VCHP GLOSSARY OF TERMS Adobe - a building material composed of water, sandy clay and straw or other organic materials, which is shaped into bricks using wooden frames and dried in the sun. Today, it is also referred to as an architectural style found in desert regions like New Mexico. Arch - a curved structure capable of spanning a space while supporting significant weight. There are many different shapes and style of arches. Art Nouveau - a style in art, architecture and design that peaked in popularity at the beginning of the 20th Century. Characteristics include ornate imagery such as flames, flowers, long flowing hair and waves. Art Deco - 20th Century movement influenced by the decorative arts. Art Deco is characterized by use of materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, lacquer, inlaid wood, shark skin, and zebra skin. The bold use of zigzag, stepped forms, sweeping curves (unlike the sinuous curves of the Art nouveau), chevron patterns and the sunburst motif. Atrium - an open space within a house or building, with a glazed roof and/or large windows allowing in sunlight. Balcony - a kind of platform projecting from the wall of a building, supported by columns or console brackets, and enclosed with a balustrade. Barrel Tiles - semi-cylindrical tiles made by forming clay around a log and laid in alternating columns of convex and concave tiles. Barrel Vault* - a continuous or deep arch along a ceiling or vault. Base Molding - used at the junction of an interior wall and floor to protect the wall from impacts.   Bay Windows (Bow, Oriel) - window space projecting outward from the main walls of a building and forming a bay in a room, either square or polygonal in plan. The windows are commonly used to provide the illusion of a larger room, as well as to increase the flow of natural light indoors. Board and Batten - vertical siding with a cover over the joint: board which is popular in American wooden Gothic revival houses; or less commonly behind the joint (reversed) batten and board. Bonus Room - a large room in a house which could be used as a multi-purpose area. It is sometimes over a garage or in an attic area with partially reduced ceiling height or some other less desirable characteristic. On many house plans it is unfinished and not included in the total square footage. Bracket - A bracket may be an inverted "L" shape, such as is usually used to hold up a shelf, or a rafter extension and its diagonal brace supporting an overhanging roof over a gable. Decorative brackets used in furniture and mantle pieces are called corbels.  Butler's Pantry - In today's house plans it usually a walk-thru area located adjacent to the kitchen or to the formal dining area and usually contains counters, cabinets and possibly a sink. Many use it as a serving area during formal meals and also store fine china. Cantilever - a beam(s) anchored at one end and projecting into space allowing structures to be supported without external bracing. Capital - the crowning feature of the column. Reference the Doric Column, Ionic Column and Corinthian Column for the description of different styles. Casement Window - has a hinge on the side of the window sash so the window can open outward (usually) or inward. Chair-Rail Molding - a horizontal molding placed part way up a wall to protect the surface from chairs. Primarily used now for decoration. Clapboard - also known as bevel siding or lap siding (with regional variants as to the exact definitions of these terms), is a board used typically for exterior horizontal siding that has one edge thicker than the other and where the board above laps over the one below. It is often found in New England architecture. Clerestory  - (clear story) any rows of windows above eye level that allow light into a space. In modern architecture, clerestories provide light without distractions of a view or compromising privacy. Compound Arch* - concentric arches set within one another to form a single arch. Concrete - a composite building material made from the combination of aggregate and cement binder. Three main types: pre-cast, reinforced and pre-stressed. Corbel* - projecting bracket of wood, stone, brick, etc. that supports an overhanging object. Corinthian Column - column is almost always fluted and features a distinctive carved capital of leaves, flames, bellflowers and more. Cornice - is the set of projecting moldings that crown an entablature. The function of the projecting cornice is to throw rainwater free of the building's walls. Courtyard - an enclosed area, often a space enclosed by a house or building that is open to the sky. Many courtyards incorporate flower gardens and water features. Cove Molding - a concave-profile molding that is used at the junction of an interior wall and ceiling, often found in formal dining/living areas.   Crenellation - the name for the distinctive pattern that framed the tops of the walls of many medieval castles, often called battlements. Crenellation most commonly took the form of multiple, regular, rectangular spaces cut out of the top of the wall to allow defenders spaces to shoot arrows from and other spaces to hide behind full cover.  