Does your house seem to miss that special extra feature, that pièce de résistance? A cupola roof might be the perfect addition to your home. Cupolas create an interesting, memorable crown for your house that can come in several shapes, sizes, and designs.
But what is a cupola, and is it the right fit for you? Read on to find the answers.
What Is a Cupola Roof?
Cupolas have a rich, culturally diverse history. The concept of an ornamental or functional cap on a building transcends western or eastern design. This results in many different styles of what could be considered cupolas.
From Byzantine and Indo-Islamic architecture to Renaissance, Russian, and Colonial buildings, cupolas have found their place atop some of the most well-known structures. The leaning tower of Pisa, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Russian Onion Dome are all topped with cupolas.
A Cupola (derived from the Latin word for cup, cupula) is a small dome, steeple, or cap topping a roof. They were first for ventilation and to provide extra lighting. Larger cupolas with interior access could provide an unobstructed view to keep watch.
Is a cupola roof right for your home? There are many different types to complement any architectural style.
Cupola Styles
All cupolas can be divided into two different categories: decorative or functional. This means you can find cupolas that can be set on your roof and serve no other purpose than being an ornamental flourish. Functional cupolas are best installed by professionals. It requires cutting into the roof and ceiling to experience the benefits of the cupola.
Whether you have the budget for a DIY cupola or a professionally installed cupola, there are several styles to choose from:
Lantern Cupola
A lantern cupola is named such because it is made up mostly of glass window panes. These windows provide natural light in the interior.
A Belvedere cupola is a cupola that is large enough to serve as a room. Famous examples of a Belvedere are the one atop the leaning tower of Pisa and the cupola crowning the Pashkov House in Moscow.
Monitor Cupola
For a simple accent to your roof, a monitor cupola fits the bill. This cupola keeps a low profile, with the functional ones either bringing in extra light or ventilation. These serve private structures well, such as houses and barns.
Cupolas on Homes and Other Private Structures
Cupolas can serve as a luxurious addition to your home, carriage house, guesthouse, barn, garage, or gazebo. If you love the idea of a cupola but not sure if it will fit the style of your house, never fear! With the proper help, cupolas can be designed to match any architectural design.
Finding the right professional to help add a cupola to your roof is important. The best specialize in many complex structures in addition to cupolas, such as steeples and baptistries.
Timeless Elegance
Cupolas add a timeless elegance to any structure. Now that you know what a cupola roof is, you can decide whether it would make for the right addition to your house.
For more advice on home improvement and landscaping, check out our Lifestyle archive.
