A lean-to is a type of simple structure originally added to an existing building with the rafters "leaning" against another wall. Free-standing structures open on one or more sides (colloquially referred to as lean-tos in spite of being unattached to anything) are generally used as shelters. A lean-to addition is an appendix to an existing structure constructed to fulfill a new need. Sometimes, it covers an external staircase, as in a 15th century addition against one of the walls of the large chapter room of the cathedral of Meaux. Other uses include protecting entrances, or establishing covered markets outside existing buildings.

Examples

A lean-to is originally defined as a structure in which the

rafter A rafter is one of a series of sloped structural members such as Beam (structure), steel beams that extend from the ridge or hip to the wall plate, downslope perimeter or eave, and that are designed to support the roof Roof shingle, shingles, ...

s lean against another building or wall, also referred to in prior times as a penthouse."Lean-to" def. A. ''Oxford English Dictionary'' Second Edition on CD-ROM (v. 4.0), Oxford University Press 2009 These structures characteristically have

shed roof A shed roof, also known variously as a pent roof, lean-to roof, outshot, catslide, skillion roof (in Australia and New Zealand), and, rarely, a mono-pitched roof,Cowan, Henry J., and Peter R. Smith. ''Dictionary of Architectural and Building Te ...

s, also referred to as "skillions", or "outshots" and "catslides" when the shed's roof is a direct extension of a larger structure's. A lean-to shelter is a simplified free-standing version of a

wilderness hut A wilderness hut, bothy, backcountry hut, or backcountry shelter is a free, primitive mountain hut for temporary accommodation, usually located in wilderness areas, national parks and along backpacking and hiking routes. They are found in man ...

with three solid walls and a single- or, in the case of an Adirondack lean-to, offset-pitched gable roof. The open side is commonly oriented away from the prevailing weather. Often it is made of rough logs or unfinished wood and used for

camping Camping is a form of outdoor recreation or outdoor education involving overnight stays with a basic temporary shelter such as a tent. Camping can also include a recreational vehicle, sheltered cabins, a permanent tent, a shelter such as a Bivy bag ...

. This style of lean-to is popular in Finland and Scandinavia, and known as a in Finnish, or in Swedish, and in Norwegian.

References

External links

* {{Huts Huts Camping Log buildings and structures