Columns in a house have always been considered a sign of wealth and grandeur. This is a decorative item that has two purposes at the same time: functional (to support some parts of the building) and decorative. Only very durable ones can be functional. concrete columns, which are now practically not built in residential buildings. But it’s quite possible to make decorative columns with your own hands. And ordinary polystyrene foam will come to the rescue here.

Columns in a house have always been and are considered a sign of wealth and grandeur.

It should not be surprising that foam plastic was chosen for the work. Firstly, due to the fact that the material will eventually be completely sealed, it will not harm health and will perfectly retain its shape. And secondly, it is extremely easy and pleasant to work with due to the fact that it weighs little.

Preparation of tools and materials

Polystyrene foam is inexpensive material, with which you can build almost any element quite easily and cheaply. This is a fairly durable material that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Let's consider one of the many options for how to make such columns yourself. For this you will need the following materials:

Polystyrene foam is an inexpensive material with which you can easily and cheaply construct almost any element.

• façade putty;
• construction knife;
• plaster corner;
• pencil;
• roulette;
• plaster mesh;
• putty knife;
• paint and brush for it;
• soft cloth;
• fine-grained sandpaper;
• adhesive for installing tiles;
• polystyrene foam (depending on the size of the proposed columns, fine- or coarse-grained material is selected).

Return to contents

Marking and preparing foam plastic

Let's consider the option of constructing and installing foam columns on the walls. As a rule, this is appropriate both in the house and in the apartment. This will look especially good in the living room, where relatives and friends always gather. This will visually enlarge the room and greatly decorate it.

First, you need to make markings on the walls in order to clearly know where the columns will be located, how many of them are needed and how thick they should be. Marking is done using a pencil and tape measure. In this case, it is also advisable to use a plumb line and a level, so as not to end up installing the column crookedly.

Possible types of columns for doing it yourself.

Now move on to working directly with the foam. It is important to take into account the fact that the width of the column should not be greater than the width of the foam sheet. This is the only way the decorative element will turn out to be of high quality and durable. Based on this, we measure the foam, draw a line and cut half of its width from the sheet. This must be done very carefully in order to maintain the correctness of the line along the entire length, not only along the edge, but also in the depths of the sheet itself.

Now the prepared halves of the foam sheets need to be adjusted in height. As a result, the output should be required quantity strips, the height of which is equal to the height of the columns; accordingly, the width must also be selected.

Return to contents

Installation of column and additional supports

After this, you need to stir the tile adhesive and apply it to the surface using a spatula. inner part columns, and then immediately press it in the intended place against the wall. In this case, it is advisable to work together to press the column in several places at the same time.

This is how all the columns are gradually attached. If the ceilings in the room are too high, then the column is assembled from parts. In this case, it is extremely important to join these parts well so that the joints are not visible later. To do this, coat the edges of the joints with glue.

Supports for a foam plastic column will not provide any functionality, but will act solely as a decorative element of the column.

Now is the time to start decorating the column. First, it is advisable to arrange visual supports. In this case, they will not provide any functionality, but will act exclusively as a decorative element of the column. We will install supports along the top and bottom of the column. In this case, you need to mount them perpendicular to the column itself in a circle so that they envelop it. To do this, pieces of the desired width are cut out of foam plastic and glued to the bottom and upper parts. This will preserve the feeling that the entire ceiling is supported by this column, since the simplest support is very reminiscent of a ceiling plinth.

Return to contents

Leveling, puttying and grouting

But even though the column is mounted, it doesn’t look very presentable. So you'll have to work on it a little more. appearance so that it looks truly expensive. First you need to correctly design all the corners with visible defects. And here a plastering corner will come to your aid. finishing works. In those places where the corners of the foam are uneven or damaged, you just need to glue such corners of certain sizes. They are glued with the same tile adhesive, but you can use regular wood glue. While working, make sure that the glue does not dry out on the front parts of the foam, otherwise subsequent decoration will not be perfect.

To make the column look natural, all defects are puttied after its installation.

