After several small span Catalan roofs we decided to roof this room using our new skills. This method is referred to by many names: Catalan, timbrel, cohesive tile. I will use Catalan.
First we built end walls to draw the catenary shape templates, run strings to control the shape, and "glue" the tiles.
I bought handmade floor tiles for the first course for aesthetic reasons.
Butter two sides of a tile with gypsum plaster.
And then move on to the next one. It is a bit tricky as the first one has to be "set" so better to build in two places or use gypsum that is almost set.
Building on each side .
Conduit pipe for ceiling light.
From above 3/4 done with first course of tiles. Sometimes extra gypsum plaster applied to help hold until an arch is completed. gypsum gives no strength to the vault, it is just to hold until an arch is finished.
About to close the first layer. We were excited about how good it looks.
After finishing the first course. We had disagreement on whether to do the other 2 laminate layers as we went along or finish one course at a time.
It did bring and issue .
Before I talk about the hole. This shows the 2nd and third courses with different bonds, first at 45* then at right angle to original bond. After 24 hours you can stand on the 3 layers. Mortar is cement - lime - sand 1-1-6.
Mason Dickson preferred to finish first course then sit on the end wall and lay 50cm of other courses, next day sit on the first 50 cm and lay another 50cm. Worked okay until someone put something heavy on current days work and it collapsed!
As it dried out efflorescence occurred on the beautiful tiles but i figured it would dry and fall off like our bricks. It is a year and still ugly like this. I just tried washing it off and that looks like it will work.
On a small Catalan vault we roofed with tiles to see how well that would waterproof the roof.
This is awesome Erik. Haven't checked out you blog in a while but I'm really glad you're experimenting with all these arches. I just wish that N America had more opportunity for these "aternative" (they've only been used successfully for centuries) styles of building
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting Sean. So you cant becuase of code or permits?
DeleteNo code obstacle. I learned how to build these in order to start using them on buildings. Obstacle is craftsman who know what they are doing and can bid the project.
DeletePlease see youtube Vid bóveda Catalana de Ramón Guarda i Parera. Always course 1 with plaster and course 2 are built simultaneously. 2 or 3 strips with plaster and then 2 nd course. 2nd course in 45 degrees diagonal.
DeleteErik, is there an advantage to finishing the first layer before you start the second? Because I think I would run the first layer to arms reach, then start the second so I could work both layers off the same scaffold set up.
ReplyDeleteI think you should do all three layers and then move the scaffolding. then second day you have no problem putting tools and mortar on the previous days work. I let mason dickson do it his way but think it was wrong. Unless you are going to run plastic over the whole thing and then do thre layers .
Deletethanks for bringing it up.
DeleteBovedas in spain say to do a portion of 1st layer, then add 2nd layer and move on to do more 1st layer. Don't do all 1st layer due to stability. Which, I think, you figured out.
DeleteErik, primary code issues here have to do with energy code. We're required to provide an R30 roof assembly, unless we can demonstrate whole building energy performance to offset that. We specified catalan vaults for a recent project but had to cancel due to lack of local labor and ability to get an accurate bid. I've since solved those issues and plan for a future effort! Thanks for sharing. David
ReplyDeletewhere you located? what kind of project.
Deleteerik
Texas...single and multi family
DeleteErik, I've got our 12x 17' shed far along, foundation poured, walls built to 8'. Just designing out the catalan roof. Wanted to know if you had any feedback a year later on this structure & roof.
ReplyDeletestart on something smaller. are you going to do thin tiles? how much rise? is there a tie in the middle? 17' it will have great outward force in the middle of the wall.
ReplyDeletecarefull on the second course that the gypsum on first course does not get excessively wet. dont water proof until the ceiling is dry, as then it will take forever to dry. i used clay-sand-lime 2" and then limewash to make it water resistant on buildings after this one.
send pics erikrowberg at gmail
The structure is designed to be funicular. And almost no lateral thrust. The thrust lines that are lateral should completely fall inside the profile of the walls. The vault is almost a perfect semi sphere.
