Easy Cupola Designs
A cupola is a dome-shaped architectural element installed in the roof of a building, or sometimes used as a freestanding shelter, similar to a gazebo. Historically they were popular in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. However, these days, they can be used to give a period feel to almost any buildings. Cupolas have the benefit of introducing added light and ventilation through the roof. Designing your own cupola is simple if you follow these basic guidelines. Always consult a licensed architect or engineer to check whether your cupola is structurally sound.
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Style
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Research cupola designs and decide on a visual style that will complement your existing building or house. Popular architectural styles used in cupola design are Georgian, Colonial and Classical. While cupolas are traditionally more suited to period style homes, if you have a sleek, modern home, you can certainly adapt the design to suit it through the use of modern materials. For a seamless transition, use the same materials both externally and internally to match your house. It is possible to also replicate design elements such as windows and moldings from the original building and incorporate these into the cupola design. The number of sides is also variable, and is usually 4, 6 or 8. The biggest design decision here is whether you want your cupola to be square or a more rounded shape. In addition, cupolas are often topped with a decorative finial or weathervane. This is completely a matter of personal choice.
Dimensions
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The width of your cupola should be a proportion of the roof length. A rough guideline is as follows: measure the length of the section of roof where the cupola is to be installed. For every foot of roofline, allow 1 to 1½ inches of cupola width. For instance, if your roof is 40 feet long, your cupola should be between 40 and 60 inches wide. Remember that every building is different, and your cupola should be in balance visually and aesthetically with the rest of the building.
Draw It Up
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Remember to continually sketch your ideas as the cupola design develops. A great tool is to obtain a photo or elevation of the building, and use clear acetate to overlay your cupola design. You can even use whiteboard markers, which can be easily wiped from the acetate to make any corrections or alterations. This way you can experiment with the design, and visualize the best size and positioning for your cupola.
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