Crown Molding - a wide, sprung molding that is used at the junction of an interior wall and ceiling. Cupola - a cupola consists of a dome-shaped ornamental structure located on top of a larger roof or dome, often used as a lookout or to admit light and provide ventilation. More frequently, however, the cupola comprises a smaller structure which sits on top of the main roof. Daylight Basement - A "walk-out" or "daylight" basement is where the house is situated on a slope and part of the basement is above ground. Occupants can walk out at that point without having to use the stairs. In a "look-out" basement, the basement walls extend sufficiently above ground level that some of the basement windows are above ground level. Dome - a common structural element of architecture that resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere. Domes do not have to be perfectly spherical in cross-section, however; a dome may be a section through an ellipse. Doric Column -  columns with vertical shafts fluted with parallel concave grooves; topped by a smooth capital that flared from the column to meet a square abacus. Dormer Window - a window set vertically in a structure projecting from a sloping roof. Eaves - the edge of a roof. Eaves usually project beyond the side of the building. Some buildings, such as craftsman bungalows , have very wide eaves with decorative brackets. Eave can also refer to the part of a sloping roof that overhangs the wall, the part of a roof which projects out from the side wall, or the lower edge of the part of a roof that overhangs a wall. Empty-Nester - house plans compatible for a family who's children have grown and left home. These plans focus on the master suite and living areas that will be used. Extra bedrooms are either minimal or in a location that is not as readily accessible. Engaged - the term implies that a beam or column is partly attached to a ceiling or wall. Eyebrow* - A low dormer on the slope of a roof with no sides, the roofing being carried over it in a wavy line. Facing - covering applied to the outer surface of a building. Fascia - the board which runs along the ends of the rafters of a building and to which the guttering is fixed. Faux* - imitation, fake or artificial; in building it usually refers to a faux painting or other material used to imitate a more expensive or rare material.  Fieldstone - rock that is roughly cut in irregular shapes and used in multiple areas: exterior, fireplace, gardens, etc. Colors may vary based on region the stone is cut from. Finial - A finial is a vertically mounted spike used as a decorative ornament at the top of a building or structure. Today they are mainly crafted with copper and are commonly seen on French Country homes. Fluting* - grooves carved up the length of an object, often seen on columns.   Foyer - area of a building proceeding the front door through which one has to pass to enter that building.   French Door - (also called a French window) is a door with multiple glass panes that extend for most of its length. Usually constructed as a pair or multiple pairs of doors, one of the pair may be fixed into a closed position indefinitely, using locks or posts. They are most frequently used at the back of the house leading the garden or patio from a living room. Friend's Entry* - informal entrance usually located on the side and close to the garage entrance that commonly unloads into a mudroom. Frieze - the frieze of an interior room is the section of wall above the picture rail and under the crown moldings or cornice. By extension, a frieze is a long band of painted, sculpted or even calligraphic decoration in such a position, above eye-level. Frieze decorations may depict scenes in a sequence of discrete panels. Gable - is the generally triangular portion of a wall between the lines of a sloping roof. The shape of the gable and how it is detailed depends on the structural system being used. Gallery - a long hallway flanked with walls or rows of columns. Gambrel Roof - usually symmetrical, two-sided roof with two slopes, the upper slope being less steep. Gambrel roofs are commonly seen on hay barns throughout America. Gazebo - a pavilion structure commonly found in parks, gardens, and spacious public areas. Gazebos are freestanding, roofed, and open on all sides; they provide shade, basic shelter, ornamental features in a landscape, and a place to rest. Glaze* - a thin, shiny and transparent coating applied to a surface to alter the shade or texture. Half-Timbering -  Timber framework walls with space between the framework typically filled with stucco, plaster or brick and the timbers of the frame are visible both inside and outside the building. Header - the small and square end of the brick. Herringbone Pattern - bricks laid on alternating angles, most commonly a 45 degree angle. This is primarily a decorative style, more often used for paving, fireplaces, or between half-timbers on the exterior. Hipped Roof* - roof sloping upward from all sides of the house or building. Jack-n-Jill Layout* - (teen suite) house plan layout where two of the secondary rooms are connect by a shared bath. Often each room with have their own closet and vanity, but share the shower/bath and toilet. Keystone* - a pronounced stone, usually carved or molded, at the top of an arch. Lattice Window* - a fixed or hinged casement window with glazed bars set diagonally to create a pattern of diamonds. Lintel - (header) is a horizontal beam used in the construction of buildings, and is a major architectural contribution of ancient Greece. It usually supports the masonry above a window or door opening. Lintels may be made of wood, stone, steel or reinforced or pre tensioned concrete. Loggia - often a gallery or corridor generally on the ground level, or sometimes higher, on the facade of a building and open to the air on one side, where it is supported by columns or pierced openings in the wall. This is sometimes referred to as a portico or veranda.   