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Aisle & Apse Read the building

Features / Roofs, vaults & domes

Roofs, vaults & domes

Timber roof over a vault

In vaulted buildings a separate steep timber roof covers the stone vault, keeping the weather off it. From inside you see only the vault.

Where to look
Outside, the roof ridge rises well above the top of the vault you see inside.
Styles
On the drawings
Cross-section

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Cross-section of a vaulted building with a nave, two aisles and flying buttresses. Each label links to its feature. NAVE AISLE AISLE RoofPinnacleFlying buttressButtressAisleRib vaultClerestoryTriforiumArcadePierNave
Cross-sectionTimber roof over a vault is highlighted.