Construction Details & Solutions
Roofs and Ceilings
Combinations you can choose at EasyGreen
The roof and the ceiling are two different elements of the structure, which are often confused with each other.
The roof is the external structure that covers the building and protects it from the weather conditions (rain, wind, sun). The roof consists of the supporting wooden frame, thermal insulation, waterproofing and the final coating (tiles or other cladding).
The ceiling is the internal surface that we see inside the house. It can be flat (plasterboard false ceiling), sloping following the shape of the roof or visible with wooden elements.
In Greece we mainly find four basic types of roof: single-pitched, double-pitched, triple-pitched and quadripitched.
The single-pitched roof has a single slope and is often used in more modern or simple architectural solutions. The double-pitched roof is one of the most common forms, with two sloping levels that meet at the top. The hipped roof is a combination of shapes and is used when we want a different architectural configuration on one side of the building. The hipped roof has slopes on all four sides and gives a more complete and traditional image to the house.
The choice of roof type is influenced by aesthetics, local architecture, urban planning requirements, functionality and the overall style of the house.
The combination of the shape of the roof and the interior ceiling significantly affects both the external appearance of the house and the feel of the interior spaces.
At EasyGreen you can choose different roof and ceiling combinations, depending on the architectural style you desire.
Roof types
Single-pitched, double-pitched, triple-pitched or quadripitched roof with flat roof
In this solution, the external form of the roof can be single-pitched, double-pitched, triple-pitched or quadripitched, depending on the architectural choice, the aesthetics of the project and the requirements of the structural design.
Regardless of the type of roof, when a flat roof is provided on the interior, the basic construction logic remains the same. The roof is constructed with densely placed trusses made of structural timber, with cross-sections of 50×200 or 50×150, depending on the opening, the shape of the roof and the structural design.
The trusses constitute the load-bearing structure of the roof and are not intended to remain visible in the interior. The final form of the roof is formed externally, while a suspended plasterboard ceiling with a metal frame is constructed internally.
In this way, the spaces of the house acquire a flat, clean roof, regardless of whether the external roof is single-pitched, double-pitched, triple-pitched or quadripitched.
This solution offers a clean and modern aesthetic to the interior, allows for easy integration of lighting and installations and is one of the most practical and economical options for houses with tiled roofs.
Four-pitched or three-pitched roof with a high and visible roof trusses
In this option, the roof remains visible inside the house, creating a tall, open and particularly impressive space.
This solution is mainly applied to four-pitched or three-pitched roofs, where the geometry of the roof can be highlighted internally and become a key architectural element of the space.
The construction is made with sparsely placed trusses made of composite structural timber or timber of larger cross-sections, always in accordance with the static study and the requirements of the project.
A wooden ribbed cladding is placed on the underside of the roof, while the main beams and trusses remain visible, creating a warm, natural and particularly high-quality result.
The visible timber can be shaped in different shades, from natural light tones to darker or traditional wood shades. It can also be painted in a selected color, such as white or another shade, depending on the style of the home and the aesthetic desired by the owner.
This option is often used in homes with large open living, dining or kitchen areas, where the high exposed ceiling adds volume, character and a sense of luxury.
Gable or single-pitched roof with high ceiling
The gable and single-pitched roof, due to its simple and clean geometric shape, allows us to apply a different method of support compared to the four-pitched or three-pitched roofs.
In many cases, when the structural design allows it, the roof can be constructed without classic trusses. Instead of repeated trusses, large composite beams are used along the roof, which are supported by the walls and assume the basic load-bearing function of the structure.
This solution creates a cleaner and more open interior surface, gives more “air” to the space and better highlights the height of the residence. For this reason, when the architecture and structural design allow it, we often use it on gable roofs.
Choice between a visible wooden frame or a clean internal ceiling without visible timber.
The internal ceiling can be formed in two main ways.
In the first option, the wooden frame of the roof remains visible. The rafters, the beams and the central beam or beams are visible inside the space, creating a pitched roof with a high and visible ceiling. The visible timber can have a natural shade, a darker tone or be painted in a selected color, depending on the style of the house.
In the second option, the wooden frame of the roof does not remain visible in its entirety. Only the central large beams can be visible, in a natural wood shade or in a color of choice, or they can be covered with plasterboard so that they are fully integrated into the internal ceiling.
The remaining internal surface of the roof is formed with wooden cladding or plasterboard, following the slope of the roof. In this case we have a pitched roof with a high ceiling, but not a fully visible wooden frame.
The choice between a visible and a non-visible high ceiling depends on the aesthetics desired by the owner, the style of the residence, the cost and the requirements of the structural design.
If you encounter technical terms that you do not know, you can see more explanations in the EasyGreen Construction Terms Dictionary.
ROOFING MATERIALS
For the roof covering, you can choose between different types of tiles, depending on the aesthetics and technical requirements of the construction.
The main options are:
Ceramic tiles
From the catalog of the company CHALKIS, in various designs and shades.