Next we move on to the process of applying putty. It is applied in 2 main layers. The 1st layer will be the base layer, and the 2nd layer will be the final layer, determining the very degree of smoothness of the surface. This two-level processing will provide better adhesion to the material and maximum smoothness.

First you need to apply the thinnest one to the column plaster mesh, then apply the first putty layer. This layer should be such that the mesh only adheres to the surface and is not completely invisible under the putty layer. This is how the column is finished over its entire area, including visual supports.

When the 1st layer is dry, you can begin the 2nd. The 2nd layer must be applied especially carefully. Please note that the putty layer itself should also be thin. But at the same time, in the end, it must hide behind itself all the defects, irregularities and existing surfaces. Decoration Materials(grid and plaster corners). So, after the putty dries, a smooth white surface with no visible defects should form.

Now that the putty has completely dried, you need to lightly grout the surface of the column. To do this, use fine-grained sandpaper. Only during work you don’t need to get too carried away, since this grouting is done for preventive purposes in order to remove very small imperfections. Finally, use a dry cloth to wipe off any dust from the columns.

Among the decorative elements of a modern interior, arches occupy a special place. Vaulted structures give the room space, sophistication and coziness. For any style of decoration of an apartment or house, you can choose an arch design that will not only fit organically into the image of the room, but will also become its focal point, the highlight of the space.

Translated from Latin, the word “raca” means bend, and this is exactly how we imagine classic version this building. But in modern interior there is room for arches of various modifications, made of wood, stone, brick and plasterboard. There are many ways to decorate your home without sacrificing comfort and a sense of spaciousness and freedom. In this publication we will try to provide as many possible ideas in the field of design of interior arches.

Interior arch- it's stylish and elegant solution for a modern interior. It's great for designing open type. The arch delimits the functional segments of the home, but at the same time does not allow the feeling of common space to leave the room. In any apartment or house there are rooms that can do without interior doors and only benefit from their absence. For example, combining a kitchen and dining room or living room and hallway. For some homes, arches are relevant as doorways utilitarian premises. Having installed the arches and removed interior partitions, you expand the space, increase each functional area, but at the same time leave it in its place.

Choosing material for the arch

The choice of material for the arch is directly influenced by the composition of the walls themselves, their thickness, dimensions and shape of the arched vault. For many materials there are limitations not only in terms of the weight of the structure, but also the difficulty of creating the arch shape. When building an interior arch, the following materials can be used:

The easiest, fastest and cheapest way is to make an arched structure from plasterboard. After sewing up the arched vault with this material, the final finish can be varied. Can be covered with wood, covered with mosaics or decorative plaster. Even use lightweight artificial stone or wall panels imitating brick, marble or wood surfaces.

A stone arch looks impressive and gives the whole image of the room a certain solidity and massiveness. Depending on color and texture stone covering the arch might be relevant in different styles interior

The first associations of the arch with stone cladding are associated with country style, rural motifs and closeness to nature. But such a structure can be successfully integrated not only into country house. Interior classics, Provas, some varieties of country style and even modern style The interior design looks organically with a stone arch.

A brick arch looks great in a modern interior, and it doesn’t matter whether you decide to leave the masonry in its original form, treating it only with protective sprays and varnishes or painting the surface.

One of the most traditional ways arch design is wood trim. Such a structure will be relevant in any interior – from classic to contemporary. Brings elegance and comfort wooden arch into the design of the room and the functional background of the room itself does not matter - whether it is a corridor or a living room.

Arch design - a kaleidoscope of ideas for modern housing

From the point of view of the external appearance of the arch vault, the following types of similar structures are distinguished:

1. Classical or Roman arch. The Romans borrowed a lot from Greek culture and architecture, but this element can rightfully be considered its own invention. The arch that is closest to all of us in shape and design is a vault with a regular radius and a semicircular shape. This design does not contain protruding connections and is famous for its simplicity and conciseness. external image. Classic arches look great in rooms with high ceilings. If you are planning to install an arch in ordinary apartment with standard height ceiling, then this option most likely will not suit you.

