Mixing Hip and Gable Roofs: A Timeless Architectural Style

The East Asian hip-and-gable roof style, also known as the xieshan roof style, is an architectural feature that has been used for centuries in various countries across the region. With its unique blend of hip and gable roofs, this style has become a staple in Buddhist and Taoist temples, palaces, gardens, and other buildings with official functions.

Origins

The style is believed to have originated in China during the Eastern Han dynasty as an adaptation of the hip roof. It later spread to Japan, Korea, and other parts of East Asia, where it was adopted and adapted to suit local architectural styles. In Japan, this style is known as irimoya (), while in Korean, it is referred to as paljakjibung ().

Characteristics

One of the most distinctive features of the xieshan roof style is its combination of hip and gable roofs. The hip roof slopes down on all four sides, while the gable roof forms a triangular shape on two opposing sides. This unique design creates a sense of balance and harmony between the different elements.

There are typically two types of eaves associated with this style: single eaves () and double eaves (). Single eaves refer to the edges of the basic rooftop, while double eaves consist of an additional layer of eaves below the basic rooftop.

Examples

Some notable examples of buildings that feature xieshan-style roofs include the Longxing Temple in China, which was built in 1052 and has a hip-and-gable roof with double eaves. Other examples can be found in Buddhist temples and shrines across East Asia, as well as in palaces, gardens, and other official buildings.

Spread

The xieshan roof style is not limited to just China and Japan. It can also be found in Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Kalmykia, among other countries in Continental Asia. In Southeast Asia, a similar hip-and-gable style is traditionally used in the Philippines and Indonesia.

The East Asian hip-and-gable roof style, or xieshan roof style, is an architectural feature that has been used for centuries across various regions of Asia. Its unique blend of hip and gable roofs creates a sense of balance and harmony between different elements, making it a timeless and enduring architectural style.

Mixing hip and gable roofs photos