ROOFS

EXPOSED BRICK ARCH ROOF

Terracotta is a which is a clay based unglazed ceramic made from baking clay is used widely to make low cost tiles and tubes in India which are used for roofing in rural areas. As I was researching on new developments in the technology of using these tiles in a innovative way I found this technique of using interlocking terracotta tubes in which Hollow burnt clay tubes are stacked to achieve catenary vaults that require no structural steel.

Substructure such as wooden rafters in terracotta roof tile applications are redundant as the system is self supporting. Neither is shuttering required. This leads to an insulated roof based on locally produced materials and quick assembly.

I found this technique really interesting as it would reduce the cost of roofing in a large extent and this could be a interesting factor to consider in my design.