Mansard Roof - is a roof with two slopes on all four sides, with the lower slope nearly vertical and the upper nearly horizontal. Mantelpiece -  the projecting hood which in medieval times was built over a fireplace to catch the smoke, and at a later date to the decorative framework, often carried up to the ceiling. Mantelpiece is now the general term for the jambs, mantel shelf, and external accessories of a fireplace. Media Room* - a room in house plans acoustically designed to accommodate high-tech sound systems, large televisions or projectors, gaming and some even feature terraced rows of seating. Mosaic - the art of decoration with small pieces of colored glass, stone or other material. Mullion - (mutin) is a framing element which divides adjacent window, door, or glass units. Mullions may be made of any material, but wood and aluminum are most common, although stone is also used in windows. Mullions are most commonly vertical or horizontal and sometimes diagonal, although more complex arrangements were popular during the Tudor era. Niche - (blind arch) an alcove or nook in an interior or exterior wall. A design technique to add articulation and variety to a wall section, typically used to place statues, floral arrangements, murals, photos, etc. Open Layout - strategic layout of rooms in a house plan to accommodate the flow of today's lifestyle. Often formal living/dining areas are absent and the kitchen, dining and family room are adjacent and open to one another. It is a concept of eliminating the cost/space involved in areas minimally used and creating multifunctional gathering areas. Palladian Window - an arched window flanked by two lower rectangular openings Parapet - a parapet consists of a dwarf wall along the edge of a roof, or round a lead flat, terrace walk, etc., to prevent persons from falling over, and as a protection to the defenders in case of a siege. Parapets are plain, embattled, perforated or paneled. Parquet* - decorative flooring created from short strips of wood laid to create a pattern in the floor; often two types of wood are used to create extra contrast. Patio - patio garden is an outdoor garden space generally used for dining or recreation that often adjoins a residence and is typically paved. Patios are typically made of concrete or stone slabs laid over a firm base. Pedestal - a term generally applied to a support, square, octagonal or circular on plan, provided as a base to a column, statue or vase. Pediment - an element consisting of a triangular section or gable found above the horizontal superstructure which lies immediately upon columns. Often, it is accompanied a round window placed in the middle of the pediment or other decorative art. Pergola - a garden feature forming a shaded walk or passageway of pillars that support cross beams and a sturdy open lattice, upon which woody vines are trained. It may also be part of a building, as protection for an open terrace. Pilaster - a pilaster comprises a slightly-projecting pseudo-column built into or onto a wall, with a capital and base. Pilasters can be flat against a wall supporting a roof and may have a design. Pocket Door - a door that slides along its length and disappears, when open, into a compartment in the adjacent wall. Pocket doors are used for architectural effect, or when there is no room for the swing of a conventional door. Porch - an architectural feature relating to a floor-like platform structure attached to the front or back entrance of a residence. It is external to the walls of the main building proper, but may be enclosed by screen, latticework, broad windows, or other light frame walls extending from the main structure. The porch serves as a place to pause comfortably before entering or exiting. Portico - is a porch or walkway with a roof supported by columns, often leading to the entrance of a building. Porte-Cochere - (coach door) a cover over a pull-thru vehicle loading point that protects those entering or exiting the vehicle from the weather. Pre-cast Concrete - concrete is normally poured and cured on site, pre-cast concrete is cast and then lifted into place Prefabrication - the practice of manufacturing the parts of an assembly in one location, ready for them to be assembled in another place. Pre-stressed Concrete - a method for overcoming concrete's natural weakness in tension. It can be used to produce beams, floors or bridges with a longer span than is practical with ordinary reinforced concrete. Pre-stressing tendons (generally of high tensile steel cable or rods) are used to provide a clamping load which produces a compressive stress that offsets the tensile stress that the concrete member would otherwise experience due to a bending load. Good for soft soil areas. Quoins - corner stones that anchor the edge of the building wall, may be structural or decorative. Architects and builders use quoins to give the impression of strength and firmness to the outline of a building. Reinforced Concrete - concrete in which reinforcement bars ("rebar") or fibers have been incorporated to strengthen the material that would otherwise be brittle. Rustication - a texture produced in ashlars' masonry with deep cut 'V' or square joints to contrast with smooth masonry and achieve a rich and bold look. Sash Window - a style of window in which panes are separated by a narrow bar or sash. The sash window is often found in Georgian and Victorian houses, and the classic arrangement has three panes across by two up on each of two sashes, giving a 3x4 pane window. Seasonal Closet/Room - small storage room or area for items that are not frequently used, but you need readily available. Often used for holiday decor, gift wrapping, extra bedding, sports equipment, etc. Shake Roof - a wooden shingle that is made from split logs used for covering the top of a house. The main differentiating feature between shakes and other types of shingles is that shakes are split while most shingles are sawn on all sides.    