Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Aluminium

a metallic material that has lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and strong properties making it a favoured choice for various building applications. From structural components to architectural details, aluminum contributes to construction by offering both functional and aesthetic benefits.

American Colonial Revival

a period revival based upon broad interpretations of New England Colonial, Beaux-Arts Classicism, Georgian or Southern Colonial styles; Dutch and Spanish Colonial elements were also popular

Art Nouveau

a design movement shunning imitation of past styles; popular primarily in the 1890s; characterized by stylized undulating natural forms such as waves, flower stems, leaves and flowing hair

Arts and Crafts

a design movement in architecture led by the British designer, William Morris (1834-1896); characterized by stylized, two-dimensional forms, naturally finished materials and hand-crafted production; in the first two decades of the 20th century The Craftsman magazine was an influential exponent of these design principles in the United States; it is also referred to as the Craftsman movement

Baroque

a style that developed in 17th century Italy from the late Renaissance style; characterized by the use of interacting oval spaces, curved forms, exuberant decoration, sculpture and colour

Battered

a vertical element such as a wall or a column that slopes in from the base; the wall or column appears to flare outwards at its base

Belt course

a slender, horizontal band that projects from an exterior wall often at window sill or interior floor levels

Building Examples

Board and batten

wide vertical wood sheathing (boards) with narrow vertical wood strips (battens) covering the joints between the boards

Classical

the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, and subsequent styles derived from these; characterized by the use of the five orders of classical columns consisting of the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders of Hellenic Greece and the Tuscan and Composite orders of Imperial Rome

Elizabethan Revival

the post-1900 revival of an earlier English style of architecture named after Elizabeth I (1533-1603), and typified by large, mullioned, rectangular windows, bay windows and half-timbering

Entablature

the upper horizontal part of a Classical order, consisting of the cornice, frieze and architrave; similar to a beam

Frieze

the central band in a classical entablature above the architrave and below the cornice; or often a decorative band running under the cornice of an interior or exterior wall

Jacobean

a style of architecture related to the rule of James I of England (1603-1625), characterized by an eclectic mix of Gothic and Palladian motifs

Meeting rail

in a double-hung window, the horizontal element created where the top of the lower sash frame meets the bottom of the upper sash frame when the window is closed

Palladian window

a classical window style with a tall, often arched central opening flanked on each side by shorter windows with flat window heads; closely identified with the Italian architect, Andrea Palladio (1508-1580)

Perpendicular Gothic

the last phase of Gothic architecture developed in England ca. 1350-1550; the style features a strong vertical emphasis in its structure and decorative elements; interiors often feature highly decorative fan vaults (ceilings highlighted with a lacy network of structural and decorative ribs, or vaults)

Picturesque

in the 17th century, picturesque buildings would look as if they came from the romanticized landscape paintings of the day, such as those by Claude and Poussin; by the late 18th century picturesque buildings were a visually interesting assemblage of asynimetrically arranged forms with a variety of textures; picturesque motifs were applied in particular to cottage and Italianate and Gothic style villas

Proportion

the relationship of the dimensions, shapes and quantity of individual elements of a building (such as windows and doors) and their composition as a whole building

Rafters

a structural roof member that slopes up from the wall to the ridge or peak of a roof and supports the roof covering

Renaissance

a style first developed in 15th century Italy, marking the return to classical (i.e., Greek and Roman) art and learning; originally characterized by the use of the classical architectural orders and round arches arranged in a symmetrical composition

Rhythm

a regularly repeating sequence or pattern, composed of alternating masses and voids, light and shadow, or different colours

Saddle-notch join

a corner joint used in round log construction, consisting of semi-circular notches cut near the ends of the logs

Shingle style

a style that first developed in the late 18th century in the United States, characterized by the extensive use of wood shingles on roofs and walls; large roof areas tending to flow into one another and an asymmetrical arrangement of forms

Stainless steel trim

a versatile and enduring material that architects and designers use to enhance the aesthetics, functionality, and longevity of buildings

Steep pitched roof

a high degree of slope on a roof

Building Examples

Storey

the habitable space between a floor and a ceiling, floor or roof above; may not include basements and attics due to local building ordinances; if habitable (i.e., intended for human use), attics are usually considered a half or a three-quarter storey due to reduced headroom under the roof slopes

Whitewash

a thick, paint-like material using lime that was brushed onto log structures to provide a white finish to the walls

Window

glazed (i.e., glass-covered) opening in a wall used to admit light and often to permit air flow through the wall opening