DeleteCatenary yes, funicular yes. Form derive from hanging Chain. Shaoe nothong related to a hemisphere. It does not have a compases by revolución Shape. See youtube vids construcción de bóveda catalana by Ramón Guarda i Parera.
DeleteBonjour, je suis de Madagascar et je construis des voûtes aussi et je voudrais savoir comment vous avez solutionné l’étanchéité du toit, avec quel mortier, pour ma part j'ai opté pour le toit végétal avec du plastique classique mais il faut surveiller régulièrement et ne pas marcher dessus. sympa ce que vous faites
ReplyDeleteHello, I am from Madagascar and I build vaults too and I would like to know how you have solved the waterproofing of the roof, with what mortar, for my part I opted for the green roof with conventional plastic but it is necessary to monitor regularly and do not step on it. nice what you do
http://madavoute.blogspot.fr/
Bonjour. Je m'appelle Eugenio Imbert, fotmerely, unknown. Jeje. Pour l'etancheité, j'utilize un produit appellé Sika Látex. En proporción 3 a 1. 1 de Sika Látex et 3 d'eau. Le beton c'est 3 a 1 Portland Cement et sable. Que ad les supports son forts, la voute est fort ou resistante. Il faut voir que la forme des voutes sont finiculairesvou catennairs, sans des contre curves ou arcs.
DeleteLe sikalatex obtures les pobres du beton. Il faut bien croiser les pie es de ceramique, a rompe juntas, por guarantire la cohesión de la fabrique.
Salutations
Merci d'avance :)
ReplyDeleteAndre. Thanks for posting and sharing your link. you do interesting stuff. I will comment more on your site.
ReplyDeleteI have tried many ways to waterproof roofs, including green roof like you. But the clay-sand-lime-ash works the best but i lime paint every year and sometimes there is a repair. i will write a post about it
I talk a bit about it here.
http://alternativebuildingtz.blogspot.com/2016/05/clay-lime-roof-plaster.html
The mixture i use is 3 clay, 5 sand, 1lime, 1/4 ash. you experiment with ratios.
DeleteThank you for sharing ;)
ReplyDeleteMortar is cement - lime - sand 1-1-6.
ReplyDeletewhy lime ?ıs there any need for ?
Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. cơ khí thành tuyết
ReplyDeleteVery informative article. Alternative building construction with types of roofs.For more details about roof you can view here. There are many types of materials used for roofing, JSW color coated Sheets is one of them. If you want the roof to withstand for a long time then you can also consider placing colour coated roofing sheets price.
ReplyDeleteThese are for the most part exceptionally urgent rooftop fix regions during the new coming down spring months. roofers aurora co
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. May I ask how much it cost per sqm? I'm in Kenya and would like to build a house in a similar way. Where is this located, I occasionally travel to tz and would love to see the projects you share here
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ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon your blog, and I'm fascinated by the in-depth exploration of Catalan vaulted roofs and ceilings. Your detailed explanation and visual aids make it easy for readers to grasp the intricacies. It's a unique topic, and your expertise shines through. I look forward to delving into more insightful content on damage roof repair.
ReplyDeleteVery informative article. Check out fazeconstruction.com for more roofing details.
ReplyDeleteThe Catalan vaulted roof is a stunning architectural feature that beautifully combines elegance and practicality. Its unique design not only adds visual interest but also enhances structural stability, creating airy, spacious interiors. This traditional style, rooted in Catalonia, showcases the region's rich history and craftsmanship. It's truly inspiring how such a timeless technique continues to influence modern architecture today! Beatriz Barata
ReplyDeleteThis blog post on the Catalan vaulted roof/ceiling is truly insightful! The detailed explanation of its unique structure and historical significance makes it clear why this architectural style has stood the test of time. I especially appreciate how you highlighted the engineering ingenuity behind its design and the way it blends aesthetic beauty with functionality. It’s fascinating to learn how the use of simple materials like brick can result in such an elegant and durable solution. You've captured the essence of Catalan architecture beautifully—thanks for sharing such an engaging and informative read! Global Talent Pathway
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