Stanton Homes - Building Green in the Triangle

Custom Homes Raleigh NC

Barrel Vault Ceiling Features

What is a Barrel Vault, and How Can It Accent Your Home?

If you're looking for a unique feature that will add "WOW" to your new home, you'll love a Barrel Vault ceiling.

Barrel vault ceilings can be incorporated into many different styles of homes, without wasting space.

This two story foyer features a multi-level barrel vault ceiling, accented by a wrought iron overlook, fully trimmed plant shelf, and a matching arched window.

Barrel Vault ceilings aren't limited to luxury homes.  Homes in the mid $200s can include features like these.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unique Pass Throughs

In this home, the foyer connects to the large family room through a very short hallway underneath the dual staircase.

The curved barrel vault ceiling draws the eye, along with other details like the inset art area.

The contrasting decorator paint adds to the effect, lifting the ceiling while pulling the eyes upward. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrel Vaulted Hallways

An ordinary hallway is transformed to the extraordinary by this barrel vaulted ceiling.

The vault has been carried through approximately 12 feet of hallway length, adding a distinctive look and feel to a formerly somewhat boring passage.

Historically, barrel vaults have been found in long hallways in decadent buildings, like the Marwar Hall in the Umaid Bhawan Palace.  The Cloisters in New York City is another exemplary example of a barrel vault hallway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Story Homes Can Stand Out Too

Even a one story home can offer an incomparable entrance.

This barrel vaulted foyer has been carefully accented with individually placed knotty pine wainscotting, set on the horizontal. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intellectually Refined Barrel Vault

This short hallway has been set apart with both a barrel vaulted ceiling and a carefully designed built in bookcase. 

 

A barrel vault can also be known as a tunnel vault or a wagon vault. 

The technical definition of a barrel vault is "an architectural element formed by the extrusion of a single curve (or pair of curves, in the case of a pointed barrel vault) along a given distance. The curves are typically circular in shape, lending a semi-cylindrical appearance to the total design."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Layers of Arches Add Exceptional Grace

Add incomparable beauty to any home with a barrel vault ceiling.

A well qualified builder or architect can help you incorporate features like these into your next home. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Custom Homes Raleigh NC

As home builders in the Raleigh NC area, we are often asked for advice on what to include in a new home.

Ceiling Height in New Homes - 8 Ft or 9 Ft?

What Ceiling Height is Considered Standard?

"Which is better in the long run, 8 ft or 9 ft ceilings?  Many builders charge to increase ceiling height from 8 ft to 9 ft on the first floor.  Is it worth the investment, or am I better off spending that money elsewhere in my new home?"

Increased Ceiling Height is Worth the Investment

An 8 ft ceiling on the first floor has become outdated in today's market.

 

It's still common to see this ceiling height in entry-level homes, but most homes incorporate a more spacious 9 ft ceiling, and many popular plans also include at least one vaulted room.

A 9 ft ceiling also allows for unique ceiling treatments, like coffered or trey ceilings, that can even be added later if not included in the budget at the initial time of construction.

Don't Assume Ceiling Height - Ask For It In Writing

Most builders will assume 9 ft ceilings on the first floor, and 8 ft ceilings on the second floor, unless you request something else - but don't take that for granted.

If you don't see a height specified in your bid or other documents, be sure to ask that it be included in the written information. 

A full, written package of what is and is not included will help you better compare builders - and understand what exactly will be included in your new Raleigh custom home. 

And of course, be sure to walk through homes containing the same set of standards as is included in your quoted package BEFORE committing to a particular builder.  Model homes often have many, many options not included in "standard" packages, and these options can create a completely different home than the one you've been quoted.

 

 

 

You may also be interested in:

Today's Ceilings Make Statements - Types of Ceilings and Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Home

New Home Trends and Ideas - What's the Latest?

Energy Wise - Find Out How to Save 50 to 70% on Heating and Cooling Costs!

5 Steps to Buying a Lot