Groin Vault Ceiling: Not Your Typical Ceiling: English Cottage-Style Home In The Making: Part 7
When I first saw the framing for the groin ceiling in the vestibule just off the foyer I was curious about the final result. The construction isn't quite finished on the groin vault ceiling but it is coming along nicely. A groin vault isn't an easy choice for a ceiling but I've come to expect the unexpected at this English cottage-style home at The Retreat.
There's Nothing New About Groin Vault Ceilings
"Vaulted construction, using barrel and groin vaults, and sometimes domes, to distribute the weight of the ceiling and roof, is an ancient form of building, once used extensively by the Romans."
The above is a quote from:
Office of the Curator website - U.S. Dept. of the Treasury
The Romans were way ahead of their time, regarding construction, in many ways. Don't believe me??!!! Read this from a small sampling of their extraordinary construction innovations.
The use of groin vaults was one technique used to help alleviate the immense outward thrust of masonry vaults on the walls supporting it. An ingenious technique, indeed. Heck...even The White House has an example of groin vault architecture.
Back to the English cottage-style home I'm writing about...
, to frame it and another generously skilled craftsman to plaster it. He obviously has that part handled because it has turned out beautifully.
Basically, they have completed the following steps:
Have a viewing of what's been done so far:
Wanna see more examples of groin vault ceilings?
If you find this article interesting, you may want to check out the whole series of posts on this English-cottage style home and all of the beautiful craftsmanship and materials that go into constructing it.
CLICK HERE
Groin vaults, when done correctly, are beautiful. The look would make you believe they are difficult, not necessarily the case. There are formulas for figuring all aspects of building. It has to do with spring and spin point.
Darrel,
I've checked your website and I really like what I see there. Very innovative. Maybe you could give a cost comparison of your products vs. traditional. You've piqued my interest.
You have GOT to see our website at fastarchofamerica.com. We have made a Groin Ceiling installation so simple anyone can do it. We send the kits our nationwide, and do some of the weirdest things with them. No kidding, check it out!!
To Joseph and all who are interested in this type of architecture for their projects.
I can fabricate to specs a very wide range of barrel/groin vaults which bypasses the wood framing and installation of drywall board and/or plaster lath type finishing utilizing my foam fabrication and coating systems. I can form sectional pieces ( 4 typically) to install with a minimum of plastering to tie together and will make these vaults to fit to a 1/4 inch tolerance. If anyone would care to contact me you may do so at rsimmonsdesigns@cox.net
Thank you. R J Simmons
they are gorgeous ceilings, my company builds many of them, we can be very helpfull if needed.
john
You're welcome, Joseph.
Be sure to forward some photos of your clients' new groin vault ceiling in progress and when it's completed. I'd be interested in seeing it.
I helped you out...now it's your turn to return the favor.
Thanks for providing information and photos on how to construct groin arches. Ir really helped me, as I am designing a 22,000 sq. ft. residence in So. Cal. and the owner asked for this type of ceiling in focal points of the house.
Wow,
Job well done...I myself am going to do a 35 ft. groin vault ceiling, on 20,000 sq ft home cant wait... thanks for the footage.
Joe-N.Y.
Brian...
I apologize if I let the proverbial "cat out of the bag". When I first saw the framing for the groin ceiling, I really did get a feeling of "WoW! That's how that's done!" And then a ray of light appeared and angels began to sing.
No...really...I believe that it is probably harder to replicate than it looks and more difficult than you (might) give it credit for.
I don't think you've got anything to be concerned about if that's part of your biz.
Power to the people, brother.
man, your not suspose to let everyone see it (groins arch)under frame, makes it too easy to figure out...
Brian w/ Fluid Framing, Florida
Here is a groin vault ceiling
Mia..I'm not a builder. I'm merely an enthusiastic onlooker that enjoys photographing and writing about different phases of the construction of homes. I'm sorry that I cannot provide you with the specs for a groin ceiling.
I want to build one as well. Could you please tell me the specs behind
it? You didn't mention them on the web site. It looks great.
Thanks