The word “cupola” comes from the Latin word “cupula”, meaning small tub. It is a relatively small structure built on top of a roof. Cupolas often provide a lookout, admit light and air into a building, or are simply added for decorative purposes.
The dome of Florence’s Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Brunelleschi Dome, was built in the 15th century. It has a cupola that allows natural light to stream into its famous dome—the largest masonry vault in the world. Other famous cupolas are on the Tower of Pisa in Italy, the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC, St. Basil’s Cathedral in Russia, and Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.
Functional
You may not be building a cathedral, but you can still add beauty and unique architecture to your structure with a cupola. Cupolas can serve functional and decorative purposes, depending on their design and intended use. Historically, cupolas were primarily functional architectural features, particularly in churches, government structures, and barns. They were designed to provide ventilation, improve air circulation, and bring natural light into the building. Functional cupolas feature windows or louvers to allow light in and release hot air from the building.
A cupola on a barn can help keep the hay inside dry and prevent microbial growth by boosting air circulation. Having a cupola atop a barn increases ventilation, reducing the amount of moisture in the air and making it more comfortable and safe for the farm animals that spend the winter there.
Decorative
In addition to their functional role, cupolas have been used for decorative purposes. They can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building, add architectural interest, and serve as a focal point. Some modern cupolas are primarily decorative and may not have a functional purpose in terms of ventilation or lighting. These days, they are often added to residential homes, garden structures, and other buildings as ornamental elements.
Ultimately, whether a cupola is functional or decorative depends on its design, location, and intended purpose. We like to think of cupolas as functional either way—put a weathervane on top of your farmhouse cupola to add some decorative flair, even if the cupola lacks windows or louvers!
Cupolas Built with SmartBuild Software
SmartBuild Systems is the construction industry’s only complete design system for pole barn and all-metal structures. Simple enough for anyone to use, this web-based software quickly generates a 3D model, material lists, pricing, proposals, and construction documents for almost any post frame or steel building. Whether you want to design a steel structure, build a barn home, or an agricultural building, now you can build smart with SmartBuild!
Using SmartBuild software to add cupolas to your post-frame building is simple; all you have to do is click on “Cupola” and then choose the style, size, quantity, and spacing of cupolas you’d like for your building. Watch this demo video to see how easy it really is!
Get in touch with SmartBuild Systems today to learn how much easier it is to design your next post-frame building with cupolas using our metal building design software.
