The 20x20 Clear-Span Lean-To Timber Frame offers a flexible, modern take on timber frame design. With 400 square feet of uninterrupted space and a soaring shed roof, this frame is ideal for creative living, working, or entertaining. Whether you imagine a studio, workshop, or guest cabin, this design is ready to adapt to your vision.
Frame Highlights:
- Footprint: 20' x 20' (400 sq ft main floor)
- Bump Out: Adds 40 sq ft of full-height space and visual interest to the facade
- Roof Style: Single-plane shed roof soaring to over 16 feet—ideal for dramatic ceiling height and possible future loft
- Clear-Span Design: Parallel chord truss eliminates interior posts for completely open space
- Solar Ready: Shed roof orientation is perfect for mounting solar panels
- Flexible Positioning: Designed to sit beautifully on flat or sloping sites; adding a porch expands outdoor living possibilities
Endless Possibilities:
- Artist’s Studio
- Workshop or Makerspace
- Guest Cabin or Tiny Home
- Open-Air Pavilion or Outdoor Entertaining Space
Whether left open for breezy gatherings or enclosed for year-round use, this frame offers unmatched flexibility.
Whether you need a creative workspace or a cozy retreat, the 20x20 Clear-Span Lean-To Timber Frame is Ready-to-Raise™ and ready to bring your vision to life.
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This plan provides detailed, easy-to-follow blueprints, perfect for anyone building their own timber frame.
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Do you like this plan but need to change it a little, or do you want a complete Ready-To-Raise Kit?
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View Our Interactive 3d Model
We understand that every project is unique, so we offer extensive customization options for our plans and kits. Choose from various sizes, roof styles, and finishes to match your style and landscape. Our design team is dedicated to helping you create the perfect plan that reflects your vision.
Here's How You Can Get Started:
- Phone: Call us at 888-552-9379 (9–5, M–F) to speak with one of our experts.
- Email: Send your questions to projects@timberframehq.com, and we will respond within two business days
- Online Form: Please complete the form below, and we will respond promptly.
I’m really intrigued by this design. Can the sides be bumped out 2′ on either side to make a symmetrical 20′ x 24′ footprint? This could allow for some interesting options like a spiral staircase and 2 bedrooms in the loft.
That could certainly be done- if you would like us to customize the plan for you check out this page
I would love to see some of your customers’ finished products for ideas. I purchased 25 wooded acres in the mountains of NC and am planning to build an event center and 10-12 small rustic off-grid cabins. Loft bedrooms and lots of deck space.
We don’t currently have any images of this frame, the design was just created a couple of months ago. Stay tuned.
What is the angle of this roof?
Hi Richard,
The roof slope is 4 over 12.
Moyer
Hello,
I’m currently building this and am more then happy to share how it turns out!
Cheers!
Luke
We’d love to see pictures!
Luke, I’d love to see how you finish this out! This was my creation with the incredible help of Moyer and Brice (took a great design, added the bump out and got rid of the center post so really the hard work was done!). We’re at 9200 ft elevation in Colorado and off grid so everything is taking 5 times longer than it should…we’re SO hoping to raise the timbers the fall of 2021 but I’ll be lucky to have the foundation set by then. Would like to know how you’ll wrap it and your roof system.
How would we build this without the braces so SIP’s and clerestory windows can be added?
We would not recommend eliminating the braces without consulting an engineer. Braces are critical to the strength of any frame. Our custom design department might be able to help you- you cam find out more information on those services here.
What are the dimensions between posts? Is it 8′ 8′ 4′ from the side and 10 between the backs, 20′ in center, and not sure about the front. Also what is the height at roof, back, front and bump out,
thank you much.
The distance at the rear of the frame is 10′-0″ from outside to venter of the posts. The heights are 9’0″, 12′-2″, 15′-5″ and 16′-9″ tpo the top of the plates.