Cupola framing

[Asymair95]

I'm going to be building a 12x36 shop with two garage doors and a man door in the middle. I will also be replacing the windows in my home and want to use the old ones in this structure in the cupola. My vision is to have almost a solid row of windows all the way around the cupola, with maybe just a few on the first floor.

My question is how can I frame this to accomplish my vision. If I use 4x4 posts as studs for the cupola will that allow me to maximize the amount of windows I can use?

Oh yeah, did I mention I have zero construction experience...but I am very handy and can read a ruler and drive a nail. The engineering of the framing is what I am struggling with.

This is a building on Mare Island naval station which was closed in the 90's, but retains many of the vintage ship yard buildings. Very cool architecture there.

 

[bigbubba]

They must be small garage doors if your putting them on the 12' side? I think they build those buildings where the outer parts are like leanto's??

 

[Asymair95]

I wish i could get inside the one on the base there, but it is locked up. They were built before WWII, and appear to be of stick construction.

The two doors would be on the 32' side.

 

[Asymair95]

I guess it kind of resembles a grain elevator in the midwest too, not sure how they are constructed.

 

[Justanoldguy]

They must be small garage doors if your putting them on the 12' side?

logic would say that is not the case.

 

[Asymair95]

Is "Cupola" the right term for this type of design? I want to do some more research online, but want to make sure I'm using the right nomenclature.

 

[Justanoldguy]

I don't even know what a nomenclature is, so call it whatever you like.

 

[maynard9089]

They are similar to the data centers built by Yahoo near me. They refer to them as chicken coops in the media. Not sure if that is the correct name but it does look like a chicken coop.

 

[30cal]

A cupola sits atop the roof, usually for ventilation. The building you show doesn't have a cupola on it. I've seen the building design you want many times, I can't come up with a name for it though..

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

Those windows above eye level are typically called "clerestory windows" The purpose is to bring outside light, fresh air, or both into the inner space.

From my days working for an architect......

 

[bigbubba]

logic would say that is not the case.

True but what is gonna fit in 12' of space? A couple of smart cars??

 

[Saw]

appears to be a two story gable with shed roofs front and back. I don't believe it has open floor space on the ground level.

 

[30cal]

Maybe pictures will help you understand what a cupola is.

this one has a cupola..

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this one, no cupola..

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The building in your pic would have three to five big ones to look right, and provide ventilation for such a huge building

 

[Asymair95]

Yes, I know what a stereo typical cupola is with the wind vane on top and all. The building I showed has more of an industrial look, with the cupola the full length of the roof. I just didn't know if it had a name or not. I think ArmyVW Guy might have it, thank you.

I won't be parking cars in this building, it will be strictly for hobbies and such. I restore vintage tractors and lawn equipment and generally like to tinker on anything with an engine.

I guess nobody has built anything like this?

 

[50cal]

Sounds like you are looking for Gazebo framing, concept.

There might be something in this book. http://www.amazon.com/dp/1561583359/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Otherwise search cupola, gazebo and adapt.

 

[Asymair95]

Here is a shot of a grain elevator with the same style roofline. The windows would go all around the cupola section. Obviously mine would not be as tall, probably just 8' studs like normal.

 

[50cal]

Then I looked at your picture. Duh

https://www.google.com/search?q=cle...fJMTc8AHgs4H4Aw&ved=0CCYQ7Ak&biw=1280&bih=909

 

[30cal]

I've never seen a cupola run the full length of the roof and still be called a cupola. I stand informed..

 

[50cal]

Second thought maybe clerestory is the right term. Anyway there is a building on here in the writeups not that old maybe a year. I would go see a truss maker.

 

[Asymair95]

This is an interesting design which uses two trusses, one for the first floor and one for the second. Looks to be doable.

 

[50cal]

This is the one I was thinking of.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51837

 

[mtwaterguy]

Look up monitor style pole barn. I think you'll find what you're looking for.

 

[30cal]

yep, that's it. Monitor style is what he wants, I could not come up with that to save my ****..thanks

 

[mtwaterguy]

We have a lot of this style barn around here. Most are owned by rv'ers that want a secure place that they can lock and leave.

 

[Justanoldguy]

Yep. Just google "Monitor style" images

 

[Asymair95]

Thank you guys, that was it. That thread is great...what a job that guy did!