Tianjin Ningyuan Hexagonal Pavilion with Multiple Eaves

Architecture
Wood Structure

• The building's perimeter is defined by six columns, with no columns at the center.
• Column heads are fitted with hoop head purlins, upon which angle clouds are placed, with filler blocks installed between them. Above the filler blocks, interlocking eave purlins are installed. Onto these purlins, mitered beams are mounted.
• The outer ends of the lower eave corner beams are hooked onto the interlocking eave purlins, while the inner ends rest on the mitered beams.
• The cantilever (the protruding part of the roof) is created by making a through tenon at the rear end of the mitered beam, passing through the mortise at the lower end of the suspended column, thus supporting the upper eave columns. This method employs the principle of leverage, using the mitered beam as the fulcrum and the corner beam as the lever to support all components of the upper cantilever, as mentioned in the mitered beam method.
• The upper suspended columns are connected by several transverse purlins. These horizontal members, from bottom to top, include: the pedestal purlin, the bearing purlin, the enclosing ridge plate, the enclosing ridge purlin, the enclosing ridge lintel, and the upper eave purlin, among other components.
• Above the upper eave spire (the pointed top part of the roof), angle clouds are installed at the column heads, with filler blocks placed between them, and above these, interlocking eave purlins are installed. Above the eave purlins, leaning beams are mounted. The upper eave columns do not reach the ground, a design that allows for a higher utilization rate of the interior space, demonstrating both ingenuity and rationality in its structure.