Cement tiles
From the Swedish company BENDERS, with high resistance to frost and large temperature fluctuations.
Bituminous tiles
From the Canadian company DEGOLA CANADESE. These are lightweight, high-strength tiles, suitable for modern wooden structures.
Foreign Investments
The exterior cladding of a home is one of the most important elements of its architectural appearance. The right choice of materials can highlight the character of the building and create an aesthetic result that suits both the environment and the owner’s personal style.
At EasyGreen you can choose different types of exterior cladding or combine more materials in the same home, creating unique facades and architectural compositions.
The main exterior cladding options are as follows:
THERMOFACES
Thermal facade is the most common choice for modern homes and offers high energy efficiency and clean architectural aesthetics.
EasyGreen construction systems use thermal facade with expanded graphite polystyrene with high thermal insulation performance.
The thickness of the thermal insulation is formed depending on the construction system:
- 50 mm for the Prime and Hybrid systems
- 120 mm for the Energy and Passive systems
The external surface is completed with reinforced plaster and final paint in a wide variety of colors and textures.
The main advantages of the thermal facade are:
- high thermal insulation performance
- high resistance to weather conditions
- clean modern surfaces
- wide variety of colors
classic and economical solutions.
Its construction is made with densely placed trusses made of structural timber with cross-sections of 50×200 or 50×150, depending on the opening and the static design of the roof. The trusses are connected to timber-bearing slabs and are not intended to remain visible.
On the interior side, a suspended plasterboard ceiling with a metal frame is constructed, which creates a flat ceiling in the living spaces.
This solution offers a clean and modern aesthetic to the interior and allows for easy integration of lighting and installations.
* Three-pitched and multi-level sloping roofs are constructed using the same technique and the same basic structural elements used in four-pitched roofs, each time adapted to the requirements of the structural design.
WOODEN CLADDING
Wooden cladding offers the aesthetics of a natural wooden house and creates a particularly warm and natural effect on the facades of the house.
Usually, a ribbed cladding is used, which can be placed throughout the house or combined with other cladding such as thermal insulation or stone.
This solution is often used to create the so-called holzhaus look, i.e. the appearance of a modern wooden house.
STONE LINING
Stone is a timeless cladding material that adds character and natural aesthetics to a home.
Stone cladding can be installed:
- over the entire face of a building
- on parts of the facade
- on elements such as entrances, columns or walls
Options include:
Natural stone
These are natural materials such as slate, granite or other natural stones, which offer a unique texture and natural appearance.
Artificial stone
It is made from special composite materials and gives the appearance of natural stone with less weight and often lower cost.
Roof Eaves
The exterior cladding of a home is one of the most important elements of its architectural appearance. The right choice of materials can highlight the character of the building and create an aesthetic result that suits both the environment and the owner’s personal style.
At EasyGreen you can choose different types of exterior cladding or combine more materials in the same home, creating unique facades and architectural compositions.
The main exterior cladding options are as follows:
Cornice with thermal facade
The standard cornice included in the cost of the plans and in the EasyGreen specification guide is a rectangular cross-section cornice covered with thermal facade and external plaster.
This solution creates clean lines and a modern aesthetic on the building facades and is easily combined with modern design homes.
Cornice with exposed wooden beams and rabbets
In this option, the cornice is constructed with visible wooden beams that protrude from the facade of the building.
A wooden batten cladding is placed on the underside of the roof, creating a more natural and warm architectural effect.
This solution is particularly suitable for homes that have external wooden cladding, as it creates a unified aesthetic effect on the facades of the building.
At the same time, it is a more economical solution compared to other types of cornice, as it is constructed with a simpler technique and fewer cladding materials.
This option is often used in homes with a more traditional or natural architectural character.
Internal Stairs
In homes with more than one level, the internal staircase is a key element for both the functionality and aesthetics of the space.
At EasyGreen you can choose different types of staircase, depending on the layout of the house, the available surface area and the architectural style of the home.
Staircase with metal frame and wooden treads
This is a modern and practical solution that is often used in homes with a modern aesthetic.
The staircase is made with a high-strength metal frame and wooden treads, combining stability and elegance.
In EasyGreen homes, the Smart Knock modular metal staircase from the Italian company Rintal is used, which offers great flexibility in adapting to different spaces.
This option is the standard solution in the Prime construction system.
Handmade wooden staircase with rungs
This staircase is made with a wooden frame and beech veneer, creating a particularly high-quality and warm effect in the interior of the house.
The construction is made with an OSB frame and beech wood veneer, offering great strength and stability.
This option is used as a standard solution in Hybrid, Energy and Passive systems, in homes where there is a room or closed space under the staircase.
Wooden hanging ladder without rungs
The suspended staircase is a lighter and more modern aesthetic solution for the interior of the home.
In EasyGreen homes, the Brick staircase from the Italian company Rintal can be used, which has wooden treads without risers, creating a more open and light image in the space.
This option is mainly recommended when there is no room or closed space under the staircase and the space remains free, so as to highlight the light form of the structure.
