Often asked: What Is A Barrel Vault Ceiling?

A barrel vault is the simplest form of a vault created from a single continuous archway. These beautiful curved ceilings are comprised of 3 basic measurements: Length, Width, and Rise. Length: The distance from one end of the barrel vault to the other end.

What is the benefit of a barrel vault?

ADVANTAGES: Barrel vaults give 3x more light than a similar surface in vertical glazing. Barrel vaults ensure an optimal spread of light. Natural light is free: you regain the purchase of the Cintralux® within 5 years.

How expensive is a barrel ceiling?

A 4ft long by 6ft wide elliptical barrel ceiling costs $134.28 (and takes less than 15 minutes to install!)

Where are barrel vaults used?

You have probably seen barrel vaults numerous times without even realizing it. Barrel vaults are commonly seen in many ancient and modern structures, including churches, government buildings, museums, aqueducts, stadiums, sewage systems, tunnels, and more.

What are the different types of vaulted ceilings?

Among the most common types of vaulted ceilings are arched, barrel, cathedral, domed, groin, and rib, each with its own unique structure.

What are the disadvantages of a barrel vault?

The disadvantage of a barrel vault, however is that it exerts thrust the same way the arch does. Meaning, the vault exerts an outward thrust and thus must be buttressed along the entire length. This characteristic prevented the use of large windows as well as prevented easy circulation.

What style is a barrel ceiling?

Also known as a tunnel vault or wagon vault, a barrel vaulted ceiling is the most simple—and popular—style. It’s comprised of one uniform arch that extends across the entire room. Interior designers will oftentimes paint a barrel vaulted ceiling to draw the eye up and emphasize the unique architecture.

What is the difference between a barrel vault and a groin vault?

Barrel Vault vs Groin Vault: An Overview A barrel vault is the simplest type of ceiling vault, and a groin vault is the result of two intersecting barrels. A groin vault is distinctly curved, but it also has some angles. They both have historical significance, and they have been used in architecture for many years.

How does a barrel vault work?

A barrel vault, also known as a tunnel vault or a wagon vault, is an architectural element formed by the extrusion of a single curve (or pair of curves, in the case of a pointed barrel vault) along a given distance. The curves are typically circular in shape, lending a semi-cylindrical appearance to the total design.

What is a vault?

1: a room or compartment for storage or safekeeping. 2: something like a vast ceiling the vault of sky. 3: an arched structure of stone or concrete forming a ceiling or roof. 4: a burial chamber.

When were vaulted ceilings invented?

Some of the earliest vaulted ceilings date all the way back to a Neolithic hamlet in Crete that was erected some 7,000 years ago. They have since been discovered throughout history, especially in Gothic cathedrals and domed places such as Rome’s Pantheon.

Is it more expensive to vault a ceiling?

While the end cost is heavily dependent on where you build and the unique design of your home, vaulted ceilings do cost more to build than the usual shorter ceilings. You’ll need a plan to mitigate higher heating and cooling costs. The simple truth is that vaulted ceilings make a room more expensive to heat.

What is a vaulted ceiling called?

Vaulted ceilings are known by quite a few names, high ceilings and raised ceilings being a few. But, they are most commonly referred to as cathedral ceilings and for a good reason.

Do vaulted ceilings add value?

Vaulted ceilings can add value to your home. Rooms with vaulted ceilings tend to have larger windows, which means that natural light can more easily fill the room. Regardless of the energy costs, vaulted ceilings generally add value to a home.