Conical Clay Tile Vault Roof

The Vaulted Roof, in general, is characterized by its upward slope, often surpassing the typical 8 to 10 feet height of standard flat ceilings/roofs. Favoured in modern architectural designs, vaulted roofs enhance natural lighting and adapt seamlessly to various designs.

The specific design of the conical clay tile vault roof utilizes hollow conical clay tiles to create the vaulted structure. Arranged in a series of arches over a ring beam and supported by brick pillars, these hollow conical clay tiles interlock in a plug-socket fashion, laid dry on a foundational framework, and progress ring by ring until the roof is complete. This assembly of arches makes a barrel vault capable of withstanding substantial loads of up to 1 ton/m2. An external layer of plaster binds the arches, and a meticulous application of lime/cement mortar fills the gaps. This is carefully trowelled, ensuring a coarse top surface to facilitate the finishing coat. The supporting framework is carefully removed within 12 hours, allowing the structure to set naturally. Once plastered, the roof solidifies without needing steel or timber reinforcements. Finally, an overlay of "broken China tile" pieces not only renders the roof waterproof but effectively reflects sunlight, ensuring interiors remain pleasantly cool and consistently insulated.

Key advantages:

  • The hollow cone-tiled design of the roof acts as a thermal barrier against both heat and cold. Notably, there's a significant 10° temperature difference between traditional slab roofs and the conical clay tile vaulted roof.
  • Environmentally sustainable due to minimal usage of high-energy materials like steel, metal, and cement.
  • Resistant to environmental factors like rain, hail, and wind.
  • Earthquake-safe due to its lightweight nature, weighing less than 12 kg/sq.ft.
  • The primary building material, mud, is recyclable and reusable, unlike concrete or steel.
  • Economically efficient.
  • The structure can support a hefty 1000 kg/m2, despite lacking an understructure.
  • Robust lifespan exceeding 50 years with minimal maintenance requirements.
  • Swift construction timeline of just 3 days.
  • Encourages labour-intensive practices, fostering employment opportunities. 

Pioneered by the Centre of Science for Villages located in Wardha, Maharashtra state, India, this innovative roofing technique is rapidly gaining attention for its strength and visual appeal. A team proficient in these techniques can construct up to twenty houses (ten twin houses) in just 45 days. Steps are demonstrated in the following videos -

Contact

Dr. Vibha Gupta (Chairperson)

Centre of Science for Villages (CSV)

Dattapur, P.O..Box 21, Wardha - 442 001, Maharashtra state, India

Office Phone: +91-07152-249542 and +91-07152-250570

https://www.csvtech.org.in/housing.html