One option for using the classic arch is to integrate columns and supports into a round vault structure. As a rule, such structures are made of wood or stone, but for a more democratic interior, plasterboard structures can be used.

1. British arches or structures in the style modern. Such designs differ from classic ones in a more elongated part of the arch, the arc is straightened and has a truncated radius of the arch. For rooms with low ceilings, British arches are an ideal option.

1. Arches using element ellipse They do not have rounded corners and are a fairly popular option for decorating rooms. The spread of such designs is primarily due to the versatility of the design. It can be used both with and without columns, in rooms with low ceilings and in spacious rooms, in combination with arches of another modification.

Great way to separate kitchen space without reducing the usable space of the room - use an elliptical arch with columns.

A similar design can be used to partially separate the space of a boudoir, office or dressing room located within the sleeping area.

One of the variations of the use of an ellipse in the design of an arch is the almost circular shape of the opening. Such structures are often used in spaces where, in addition to the decorative background, the cancer also serves functional role– limits the rest area from the workplace, for example.

1. Slavic arch (or "romance") is essentially a rectangular opening with only rounded corners. This is another one of universal methods zoning of space, which will look organic both in a standard city apartment and within a country home.

1. Turkish the arch is reminiscent of the structures that decorated palaces, harems and simply the houses of wealthy residents during the times Ottoman Empire. Of course, for such an arch design, the support of the entire interior is necessary - the features of the Mediterranean design of decoration and furniture will create a more harmonious image of the room.

1. Gothic the arch has a sharp arch. Such structures bring originality to the interior, but are only suitable for rooms with high ceilings. Decorated with mosaics, stone or ceramics, Gothic arches look luxurious and become focal points of the interior.

1. looks like a continuation of a rectangular or o door round shape. Typically, inserts made of transparent or frosted glass, it is possible to use stained glass, translucent plastic with relief.

1. Thai An arch (or semi-arch) is a structure in which one of the sides ends at a right angle, and the other is rounded. In this case, the radius of the circle can be any.

The shrine itself can be decorated different ways. Lamps or lamps are often built into a plasterboard structure. LED backlight, thereby ensuring not only zoning of the room, but also highlighting the functional segment with the help of light.

An interior arch decorated with moldings, cornices and stucco molding is perfect for both classic interior, and for its variations.

Combination of arched openings with other interior elements

The interior arch will organically fit into the interior, where rounded arches are already used for other interior elements. For example, in kitchen area or dining room, you can use arched niches as decoration or storage systems, rounded shapes glass inserts in facades kitchen cabinets and buffets also contribute to creating a balanced image of the space.

An excellent addition to arched openings and interior vaulted structures are doors with semicircular tops. Of course, doors with round arches are more expensive than conventional models, but the costs individual design will justify themselves as original and exquisite interior premises.

The same can be said about rooms in which, in addition to interior arches, rounded vaults are used in the construction of windows. The elegance and elegant appearance of such a room is guaranteed.

The arch at the entrance to the living room will be in perfect harmony with the semicircular arches in the open bookshelves. The same technique can be used for cabinets closed with facades in the form of threads or glass inserts in the doors.

Interior arch - an elegant element of the interior

Gypsum plasterboard columns are not only an elegant decor, but also a useful component designed to eliminate a number of significant problems.

In ancient times, columns acted as supports for all kinds of designs. Today, these plasterboard elements have almost lost their original function. However, they are still an integral part of a noble interior. Modern technological methods constructions allow you to look at plasterboard columns from a different angle.

They perform several important tasks, the main ones being:

• Zoning of premises. Columns - best option delimitation of space without disturbing the spacious atmosphere in the house. With their help you can separate the bedroom from the living room or the kitchen from the dining room. In a children's room, a plasterboard column can be used to visually delimit a place for relaxation and a play area.
• Masking of utilities. Columns allow you to successfully hide ventilation and fire extinguishing systems, electrical cable, plumbing and sewer pipes(this is especially true for multi-storey cottages). After finishing installation work, the structure can be painted, wallpapered, veneered natural stone or tiles.
• Visual increase in ceiling height. A similar effect will not be achieved in small spaces, but in spacious room the ceiling will appear much higher due to the installation of a plasterboard structure.
• Favorable “arrangement” of accents. Lamps built into special column niches, as well as fashionable accessories, will help emphasize sophistication. design design and will harmoniously complement the stylistic direction.

