Theory & Research

Gustavino Vaulting - The art of Structural tile

Source:Cover of the book; photography by Michael Freeman

Theory and Research play an essential role especially when talking about unconventional means of construction. We cannot rely purely on intuitive knowledge while construction and there needs to be a theoretical basis for the practical application. It also plays an essential role in passing on the knowledge of construction to the next generation.

Timbrel vaulting is an age old mechanism of construction. The first document published about this construction dated back to the 14th century in Catalonia.

Common construction in the 16th century

Fray Lorenzo architectural treatise Madrid, 1639

Advantages they found:

Ease of construction
High strength
Light weight – reduction in the thickness of walls and buttresses

Timbrel vaulting was later reintroduced in the 19th century by Gustavino to America as a fireproof construction. This strategy worked effectively during that time because the common material for construction was timber or steel. He built several large span structures which still stand to this day.

THEORY AND RESEARCH

Largest timbrel vault – St. John the Divine, New York 33m dome.

Source: https://archpaper.com/2014/06/on-view-palaces-for-the-people-guastavino-and-the-art-of-structural-tile/

http://www.bcausa.com/portfolio/cathedral-church-saint-john-divine

Boston Public Library, New York

Source: https://jlgreene.org/project/museum-of-the-city-of-new-york/

http://www.wbur.org/news/2013/01/10/guastavino-boston-library

Gustavino’s contracting company published all of its work in its book – ‘Cohesive Construction’ and this knowledge has helped us understand the mechanism of Timbrel vaulting. They have conveyed their understanding and calculation in simple language which can truly serve as a start point for anyone who really wants to understand this type of construction.

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