The 5 Basic Elements of Cupola Design
- Dimensions: size and shape - While the width of your cupola will be determined by the size of your roof, its height is much more flexible, depending on your taste. You may prefer a shorter, low-profile look, or you may want a tall cupola that will rise from your roof like a graceful spire. The middle portion of the cupola (known as the “vents”) is where most of the height will be added, but elongated roofs and taller bases can also be used to add height. Lastly, you must decide on the shape of the cupola itself: traditional 4-sided cupolas can add flair to any architecture, and octagonal cupolas add visual texture and interest to rooflines.
- Vents: practicality in design - Cupolas consist of three portions: the base, the vents, and the roof. Vents can either be windows, louvers, or a combination of both. The vents are arguably the most noticeable portion of a cupola, but their function is as important as their design. Louvers are perfect for adding ventilation to otherwise closed spaces, while windows bring in natural light to illuminate an area.
- Roof style and finish - Cupola roofs are available in a variety of shapes, from straight to concave to bell-shaped. You can select a style that mimics the shape of your roofline, or one that adds a contrasting design. The majority of our cupola roofs are made from durable 24-gauge copper, and you can choose between a polished or patinated finish. We also offer aluminum or steel roofs for specific applications.
- Material - Our cupolas are made from durable Azek vinyl or beautiful Western Red Cedar, and our roofs and bases are available in stunning copper or durable metal. Our beautiful cedar cupolas are perfect for gazebos, cabins, and rustic architecture. Azek vinyl is built to last with no maintenance, and can be painted to match any exterior. Our metal cupolas are also available in a variety of colors to complement any color scheme.
- Final accents - The finishing touches you choose for your cupola are what pull the entire design together and create a one-of-a-kind look. These include:
- Keystone accents
- Dentil or custom molding
- Copper accents
- Standing seam on the roof
- Window grids and louver cutouts
- Shiplap or board and batten bases