Kinds

Depending on the cross-section of the structure, columns are divided into:

• rectangular;
• round.

The former will look appropriate in an interior dominated by high-tech motifs.

Round analogues are primarily an attribute of the classics. Columns with rectangular cross-section often installed in order to use voids as decorative shelves, where, for example, you can arrange a miniature photo gallery and place souvenirs. Reinforced design will help securely fix the position household appliances. IN large apartments It is customary to erect plasterboard false columns near arched openings, stairs and fireplaces.

For small rooms, mini-structures are suitable that will successfully serve as stands.

Columns made of gypsum plasterboard are ideally combined with multi-level ceilings. Round structures are often decorated with stucco or relief plaster. Popular design technique- construction of paired columns; in large rooms there can be two or even three such duets.

Tools and materials

To erect a gypsum plasterboard column you will need the following tools and materials:

1. Metallic profile
2. Construction plumb or laser level
3. Metal scissors
4. Fasteners
5. Drill
6. Ruler
7. Compass
8. Construction knife
9. Pencil
10. Screwdriver
11. Roulette
12. Ladder
13. Plasterboard sheets

The process begins with the installation of a frame, the configuration of which determines the shape of the future column.

Technologies for the construction of rectangular and round design with their own hands have their own characteristics.

Installation

• First, you need to clearly define the parameters of the column and the coordinates of its placement in the room.
• Next, you need to mark the base on the ceiling. To do this, draw two lines parallel to each other (connecting a pair of opposite walls).
• Edge width future design will be equal to the distance between two disjoint lines. The angle forming the sides of the resulting figure should be equal to 90 degrees.
• A plumb bob or laser level will help you transfer the drawing to the floor. It should be noted: clear markings and correct calculations are a guarantee that the structure will look smooth and beautiful.
• On next stage using metal scissors, the profile is cut out in accordance with the drawing and fixed to the floor and ceiling. Vertical racks need to be cut, focusing on the height of the future column. If the column is adjacent to the wall, you will need to prepare two sections from the profile, but if it is supposed to be placed in the middle of the room, then, accordingly, you will need four parts.
• In order to strengthen the frame, you can use auxiliary elements by attaching them to the guides at intervals of 55 cm. First of all, a pair of profiles are installed in one of the corners of the rectangle and then screwed with self-tapping screws. Their verticality must be checked with a level, after which they must be attached to the corners ceiling structure. Then it is necessary to install horizontal jumpers located at a distance of about 50 cm from each other.
• Sheathing of the frame is carried out after its completion and the supply of all communications. Using a pencil and ruler, all dimensions are transferred to plasterboard sheets, then construction knife the components of the future column are cut out.
• The sheathed frame requires a puttying and leveling procedure.
• At the final stage, you can start decorating the finished structure with your own hands.

• If indoors concrete ceiling and the floor, then you need to attach the profile to them with dowels.
• If you intend to install raster lamps in a niche, you will need to first form holes in the internal plasterboard fragments.
• It is recommended to prepare drywall for a rectangular structure using the “dry” bending method. To do this, vertical notches are made along the entire perimeter, not reaching the end of the sheet.
• If you install a column yourself with the aim of masking water supply or sewerage pipes, it is advisable to use soundproofing materials.