Shutters - a door for covering a window to permit or prevent air, light and other elements from passage. Most are decorative being composed of wood and fixed to the exterior walls, although some are functional on hinges as hurricane shutters. Sill - the bottom horizontal edge of a window; can be comprised of anything from wood to marble Skylight - a window set into a ceiling and roof to allow the passage of light. Soffit - describes the underside of any construction element, for instance, the underside of an arch, the underside of a building overhang (eave), the underside of a flight of stairs, or the underside of the projecting cornice. Solarium - a room built largely of glass to afford exposure to the sun. A common example of this is a glassed-in porch. Split Bedrooms - master suite and secondary bedrooms are on opposite ends of house. Stanchion - an architectural term applied to the upright iron bars in windows which pass through the eyes of the saddle bars or horizontal irons to steady the lead lights.  Strut - a structural component designed to resist longitudinal compression. Struts provide outwards-facing support in their lengthwise direction, which can be used to keep two other components separate, performing the opposite function of a tie. Stucco - a material made of an aggregate, a binder, and water which is applied wet, and hardens when it dries. Also used in sidings, it is used as a coating for walls and ceilings and for decoration. Stucco may be used to cover less visually appealing construction materials such as concrete blocks, steel, or adobe. Traditionally stucco is directly applied to a masonry surface such as brick or stone. In wood-framed buildings, stucco was applied over a wood lath. Modern stucco is usually applied over an expanded metal lath that is fastened to the wall sheathing with staples, with a 2 layer moisture barrier in between. Studs - a vertical member within a light-frame construction wall, usually a two-by-four or two-by-six. Narrow Lot Plans* - house plans designed for lots with a maximum building envelope of 50' or less. Tandem Garage* - garage layout for house requiring narrow footprint that allows for a three (or four) car garage with only 2 doors. Disadvantage is that when full a car would be blocked in by another. Terrace - an element where a raised flat paved or graveled section overlooks a prospect. Also in gardening, a leveled section of a hilly cultivated area, designed to slow or prevent the rapid run-off of irrigation water. Terracotta -  a hard semi-fired waterproof ceramic clay used in pottery, older wastewater drains, and as surface embellishment in building construction. The term is also used to refer to items made out of this material and to its natural, brownish orange color. Common modern uses are floor and roof tiles. Terrazzo -  a faux-marble material used to create attractive walkways, floors, patios, and panels by exposing marble chips and other fine aggregates on the surface of finished concrete. Thatch - the art and craft of covering a roof with vegetation such as straw, water reed, sedge, rushes and heather. It is probably the oldest roofing material and has been used in both tropical and temperate climates throughout the world. Tie Beam - main beam in roof structure that runs horizontal and connects the base of rafters. Tongue-and-Groove - a method of fitting similar objects together, edge to edge, used mainly with wood: flooring, parquetry, paneling etc. Each piece has a slot (the groove) cut all along one edge, and a thin, deep ridge (the tongue) on the opposite edge. Transom - is the customary American word for a window over a door, hinged at the top or bottom edge, and capable of being opened for ventilation (though some are fixed). In England, a transom is usually referred to as a fanlight, and occasionally as an "over light". Truss - a static structure consisting of straight slender members inter-connected at joints into triangular units, commonly used in roofing.   Turret* - a small tower that projects from the wall of a building, usually round and corbelled not continuing to the ground. Turrets might enclose a staircase or are incorporated into an area of a room. Universal Design - also called "inclusive design" or "design for all," is an approach to the design of products, services and environments to be usable by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability or situation. Wainscoting -  wooden or other paneling applied to the lower half of an interior wall, below the chair rail and above the skirting board or baseboard. It is traditionally constructed from tongue-and-groove boards, though bead board or decorative panels (such as a wooden door might have) are also common. Weeping Mortar - application technique of mortar between bricks so that it appears to be pushed out of the mortar joints. Widow's Walk - a term used to describe a railed, rooftop platform typically on a coastal house, originally designed to observe vessels at sea. The origins of the term were initiated from the wives of sea mariners who would watch for their spouses to return from the sea. In some instances, the ocean took the lives of the sea mariners leaving the women as widows which coined the phrase. Wine Cellar - a storage room for wine in bottles or barrels. Wine cellars are usually located completely underground, and often have direct contact to the surrounding soil via a gap in the foundations. Specification for such a room on a house plan can be altered for a "safe" room as well.  The majority of definitions listed on this page were retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org. For further explanation and examples of these terms and others, we encourage you to visit Wikipedia's Encyclopedia. *Definition as defined by site owner.

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