If you’ve spent any time on an old farm, you’re probably familiar with cupolas; what you may not know is why most old barns have cupolas in the first place, or how this timeless tradition began. If your cupola curiosity is piqued, read on to learn about the history of the red barn cupola!
Formal Beginnings
Despite its popularity in rustic environments, the cupola actually has origins in high art and advanced architecture. Incredibly, the cupola has been traced back to the 8th century as a balcony used in Islamic traditions. As it evolved, it gained immense popularity in Europe, capping prestigious places throughout Italy and ancient Greece; in fact, it is thought by many historians to be the precursor to the ultimate triumph of architecture: the dome.
From Prestige To Practicality
Somewhere in the cupola’s lengthy history, people began recognizing its potential for practical use. With slight modification, the cupola could be used as an additional source of light, or even an alternative to more complicated methods of ventilation. These findings began the cupola’s transition from prestige to practicality, and ultimately led to the barn cupolas now so plentiful in the United States.
The Benefits of a Red Barn Cupola
But what about the specifics? Why are cupolas so sought after by farmers and considered so essential to structures like barns? Here are just a couple of the reasons why you’re likely to see cupolas on most red barns:
- Crop Preservation - On farms specializing in produce, barns are commonly used as crop storage. Because stored crops are vulnerable to rot and ruin in close, damp environments, barns depend on efficient ventilation for successful storage; cupola to the rescue! Barn cupolas handily provide plenty of ventilation for optimal crop drying and preservation, meaning a surviving yield and fortune for the farmer.
- Livestock Protection - Farmers who make their living with livestock face a similar problem; without ventilation, the waste produced by barn-enclosed farm animals creates toxic fumes hazardous, and even fatal, to livestock. In snowy seasons where frigid air makes it impossible to keep livestock outdoors, a barn is simply the only alternative. Because cupolas provide ventilation without letting in excessive cold air, they’re the ideal solution to keeping livestock from becoming deadstock.
Get A Cupola For Your Barn Today!
Are you a produce farmer or a keeper of livestock? If you use your barn for crop storage or livestock protection, a cupola is the perfect solution to your ventilation problems; it doesn’t hurt that they complete the rustic farmstead ambience, either. For all of your cupola needs, head on over to Valley Forge Cupolas or navigate our online store for convenient cupolas only a click away!
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