq ft |
| Second Floor | 463 sq ft |
| Deck | 580 sq ft |
| Basement | 1,306 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Full Bathrooms | 2 |
Ideal for an average family, this A-frame house plan has 2,001 square feet of living space. In the main room, you will find a fireplace that keeps your house warm during snowfalls and blizzards. If the weather is clear and sunny, the floor-to-ceiling windows will ensure enough natural light indoors. There are three bedrooms and the main suite is on the second floor, with a private bathroom of its own.
On its side, the house features a 580-square-foot deck where you can relax and enjoy your favorite outdoor activities. A basement is also included, which takes care of your storage needs. Overall, we love how this A-frame house splits the living space into two levels, making it comfortable for your family.
Pros:
- Fireplace included in the living room
- Windows are floor-to-ceiling
- Master bedroom has a separate bathroom
Cons:
- Kitchen area is relatively small
- There is no pantry in the kitchen
2. 270046AF
SPECS
| Total Heated Area | 2,001 sq ft |
| First Floor | 1,343 sq ft |
| Second Floor | 419 sq ft |
| Deck | 532 sq ft |
| Front Porch | 190 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Full Bathrooms | 2 |
While comfort and efficiency are important, looks matter too. This modern A-frame house plan will make your home stand out anywhere. After coming back from a hike, you enter a foyer where you can get changed and store your equipment. The main area is spacious with a vaulted ceiling, and here you can find the living room and the kitchen combined in an open floor plan.
Access to the bedrooms on the first level is through the hallway that extends from the foyer. Upstairs, the main bedroom comes with its bathroom situated near the lounge area. Take the ladder to reach the loft on the third floor that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Pros:
- One of the most stylish A-frames with an appealing design
- The foyer has a bench and a coat closet
- There is a lounge area on the second floor
Cons:
- Limited privacy due to the open floor design
- Some people will struggle to climb the ladder to the loft
3. 57205HA
SPECS
| Total Heated Area | 618 sq ft |
| First Floor | 480 sq ft |
| Second Floor | 138 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Full Bathrooms | 1 |
This house plan proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune if you want to have a cozy cabin by the lake. It is the most affordable A-frame layout on our list, but it is also the smallest. With a total heated area of 618 square feet, it is suitable for a vacation home that you use for a weekend getaway. You can even host parties and celebrate family events in the large living room that has a vaulted ceiling.
There is only one bedroom but the loft on the second floor holds enough space for an additional bed. The kitchen is rather small but we love how it has everything included for you to prepare delicious dinners. Keep in mind that the ceiling is just 7 feet high, which might be too small for some people.
Pros:
- The loft can be turned into an additional sleeping space
- Large living room with a vaulted ceiling
- Covered deck in the front of the house
Cons:
- Ceiling is not high enough
- A large family might struggle to find enough space
4. 6705MG
SPECS
| Total Heated Area | 1,677 sq ft |
| First Floor | 1,064 sq ft |
| Second Floor | 613 sq ft |
| Balcony | 32 sq ft |
| Deck | 474 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Full Bathrooms | 2 |
If you are not a fan of modern architecture and contemporary designs, this rustic A-frame house will be your ideal home. As you enter through the main entrance, you’ll be amazed by the 18′ ceiling in the living and dining room. Upstairs, a master bedroom with double closets is ready to accommodate you and your partner.
From this room, you can also access a balcony that overlooks the beautiful landscape of the surrounding area. With a total living space of 1,677 square feet, we think this A-frame cabin is ideal for a vacation home near your favorite hiking place.
Pros:
- Balcony included in the master bedroom
- Large outdoor deck
- Attractive rustic facade
Cons:
- Fieldstone exteriors require a lot of maintenance
- High ceiling will hinder furniture placement
5. 81831AB
SPECS
| Total Heated Area | 2,361 sq ft |
| First Floor | 1,761 sq ft |
| Second Floor | 600 sq ft |
| Optional Lower Level | 1,591 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 3 or 4 |
| Full Bathrooms | 2 or 3 |
Our luxury option is this house plan that offers a total of three bedrooms and two bathrooms over 2,361 square feet of living space. This design includes the option to build a fourth bedroom in a refurbished basement. There is plenty of space for you to decorate and set up the latest smart home systems.
With the help of a specialized window company, you can install skylights on the roof to provide natural lighting during sunny days. At night, you can even admire the stars from your own bed thanks to the unique shape of your home. We love how easily luxury and practicability are combined in this house plan, which offers exceptional value for the money.
Pros:
- Potential for expansion with the optional lower-level
- Plenty of storage space thanks to the pantry and closets
- Skylights ensure lots of natural lighting
Cons:
- Three bedrooms might not be enough for a large family
- Skylights have to be installed by a specialized company
6. 623081DJ
SPECS
| Total Heated Area | 2,007 sq ft |
| First Floor | 1,498 sq ft |
| Second Floor | 509 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Full Bathrooms | 2 |
| Width | 42’0” |
| Depth | 48’0” |
| Max Ridge Height | 34’0” |
With cedar siding and a metal roof, the last option on our list also has some unique features. The entry can be compared to an airlock, which invites you to an open layout through the sliding doors. There is a total heated area of 2,007 square feet and this plan combines the modern aesthetic with the functionality of A-frame houses.
The master bedroom is located on the first floor for your convenience. Another sliding glass door takes you outside to the covered deck where you can set sunbeds in an external recreation area. This house plan is tailored for couples and small families, as there are only two bedrooms included.
Pros:
- Master suite is on the main floor
- Covered deck large enough to accommodate sunbeds
- The sliding glass doors maximize natural light
Cons:
- Only two bedrooms are available
- Cedar siding and metal roof require a lot of maintenance
Factors To Consider
Before you continue with a final decision, there are several factors to take into account. These houses have a unique architectural style and you have to make sure it fully aligns with your preferences, lifestyle and practical needs.
Maintenance
These houses have steep roofs that require specialized maintenance. Because they are popular as vacation homes, most A-frame cabins are located in mountainous areas with significant snowfall. Consider the long-term maintenance and the costs that come with it, which have to be factored into your budget.
Efficiency
Heating your home during the cold winter nights might be more difficult than it is with a house built in a conventional style. The sloped walls and high ceilings will require you to carefully consider insulation options if you want to stay warm in your newly built A-frame home.
Skylights
For an additional cost, skylights can be installed on your roofs. This is a beneficial addition for houses that lack enough natural light during the day. While they boost the aesthetic of your home, skylights also have an impact on heating and cooling.
Why You Should Trust Us
When it comes to house plans, you can trust us because we do the hard work for you. Instead of spending countless hours manually researching and comparing home designs, you can count on our team of experts to get the best recommendations. All six house plans featured in this article have passed several screenings and filters to ensure they’re of the best quality and value.
How Much Do These Designs Cost?
The average price for an A-frame house plan is $900. The most expensive on our list costs $1,500 and the cheapest one is the budget option that’s priced at $650. Because these plans determine the structure and design of your home, they might be the most important investment you will make in this project. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a layout that meets all of your needs within your current budget.
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