The
term cupola has made reference to a number of architectural
features over the centuries. In general, cupola means a dome
and the domes that top off such public buildings as courthouses;
city halls and the building that houses the United States
Congress are examples. The belvederes or widow’s walks
that rise over old homes, rising from the center as small
glass-enclosed structures are also cupolas. However the most
common form of cupola initiated in this country is the structure
seen on top of barns and carriage houses that is generally
a small square or rectangular box with louvered sides for
ventilation and a shingled or copper pointed roof.
The term cupola has
made reference to a number of architectural features
over the centuries. In general, cupola means
a dome and the domes that top off such public
buildings as courthouses; city halls and the
building that houses the United States Congress
are examples. The belvederes or widow’s
walks that rise over old homes, rising from the
center as small glass-enclosed structures are
also cupolas. |
 |
Cupolas are placed on top of roofs to provide ventilation and light.
Cupolas resemble little houses on the roofs with louvers in the
place of windows. Besides being functional, cupolas are a charming
architectural feature that will increase the curb appeal of your
property. |
 |
Cupolas are placed
on top of roofs to provide ventilation and light.
Cupolas resemble little houses on the roofs with
louvers in the place of windows. Besides being
functional, cupolas are a charming architectural
feature that will increase the curb appeal of
your property. Cupolas are made from vinyl, wood,
or fiberglass. Vinyl and fiberglass cupolas require
very little maintenance after installation. Wood
cupolas look terrific when stained and have a
texture and warmth that is hard to match. |
 |
These agricultural cupolas were
originally put in place to provide ventilation to the upper
reaches of the barn or outbuilding, where hay was stored.
Today they serve as a reminder of our agricultural legacy.
Cupolas have become popular as additions to new structures
as well as restored ones and they are available in pre-constructed
form for the home builder or remodeler. Many people engaged
in remodeling projects have chosen to top off a garage
or an outbuilding with a small cupola, giving the structure
additional character and a suggestive rural touch.
The quality cupolas on the market
today are constructed of wood, to retain a historical
look. Cedar is one of the best choices for raw material,
because of its resistance to rot.
Pre-constructed cupolas are available
in various sizes, with bases that range from seventeen
inches per side to forty inches per side. Some are rectangular,
some square, and some hexagonal.
Cupolas have a roof that peaks
in a point at the center. Those roofs may be manufactured
from shingles or, for a longer life, copper or aluminum.
A typical cupola will have a base
constructed of solid wood that can be cut to match up
with a roofline. The upper half will consist of a slatted
area, some of which are square and some rounded at the
top like an arched window.
Traditionally, a barn or residential
cupola is topped with a weathervane. The most popular – and
traditional – figure for the weathervane is a rooster.
Some historical buildings used
cupolas for hanging lanterns. Today’s cupolas can
also be utilized for a light fixture to provide a modern
beacon for a home, outbuilding or barn.
|
