Lamella Roof Constructions by Hugo Junkers

Abstract

In 1924 and 1925, Hugo Junkers (1859-1935) patented a steel lamella roof construction, based on the wood lamella roof design by Fritz Zollinger. Because of its simplicity and markable rigidity it was soon used for many large roofs worldwide, which could span up to 40 m. It combines prefabrication, light weight, easy erection and durability in a striking manner. Unfortunately, due to the World War II and its consequences only few of these roof structures still exist. The most significant difference between the lamella roofs designed by Zollinger and Junkers was, beside the used different material, the construction of the joints. In contrast to Zollinger, the joints by Junkers were rigid in all directions. This paper describes the evolution of lamella roof designs from Zollinger to Junkers. Not so well known lamella systems by Jucho and Hünnebeck will be discussed as well. Advantages and disadvantages of each construction type will be presented, too. However, the focus points to Junkers lamella roofs.