The suspended staircase is an available option for all systems, in suitable floor plans and with a corresponding additional cost compared to the basic wooden staircase.
Space-saving stairs
In cases where access to a loft or small utility room is required, special small-sized ladders can be used.
One such option is the mini hanging ladder from the Italian company Rintal, with a metal frame and wooden treads.
These ladders are mainly used for access to lofts or utility rooms.
Folding roof ladder
The folding roof ladder is a practical solution for accessing storage spaces on the roof or in the attic.
It is a wooden ladder with frame dimensions of 60 × 120 cm and a 2.6 cm thick lid, which closes inside the roof and opens only when needed.
This option is not included in the basic construction systems, but can be installed upon request.
Selections from the Rindal catalog
The above stairs are the basic options used in EasyGreen construction systems.
If you wish, you can choose other types of stairs from the complete catalog of the Italian company Rintal, which has a wide variety of modern designs.
The catalog includes dozens of different types of stairs, such as:
- metal stairs
- wooden stairs
- stairs with glass elements
- modular stairs
- suspended stairs
- spiral stairs
- circular stairs
- straight stairs
This way you can choose the staircase that best suits both the layout of the house and the architectural style of the space.
Window frames
Frames are one of the most important elements of a home, as they affect the aesthetics, thermal insulation, sound insulation, airtightness and safety of the building.
At EasyGreen we offer solutions in PVC, wood and aluminum, so that each owner can choose the system that best suits the size of the openings, the use of the space, the energy requirement of the home and of course their budget.
Our technicians can guide you in choosing the appropriate type of frame, depending on the needs of the project.
Regardless of the material chosen, the basic types of openings that can be used are:
- opening
- tilting
- opening – tilting
- stacked sliding
- lift-sliding
- Volkswagen-type sliding – tilting
PVC frames
For EasyGreen’s construction systems, synthetic PVC frames from the profine GmbH group are used, which was formed by the union of the three largest German PVC production companies, Kömmerling, KBE and Trocal.
For the Prime, Hybrid & Energy
The system used is the profine 70 MD with double glazing, warm edge spacers, Ug 1.0 W/m²K and Uf 1.1 W/m²K.
For the Passive system
The system used is the profine 76 MD with triple glazing, warm edge spacers, Ug 0.7 W/m²K and Uf 1.1 W/m²K.
The frames are equipped with Roto Germany mechanisms and offer very good thermal insulation performance, high tightness and great durability in use.
In EasyGreen’s basic construction systems, PVC frames are installed as tilt-and-turn (tilt-turn).
The remaining opening types, such as sliding or lift-and-slide, can be selected after selection depending on the layout of the openings and the needs of the residence.
Aluminum Frames (upon selection)
Upon selection, EUROPA aluminum frames with thermal break, double or triple energy glazing, German GU mechanisms and warm edge spacers for improved thermal insulation can be installed.
Aluminum systems offer high mechanical strength, long service life and very good stability in large openings, which makes them particularly suitable for modern homes with large balcony doors and extensive glazing.
They are available in any RAL shade, as well as in special finishes such as wood imitations or metal textures, so that they can be adapted to the aesthetics of each home.
They can be manufactured in all basic opening types, such as opening, sliding, lift-and-slide, as well as Volkswagen-type sliding-tilting.
Wooden frames (upon selection)
As an alternative to PVC or aluminum systems, wooden frames made of composite laminated timber with German certifications can be installed for projects where the natural aesthetics of wood and high quality of construction are required.
These systems are distinguished by their high manufacturing precision, the possibility of special dimensions and constructions, as well as for the quality certifications concerning both the raw materials and the final product. They can be equipped with high-performance energy-saving glass panes, Swisspacer-type spacers, triple sealing rubbers for increased airtightness and improved thermal and acoustic insulation.
They are a particularly high-quality choice for homes where natural material, high aesthetics and very good energy performance are required.
How to choose the right window system
In most homes with typical openings, modern PVC systems are a particularly energy-efficient and cost-effective solution. Aluminum frames are mainly chosen in cases where very large openings or specific architectural solutions are required, due to the high mechanical strength of the material.
Our technicians can guide you in the final selection of frames, taking into account the size of the openings, the use of the spaces, the energy requirements of the home and of course the project budget. This ensures that each home is equipped with the appropriate frame system for its real needs.
Roof Windows
In homes with sloping roofs, roof windows can be installed for additional natural lighting and ventilation.
The basic option recommended is the Fakro FTS-V.
This option is not included in the basic construction systems, but can be installed upon request.
Exterior Entrance Doors
In EasyGreen homes you can choose security exterior doors with high durability, modern aesthetics and a wide variety of designs and colors.
For the Prime, Hybrid & Energy systems
We use armored security doorsKETE, single armor, with the ability to choose different coatings and colors.
For the Passive system
A PVC 76 AD profine security exterior door can be used, so as to maintain the high energy efficiency of the shell.