Curvilinear decorative column made of plasterboard (video)

Installation of a round column

• Marking a round column is much easier to do compared to a rectangular counterpart. You need to mark one point on the ceiling, which will become the center of the future structure.
• At the next stage you will need a compass. You will need to make it yourself, since the diameter of the column will be quite large. To do this, a self-tapping screw is attached to the end of any strip or rope, from which a simple pencil is fixed at the required distance. Using this device, a circle is drawn on the ceiling. Using a plumb line, the circle is “duplicated” on the floor.
• In order for the guide profile on the ceiling and floor to form smooth curves according to the applied drawing, it should be cut in such a way that one of its edges remains intact. The interval between cuts should be 7-10 cm.
• Next, the profile needs to be bent and secured with self-tapping screws.
• After this, you can begin preparing the racks, which are made from 60x27mm guides. They will need to be inserted between the floor and ceiling bases.
• Then, you can begin the sheathing process. The “dry” method of bending drywall will be convenient if the diameter of the column is not very large. If it is large, then it is better to use the “wet” method. To do this you need a spiked roller or block. With its help, punctures are made in the sheet ½ thickness deep and at a distance of 10-15 mm from each other. The perforated side is wetted with water. Then the sheet must be bent in accordance with the required radius and clamped in this position.

Columns from gypsum plasterboard in the interior are perfect solution for those who want to make their home unique and cozy with their own hands. With their help, you can realize the most unexpected and daring design ideas. Plasterboard columns will advantageously complement the restrained and austere atmosphere, giving the room an exquisite flavor.

DIY arch with gypsum columns (video)

The interior of an apartment often includes elements of classics. This allows you to make your home extraordinary, giving it a certain spirit of romanticism and grace. If the setting contains objects that are not of purely practical value, but decorative, then it no longer looks boring and monotonous, but as something creative and alive. Such architectural elements how columns and arches have long been used as bearing structures and at the same time decorated the facades of buildings and inner space premises.

Arches and columns are often used in classic style interior

Decorative decoration of arches in your apartment

Columns and arches in an apartment today serve mainly not a supporting, but a decorative function.

An exception is the deliberate use of columns as supports in a large room.

An arch has long been considered the covering of curved openings in the wall, spans between columns and supports

Arches were used not only in the architecture of buildings, but also in the construction of bridges, and as engineering structures were strictly symmetrical and were calculated using strength of strength formulas.

Each part of the arch has its own name. Eg:

• The cross section of the top is called the keystone
• Section near the support - with a heel stone, fifth arch or impost
• External fornix – extradosome
• Internal vault - intradosome

Types of arches

Arches can be of the following types:

• Triangular
• Round or semicircular
• Flat
• Oblique
• Lancet
• Horseshoe
• Plane elliptic parabolic
• Concave etc

An arch in a blind opening in a wall is called a blind arch.

These types of arches are distinguished by style:

Arches can be different in both shape and style

Today the fashion trend is asymmetrical arches.

Purpose of arches

Arches are used when they want to emphasize the organic nature of the design and the dominant smoothness of the lines.

This technique is used for:

• Design of the building facade and fencing
• Combining two zones into one
• Divisions into zones
• Design of internal interior elements:
  niches, windows, doors, mirrors, etc.

Two zones are merged into one when interior doors are removed:

Arches are used to divide a room into zones

• The living room is combined with a corridor or kitchen
• Kitchen space - with loggia

At the same time, the arch visually expands the space, creating perspective. At the same time, the premises remain separate units.

Arches diversify the design of a long corridor and at the same time also divide it.

Original design arched corridor

A rectangular opening in a wall is also considered an arch.

Materials for arches

Different materials are used to design arches.

• Arches made of stone, concrete, brick look monumental
• Wooden arches are more decorative and create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
  Both stone and wood are universal material, used for both outdoor and interior decoration premises
• For interior decoration you can also use plasterboard, fiberboard, PVC, chipboard

These types of materials are not used for finishing external arches.

How to make an arch with your own hands

It seems that such a curvilinear structure as an arch is extremely difficult to make with your own hands.

It's actually very easy to make, especially from plasterboard..

For this you will need:

• U-shaped metal profile
• Self-tapping screws and dowels
• Drywall sheet
• Drill, jigsaw

Sequencing:

1. Marking the position of the arch
2. We attach a metal profile to the wall, ceiling and floor
3. We strengthen the frame with cross members so that the drywall does not bend
4. We cut a piece of the profile for the vault every 2 cm, bend it and screw it to the frame
5. We cut out the drywall and cover the frame with it on both sides
6. We cut out the upper part for the arch using a jigsaw
7. We putty surfaces and seams

Video: Simple arch with your own hands

Columns in the interior of a modern apartment

As we have already said, columns in a city apartment today are used mainly for decorative purposes.

