Hyperbolic paraboloid in construction
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
A hyperbolic paraboloid (sometimes referred to as ‘h/p’) is a doubly-curved surface that resembles the shape of a saddle, that is, it has a convex form along one axis, and a concave form on along the other. It is also a doubly-ruled surface, that is, every point on its surface lies on two straight lines across the surface. Horizontal sections taken through the surface are hyperbolic in format and vertical sections are parabolic.
The fact that hyperbolic paraboloids are doubly-ruled means that they are easy to construct using a series of straight structural members. As a consequence they are commonly used to construct thin ‘shell’ roofs. These can either be formed using timber or steel sections, that are then clad, or they can be constructed using concrete.
The use of hyperbolic paraboloids as a form of thin shell construction was pioneered in the post-war era, as a hybrid of modern architecture and structural engineering. Being both lightweight and efficient, the form was used as a means of minimising materials and increasing structural performance while also creating impressive and seemingly complex designs.
Rather than deriving their strength from mass, like many conventional roofs, thin shell roofs gain strength through their shape. The curvature of the shape reduces its tendency to buckle in compression (as a flat plane would) and means that they can achieve exceptional stiffness. Being braced in two directions they experience no bending and are able to withstand unequal loading, whether from dead loads (such as equipment hung from the ceiling), or live loads (such as wind).
Hyperbolic paraboloid shell roofs can be constructed using reinforced concrete with a shell thickness of just 50 mm for diagonal spans up to 35 m.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Anticlastic.
- Arches.
- Barrel vault.
- Cantilever.
- Catenary.
- Concept structural design of buildings.
- Conoid shell.
- Folded plate construction.
- Long span roof.
- Megastructure.
- Pendentive dome.
- Portal frame.
- Shell roof.
- Structural engineer.
- Synclastic.
- Tensegrity.
- Tensegrity bamboo pavilion
- Tensile structures.
- The development of structural membranes.
- Types of dome.
[edit] External resources
- ‘Building Construction Handbook’ (6th ed.), CHUDLEY, R., GREENO, R., Butterworth-Heinemann (2007)
Featured articles and news
The Buildings of the Malting Industry. Book review.
Conserving places with climate resilience in mind.
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.