Reciprocal frame

Construction

Reciprocal roofs tend to be constructed in one of two ways. If built using dimensioned timber, each rafter is usually jointed into the previous one. More commonly, these roofs are constructed with roundwood poles where each rafter is laid upon the previous one. In both of these approaches, the roof is assembled by installing a temporary central support that holds the first rafter at the correct height. The first rafter is fitted between the wall and the temporary central support and then further rafters are added, each resting on the last. The final rafter fits on top of the previous rafter and under the very first one. The rafters are then tied before the temporary support is removed. The structure is most effective at lower pitches where there is minimal spreading force exerted at the ringbeam, most being transferred directly downward. Unless some extra elements are added to create redundancy, the structure is only as strong as the weakest element, as the failure of a single element may lead to the failure of the whole structure.

History

The reciprocal frame, also known as a Mandala roof, has been used since the twelfth century in Chinese and Japanese architecture although little or no trace of these ancient methods remain. More recently they were used by architects Kazuhiro Ishii (the Spinning House) and Yasufumi Kijima, and engineer Yoishi Kan (Kijima Stonemason Museum).

Villard de Honnecourt produced sketches showing similar designs in the 13th century and similar structures were also used in the chapter house of Lincoln Cathedral. Josep Maria Jujol used this structure in both the Casa Bofarull and Casa Negre.

Gallery

File:Simple reciprocal frame.JPG File:Double reciprocal frame.JPG File:Triple layer reciprocal frame roof.JPG File:Grid reciprocal frame.JPG File:Reciprocal frame roof.JPG File:Longer reciprocal frame bridge.JPG File:Leonardo da Vinci bridge Karby.jpg File:Roundhouse moon.jpg|A design using primary & multiple secondary infill rafters (Tony Wrench) File:Wholewoods reciprocal roof 0010.jpg|A design using primary & half length secondary rafters (Wholewoods) File:Wholewoods reciprocal roof 0016.jpg|A design using primary and full length secondary rafters (Wholewoods) File:Wholewoods reciprocal roof 0012.jpg|A redundancy technique using double rafter design (Wholewoods) File:Wholewoods Reciprocal roof 0011.jpg|A primary rafter and purlin design (Wholewoods) File:Wholewoods reiciprocal roof 0014.jpg|High frequency primary rafter design (Wholewoods) File:Wholewoods reiciprocal roof 0013.jpg|Secondary reciprocal design (Wholewoods) File:Roundhouse roof construction interior view.jpg File:Reciprocal frame roof before turf.jpg

References

References

1. (2008). "Reciprocal Frame Architecture". Architectural Press.
2. Biagio di Carlo. (February 2020). "The Wooden Roofs of Leonardo and New Structural Research }}{{dead link". Nexus Network Journal.
3. (2008). "Reciprocal Frame Architecture".
4. (2008). "Reciprocal Frame Architecture".
5. (2008). "Reciprocal Frame Architecture".