I have a design that on most pages uses a 3 column layout.  However, at the top of most pages, I start with a feature that spans two columns.  Can't use alt content block as that span 3 cols, and I need a 2x1 and then 3x1's.  It looks like this:

• _______________
• |+++++++|+++ |
• |+++++++|+++ |
• _______________
• |++ | +++ |+++ | 
• _______________
• |++ | +++ |+++ |

I've been able to implement by putting a placeholder in col2 and using stylesheet attributes to span col1 across the 2 widths.  Was wondering if there is an easier way to implement this.  Ideally, It would be great to have a module that can span multiple columns and hold child modules.

Thoughts on a better way to implement?

Thanks