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I need to build a cupula and I don’t know how. The building I need to put the cupula on is octagon shaped and it has a 12/12 pitched roof, the top of the building (the peak no ridge) has a 30″ opening-this is where I need to put the cupula. Is anyone aware of a book or article that would have pictures of various cupula’s for design ideas for the homeowners and then practical info on how to build this rascal?
I’m certain that it can’t be too difficult. I’ve installed the small square type on a ridge but octagon shaped on this pointed building? I sure didn’t want to let on last night that I had no idea on how to build one, I just listened to their discription copper roof, weather vane and all.
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for a small one like that.. go to your millwork supplier and buy one of the ready builts..
keep it in scale... don't buy one too small..
naturally , it will also be octagon....
or go to the libarary and look up new england coastal architecture.. like New Bedford, or Nantucket, or Newport... they had a lot of cupolas and widows walks...
*JeffIs it a "lantern" you're talking about? My understanding is that a cupola refers primarily to a dome. If you're looking for lanterns, John Rempel's book, Building with Wood has a large section devoted to octagonal buildings showing many variations on the idea.
*There was a cover story about building a cupola in FHB about 2 years ago. It's not octagonal, but the article does speak to the sizing of the cupola. I built a 4Lx4Wx7H cupola for my 28Wx40L garage after reading the article and, although it seemed huge on the ground, it looks much smaller on the roof. I can see why it's easy to design it too small. jim evers
*Interesting topic.What is the proper scale for a cupola? I'm planning to put one on my barn, and abhor the trial an error method. I'd probably draw it freehand on top of a 3d home architect drawing that I used to draw my barn plans.blue
*well... our house looks alot like your barn.. and it's basic dimensions are 28x40... the cupola on top is an octagon 8 feet across.. but theat has a lot to do with the minimm amount of space i felt it had to have to be useable...so the most esthetically pleasing scale might be different..also, the roof line is modified for solar panels in the back , which is different from yours..
*maybe this is a better view..
*Nice house. This view is better. My cupula will serve as my vent system, with no other function other than aethestics. Incidently, I believe my barn is also 28 x40 with a ten foot addition.blue
*seems like a lot of the old hay barns in michigan used to have ventilating cupolas on them..in my minds eye, i see a square maybe 4x4 with louvers and a hipped, canoed ( as in canoe) roof.. with say a 8 inch soffit, the main pitch the same as your upper roof pitch, and about 4 feet from the ridge to the soffit....
*CUPOLA? First, put 3 scoops of coffee in the pot, then 10 cups cold water... CUPALA? nails? Guys? what? Seriously, I saw a cupula on barn here in Los Angeles, on a movie set in Burbank...no wait that was in North Hollwood...maybe not. Never mind.You guys are breaking my heart, here in Los Angeles architectural detail is limited to any thing that can be stuccoed or shot on with 4 16's. The only plus is I will have to mow my lawn on January 2nd, in shorts.
*There's an article in a recent Fine Homebuilding magazine that would be worth reading. The author talks about the fact that many cupolas are built too small, but that it's hard to build one too big. Ever since I read that, I've noticed cupolas in our rural area, and that seems to be the case. We're planning to build one next summer, and are looking forward to the challenge, but ours will not be octagonal, so I'm sure it will be easier. Ready made vent panels might be helpful.
*I almost want to post this under an alias, Ann. I've built several cupulas that use(shhh, look furtively around, sotto voice) vinyl gable vents. I got the biggest ones I could find, trapped their edges in vinyl corners, then built copper roofs. If there is one place that vinyl's appropriate, it's on top of a 12 pitch roof that I never want to climb to paint the cupula.Andy
*You're all talking about "lanterns". Where did this whole cupola thing start? Anyone? Anyone?
*gerry, here's one dictionary def:""1. a dome shaped roof or ceiling 2. a small structure, often with a dome shaped top, built on a roof""also, the cabin on top of a railroad caboose was traditionally called a ((cupola)))... you must call them lanterns cause the rebels called them cupolas... you damn tories just don't use gud english....
*I agree Mike. I've been eyelballing the local square cupulos and like the look.Thanks for the design tip.Now...about the Huron house. I'm thinking about a lighted octogon lookout tower...in the future.blue
*I'm not sure what to call it.NO matter what I call it, I'll be sure to hear it from Mrs. Blue! She was already moaning that my barn is bigger than her house (it is!). But what repectable farmer lives in a house bigger than his barn?!!!blue