Hammerbeam roof
|
The older part of St Edmundsbury Cathedral has a mediaeval hammerbeam roof ornamented with figures of 30 angels. The roof is boldly painted and gilded; the figures on the hammerbeams were painted in 1948, whilst the rest of the roof was coloured in 1982. Decorating the ceiling in this way was used to link the nave with the modern extension. |
Pevsner’s Architectural Glossary (second edition) was published by Yale University Press in 2018. It defines a hammerbeam roof (or hammer-beam roof) as a structure with: ‘horizontal brackets projecting at the wall-plate level like an interrupted tie beam; the inner ends carry hammerposts, which are vertical timbers that support a purlin (or horizontal longitudinal timber) and are braced to a collar-beam above.’
Primarily used as a type of roofing support, a hammerbeam roof permits the support structure to extend beyond the length of the original piece of timber. This method may be more time consuming to construct, but it can be less expensive since it does not require long pieces of timber.
However, a hammerbeam roof is not considered a true truss, since it uses a method that rests one support beam inward and on top of the other. In this sense, it is similar to a corbel.
Tie beams are typically put in place to support this method of construction. The short pieces of timber that project from the wall and serve to anchor the tie beams are sometimes referred to as hammer-beams.
Hammerbeam roofs are often highly decorated. This technique was widely used during the English Gothic architecture period.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.