ROOFING USING TERRACOTTA TILES

 

Terracotta is a which is a clay based unglazed ceramic made from baking clay is used widely to make low cost tiles and tubes in India which are used for roofing in rural areas. I am planning to use the same tiles for roofing for my buildings.

 

 
As I was researching on new developments in the technology of using these tiles in a innovative way I found this technique of using interlocking terracotta tubes in which Hollow burnt clay tubes are stacked to achieve catenary vaults that require no structural steel.

Substructure such as wooden rafters in terracotta roof tile applications are redundant as the system is self supporting. Neither is shuttering required. This leads to an insulated roof based on locally produced materials and quick assembly.

the technology is developed by architect anupuma kundoo who used it for the first time in her wall house design in kerela.

I found this technique really intresting as it would reduce the cost of roofing in a large extent and this could be a intresting factor to consider in my design.