# Pyramid, Pavilion and Tented Roofs

> A pyramid roof is a hip roof on a square plan whose faces meet at one point; pavilion and tented roofs are low- and steep-pitched versions on regular polygons.

- URL: https://roof.wiki/pyramid-roof/
- Topic: Roof Shapes & Forms
- Also known as: pyramid hip roof; pavilion roof; tented roof; tent roof; helm roof
- Regions: Global
- First published: 2026-11-02 · Last reviewed: 2026-11-02
- Cite as: "Pyramid, Pavilion and Tented Roofs." roof.wiki. https://roof.wiki/pyramid-roof/

## Key facts

- **Plan:** Square (pyramid) or regular polygon
- **Ridge:** None, faces meet at apex
- **Steep version:** Tented roof

A pyramid roof (or pyramid hip roof) is a hip roof built over a square plan, so that all four triangular faces rise to meet at a single apex with no ridge. It is the simplest roof for a square building, and is common on cottages, garden buildings, gazebos, towers and outbuildings.

## Related forms

- **Pavilion roof:** a low-pitched roof hipped equally on all sides over a square or regular polygonal plan, with sides rising to a peak. Often used on pavilions, summerhouses and bandstands.
- **Tented roof:** a polygonal hipped roof with steeply pitched slopes rising to a peak, like a tent.
- **Helm roof:** a pyramidal form with gables on each face, often found on church towers.
- **Spire:** a very tall, slender pyramid or cone topping a tower.

A notable example of a pyramid roof is The Round House in Finchingfield, Essex, England, where a chimney rises through the apex.

## Advantages

- Like other hip roofs, pyramid roofs are self-bracing and perform well in high winds.
- All four sides have eaves, sheltering every wall.
- Simple, symmetrical framing with four hip rafters meeting at a central point or king post.

## Considerations

- There is no ridge for continuous ridge ventilation, so roof-space ventilation needs alternatives such as a vented apex cap, hip vents or individual vents.
- The apex, where four hips meet, needs a purpose-made cap or finial.
- The roof volume is limited and steep pitches are required for significant attic space.

## Sources

1. List of roof shapes — Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_roof_shapes
2. Types of Roof: A Complete Guide to the Most Common Options — Homebuilding & Renovating. https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/types-of-roof
3. Hip roof — Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_roof