The architectural vault can be seen as a natural extension of the brick arch. In fact, the vaulted ceiling can be “simple,” meaning it is the result of the development of an arch with a single intrados surface, or “composite,” meaning it is formed by the intersection of multiple vaulted surfaces.
Among the types of simple brick vaults, we distinguish the “barrel vault,” which is a semicircular vault that pushes against the lateral walls, and the “dome,” where the intrados surface is shaped like a hemisphere, from which the “sail vault” derives. The latter is ideally described as if a dome were cut on four sides, forming a “sail inflated by the wind.”
Types of Brick Vaults
Among the composite brick vaults, it is interesting to focus on two types that can be found in socio-culturally distant and different contexts. In fact, to simplify, both are the result of the hypothetical intersection of two barrel vaults. By focusing on the lines of intersection between the two vaulted surfaces, these separate two spatial volumes: the inner one is defined as the “pavilion vault,” and the outer one that contains it is called the “cross vault.”
Like arches, vaults can be found throughout the world and in all historical periods. From places of worship to monumental buildings, from industrial architecture to rural buildings, where vaults define the spaces of warehouses, cellars, or old stables.
The Brick Vaulted Ceiling in Modern Constructions
The architectural vault can be seen as a natural extension of the brick arch. The brick vaulted ceiling is rediscovered in modern constructions, wrapping around large halls, typical of a hotel or restaurant. It can represent the simple covering of a church and return, like a flashback, to become the vault that protects prestigious wines.
On the other hand, only handcrafted terracotta can restore the original beauty of an architectural vault.
Fornace Bernasconi creates the primary material: the terracotta brick. In fact, we are able to reproduce any shape and size: customization is our strength. We can reproduce single, unique pieces or entire batches of material required for the project, from simple bricks to flat tiles, based on specific customer requests and dimensions.
Using Fornace Bernasconi’s handcrafted terracotta goes beyond simply purchasing a construction product—it’s about engaging a project partner who can support you through every phase of its realization.