Columns in the interior can be decorative elements, and supporting structures

However, in a loft-style room and wherever there are no partitions, the column can also carry the load.

The upper part of the column is called the capital, the lower part is called the base. The capital can also be decorative decoration ceiling

Columns are made today from the following types of materials:

• Marble, granite
• Brick, concrete
• Drywall
• Polyurethane

Today, the decoration of columns and arches is also popular artificial stone or polymer concrete.

Do-it-yourself finishing of columns with plasterboard

Dry method of bending a plasterboard sheet

Marble and granite are certainly expensive materials, and they have to look for alternatives

Columns from lightweight drywall look like real ones. It won’t even immediately occur to you that these are dummies, that is, hollow objects (false columns)

The most difficult thing in the manufacture of such columns is the frame.

The column can be rectangular or round. There is also another variety - pilasters. They relate to columns conditionally. This is actually half a column protruding from the wall.

Let's first consider how to make a rectangular column from plasterboard.

1. From metal profile two bases are made (upper and lower)
2. The contours of the base are compared using plumb lines
3. The bases are attached to the ceiling and floor with dowels
4. Profile posts are attached to the corners of the bases
5. All sides of the frame are reinforced with cross members
6. Then sheathing with plasterboard and final finishing finishing plaster mixture

Video: DIY column finishing

How to make round columns

Round columns made of plasterboard are made according to the same principle. They are also easy to make with your own hands. But the manufacturing process is more labor-intensive:

1. First, circles are drawn on the ceiling and floor, also using plumb lines.
2. Cuts are made on the profile for the bases at a distance of 5 cm
3. The profiles are combined with circles and secured using dowels
4. A sheet of drywall on one side is cut along its entire length, also at a distance of 5 cm between cuts
5. The finished sheet is bent around the frame, the cuts are sealed with a plaster mixture and left to dry.
6. Then attach the sheet to the guide profile
7. They do the final finishing, adding stucco as necessary.

Polymer concrete in the interior of apartments

Column sprayed with liquid polymer concrete

What if drywall and stucco are not your favorite type of finishing, and you prefer an interior that is more close to a natural style?
Then columns not made of plasterboard will suit you, but, for example, polymer concrete or artificial stone

The texture of these materials is similar to that of natural stone– granite.

Polymer concrete (plastic cement) – a concrete compound, epoxy resin and filler ( quartz sand, granite chips, etc.)

Polymer concrete is much more expensive than conventional concrete.

Finishing the column with polymer concrete

It is easier and cheaper to first make a column from ordinary concrete, and then apply upper layer liquid lightweight polymer concrete.

You can do it something like this:

• We assemble the bases and frame in the same way as when making a plasterboard column
  (We make additional crossbars in the bases for fastening the reinforcement)
• We insert the reinforcement into the frame and cover it with pieces of plywood (we leave a hole in one of the pieces for pouring concrete)
• We pour concrete
• After hardening and drying, remove the plywood
• We spray polymer concrete on top of the column using a plaster gun

You can also apply a layer of polymer concrete, for example, on a countertop, on the outer wall of a fireplace, etc.

• You can also make interior items from polymer concrete by pouring them into a mold that needs to be pre-designed.

However, this method is expensive and requires equipment.

What complements the interior in a classic style

Columns and arches in the interior of the apartment are not the only elements in the classic style.

The interior can be complemented by:

• Bas-reliefs and frescoes made of decorative plaster
• Vintage style items:
  • antique candlesticks and vases
  • Venetian furniture, etc.

Video: Lightweight polymer concrete

Arches with columns are characteristic of ancient architecture.

