The use of the pediment is practically not inherent in modern architecture, but many beautiful buildings with amazing sculptural points, ornaments and stucco work that have attracted attention have been preserved from past centuries.
The pediment is part of the facade, completing it and playing the role of decorating the building element. With this addition, any structure acquires individuality. In the architectural aspect, this is a section with a length from the cornice or attic floor to the top point (ridge) of the roof. On the sides, this whole structure is limited to the roof slopes. The shape of the pediment depends on the type of device. Today, the use of a triangular, stepped, torn pediment in architecture is less popular.
History tour
The appearance of the first pediments dates back to the times of the existence of ancient Rome and Greece. Antique temples were decorated with triangular step constructions of an unsurpassed appearance. Fields of buildings were decorated with sculptural figures and bas-reliefs - an integral part of the style.
Ancient Roman modified pediments smoothly migrated in the Renaissance. Later, Roman architecture and Renaissance architecture became accustomed to using pediments with inclined cornices, in which one modified cornice formed an internal framed field resembling part of a circle. The only difference was the shape of the cornice, which was transformed from oblique to semicircular.
Later times were characterized by the installation of gables not only over the facade of the building, but also over the door and window structures. This application has contributed to the expansion of architectural diversity and design elements.
In the modern world, the use of the pediment takes place, although this architectural addition has already experienced the peak of its popularity. Today the triangular pediment can be seen on the gable roof. But architecture is not limited to only classical forms - the most important elements of the construction of houses. There are many other definitions of gables in building architecture.
The functions of the pediment in the building structure
In addition to the aesthetic component, the pediment carries protective functions:
- Helps prevent rain and wind from entering the attic space. At the same time, the roof 300-400 mm stands for the pediment.
- It provides auxiliary actions with a uniform distribution of the load from the roof to the bearing walls and performs the supporting function for the roof truss system.
- The possibility of organizing an additional room in the attic when the pediment of the wall is high - up to 2.5 m. To strengthen the pediment, an additional wall is erected inside the attic.
Design Features and Design Details
The pediment in architecture is a detail that adorns the roof.
A competent professional approach is not the only but important condition for the balanced construction and design of the pediment. The use of material for construction here directly depends on the technology of building a house. The pediment depicted in the photo in architecture can continue the bearing wall of the building and be made of the same material, or it can act as an independent structure of reinforced concrete supports or vertical beams, sheathed with suitable materials from the outside.
Number of gables and roof construction features
The number of pediments is determined according to the design features of the roof: there may be several or not at all. At will, windows are made in them, additionally strengthened by window sills. Additional vapor barrier helps prevent moisture and cold air from entering under the gable. The film and insulation are mounted on the inside of the gable walls immediately before the start of finishing work. Prevented ventilation gaps will help prevent condensation.
A correctly applied pediment in architecture is an element that gives a structure a presentability.
The role of the pediment in the construction of the house
The word has French-Italian origin: fronton (fr.) - "forehead", frontone (it.) - "facade".
Often the gable facade is decorated with sculptures, bas-reliefs, sculptural moldings.
The shape of this part of the facade completing the roof, in principle, depends on the type of structure itself. This is often a triangular addition.
The use of the pediment not only under the roof, but also above windows and doors made it possible to diversify and expand the variety of forms and products.
Building exterior decoration
The pediment in architecture is the so-called face of the roof. This is not only an outwardly beautiful element, but also a constructive part of the facade of the building, making up for the functions assigned to it.
In the time of Ancient Russia, it was fashionable to use a triangular pediment. Today, this trend is not extravagant, and the more bizarre the shape and design of the facade element, the more creative the house. When designing a custom design, it is important to take into account the calculation of the area and design features of the house. Here, without the help of a qualified specialist can not do. Such a pleasure is worth a lot, because you should consider this fact when planning your budget.
Varieties of gables of houses
Today, one cannot count the number of variations in the design of pediments that is present on the market. There are as many descriptions of pediments in architecture as there are types of houses. The main variations and forms of design of the pediment:
- Triangular. By the type of isosceles triangle.
- Trapezoidal, outwardly resembling a quadrangle with two parallel opposite sides.
- Stepped, decreasing closer to the top.
- Pinnate, similar to the keel of the ship. This is where the name came from.
- A torn pediment is a peculiar style of design. Its two parts part, diverging in different directions, and the space formed between them is used to fill with sculptures or decorative vases with flowers.
- The beam-shaped form of the pediment looks no less interesting. Outwardly, it is a semicircle, but because of the similarity with a bow, it got exactly that name.
- Circular - similar to the previous view, but slightly modified in the form of a cropped circle.
- Interrupted. Most often used when inserting a window opening into a horizontal cornice.
- Unfastened when some of the parts of the roof pediment protrude forward.
The above types are only a small part of the actually existing types of pediments in architecture. This is a list that can be replenished with several dozen variations, although the ones mentioned above are not always used in modern construction.
Applying a certain finish, the house can be given a special look. They look best at home, the exterior of which looks harmonious. Assuming decoration or additional decoration, it is better to perform it from the same material from which it was rebuilt or with which the facade of the house is finished. An effective and additional decoration for the facade of the house is the pediment in architecture. What is it, now you know.