Today, cupolas are seen on many older buildings and in some new construction as a stylistic element with limited functionality. If you have ever asked yourself "what is a cupola?" you may be interested to know that the cupola was designed for several different functional purposes before it became the embellishment that it is in modern architecture.
What Is A Cupola?
A cupola is a small dome-like structure that protrudes above the roof of some buildings. It is most often seen in cathedrals and chapels where the dome is then decorated to stand out. Many large government buildings like state capitals also boast grand cupolas in their construction. Depending on the type of construction, a cupola can be made of many different materials or painted different colors to accent the building.
Functionality
In the past, cupolas were used to provide several different functions to buildings. They typically provided a good way to ventilate a tall room or tower, providing a way for heat to escape from the dome. In addition, cupolas with open or glass sides provide a shaft of sunlight for some buildings where there would otherwise be no other source of natural light. While most modern construction take advantage of advancements in HVAC and window technologies, barns, small cottages and even some new worship spaces still utilize cupolas effectively to provide these services.
Building & Restoring Cupolas
Today, cupolas are built and restored using a variety of materials. Cupolas can be built from traditional wood construction materials and stained or sealed to give them an elegant or rustic appearance to match the building. Or, you can select shingles, siding or sheet metal to enclose the frame and provide the look you are going for.
A cupola can add an interesting touch of flavor to your home, garage or barn. In some cases it can provide light and ventilation, but in other cases it can be a purely aesthetic touch. Designing your cupola can be done with the help of a professional who will help you find the right size and materials to make it worth your money to invest in.
While the metal cupola fabrication process for a new structure is complex, the restoration of a historic cupola presents an entirely different set of challenges. It’s a delicate dance between structural engineering, historical preservation, and master craftsmanship.
A project that perfectly captures this complexity is our work on the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg. This project centred on the building's magnificent dome and the iconic "Golden Boy" statue that stands atop its cupola. After nearly a century, the cupola (the lantern at the very top) required a complete restoration.
This was far more than a simple re-cladding. The project began with the monumental task of removing the 5-tonne statue, giving our teams access to the cupola base. We then conducted extensive structural repairs to the underlying framework, ensuring it would be sound for another 100 years.
Our architectural cupola fabrication expertise was then put to the test. We fabricated and installed new copper sheeting to replace the entire exterior cladding of the cupola. The cupola design and installation had to be perfectly precise, not only to match the original 1918 design but also to seamlessly integrate with the newly regilded Golden Boy upon its return.
This landmark project showcases that a cupola is often the crowning jewel of a building, integrating structural importance with intricate decorative metalwork. It required a deep understanding of how to deconstruct, repair, replicate, and reinstall historical elements on one of Canada's most important government buildings. It's this specialized, holistic approach that defines true mastery in cupola restoration.
If you are looking for more information about cupolas, how one can be added to your building, or to learn more about our cupola restoration methods, contact Heather and Little today.
If you are looking for a second opinion on your project or have a particularly complex issue that needs a fresh eye, such as historic building restoration, we’re here to help. Tackling tricky restoration projects is our specialty, and we welcome the opportunity to provide consulting services. We apply a keen attention to detail to all our commissions.
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