Arches with columns are architectural elements that were used in construction long before our era. The peoples of antiquity used these elements in the construction of temples, palaces, bridges, and viaducts. Arches, which are a curved ceiling between supports or a wall opening, were found in the architecture of Ancient Rome and the Ancient East. This element was designed to redistribute the load of the floor (thrust), reducing the vertical reaction of the supports, exerting pressure on the foundation. The higher the rise of the arch, the less its expansion. Let's consider the use of this element in the architecture of different historical periods. If the architects Ancient Egypt and Greece created horizontal lintels, then the ancient Romans, who borrowed the arch system from the Etruscans, began to combine arches with columns, creating semicircular lintels. Arched structures combined with columns were a characteristic element of ancient Roman architecture. Arcades have become popular: rows of arches supported by columns. In this way, open galleries, multi-tiered bridges, and amphitheaters were built.

Roman arcade.

An example is the Colosseum - a three-tier arched structure. The arched ceiling became the main element of triumphal Roman arches. Reducing the horizontal thrust was achieved by relying on walls or buttresses. Arched bridges and aqueducts rested on fortified banks. The Romans used mainly semi-circular structures; later architects, when creating religious buildings and palaces, used new forms of arches: pointed, keeled, multi-layered, horseshoe-shaped and others. Semicircular arches In semicircular arches used in Ancient Rome, the arc is described by a semicircle. The decor of the arch in the photo demonstrates a semicircular design.

Semicircular arches in Roman architecture.

Horseshoe arches

Horseshoe arches were depicted in the Beatus of Lebana manuscripts by Magins, who worked on the construction of the monastery of San Miguel de Escalada, near Leonas. The monastery had elements Moorish style and was built by monks who arrived from Cordoba in 913 AD.

Horseshoe arches symbolized holiness in Islamic culture; such arches were used in the mosque of Cordoba (756 -796), from here, according to some researchers, it spread to Spain by architects from Andalusia. This type of arch has a raised center of construction. The horseshoe arch was used in railway station in Liverpool and Manchester (design by John Foster. 1830) This type of arch is present on the front gate of the Cheetham Hill Synagogue in Manchester (1870) Elliptical arches An elliptical arch has the shape of an ellipse, enclosed between the two furthest points of this figure. Elliptical ceiling and arch decor in the photo below.

Elliptical arch with decor.

Pointed arches

In pointed arches the pressure is concentrated in a narrow vertical area supported by a buttress. The pressure on the foundation was reduced. This feature made it possible to lighten the walls and use arches on different floors. The pointed arch became the main element gothic style. An example of the use of pointed arches is the Abbey of Montecassino (1071), the Church of Cluny 1088, Bolton Abbey (Britain. 12th century). Pointed arches were also used in the architecture of Egypt (Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo). The masonry of the pointed ceiling and the decor of the arch are in the photo below.

Pointed arch.

Multi-bladed arches

A multi-bladed arch appeared on the windows of the al-Mutawakkil mosque (848 - 849 in Samarra), which were connected by five-bladed decorative forms arches This arch became popular in North Africa and Andalusia. Multi-lobed arch from the 10th century. began to be used in Europe. The trefoil-shaped arch, a symbol of the Trinity in Christianity, has become especially popular.

The trefoil-shaped arch is characteristic of the Gothic era.

Keeled arches

In late Gothic in the 16th century. in the architecture of Venice, England, and France, a keeled arch was used - a type of pointed arch. The keeled arch was often used in architecture Ancient India. Parabolic arches Parabolic arches have the greatest strength. Parabolic arches transfer thrust forces to the supporting walls almost completely, and this ensures their strength. An example of a parabolic design and Gothic arch decor in the photo.

Parabolic arch in a Gothic cathedral.

There are “blind” arches, they strengthen the walls.

The blind arch reinforces the wall above the real arched ceilings.

IN modern construction arches are often not load-bearing elements and play only a decorative role, supporting the style of the facade or interior. Decorative arched structures are created from modern materials, durable, moisture-resistant, easy to install, such as polyurethane. Can choose decorative arches according to the photo in the booklet.

An arch with columns in the interior or in the design of the facade will help give the building a certain historical appearance.