Architecture Quiz 1

Retaining wall

A masonry wall supported at the top and bottom, designed to resist solid loads.

Cantilever

Projected construction that is fastened at only one end.

Threshold

The beveled member directly under a door.

Atrium

An inside courtyard of a structure that may be either open at the top or covered with a roof.

Vault

An inclined ceiling area.

Clerestory

A window or group of windows that are placed above the normal window height, often between two roof levels.

Curtain wall

An exterior wall that provides no structural support, often with many windows.

Casing

The metal, plastic, or wood trim around a door or window.

Jamb

The vertical members of a door or window frame.

Transom

A window located over a door.

Soffit

A lowered ceiling found in kitchens, halls, and bathrooms, typically to allow for recessed lighting, wiring, or HVAC ducts.

Dutch door

A type of door that is divided horizontally in the center so each half may be opened separately.

Parapet

A portion of a wall that extends over a roof.

Mullion

A horizontal or vertical divider between sections of a window (large).

Muntin

A horizontal or vertical divider within sections of a window (small).

Breezeway

A covered walkway with open sides between two different parts of a structure.

Alcove

A small room adjoining a larger room often separated by an archway.

Cartouche

A panel or tablet, often round or oval, for an inscription or coat of arms.

French door

Exterior or interior door that has multiple windows along the length of the door.

Balcony

A deck or patio above ground level.

Corbel

A projecting bracket of stone, brick, or another material, which supports a cornice, arch, or oriel.

Cornice

The part of the roof that extends out from the wall, also called the eave.

Cupola

A small structure built above the main roof level to provide light or ventilation.

Double-hung windows

Windows with moveable upper and lover sashes.

Fixed window

A window that is designed not to be opened.

Flat roof

A roof with minimal pitch (1/4” per 12”)

Gabled roof

A type of roof with two sloping surfaces that intersect at a ridge of the structure.

Gable

Triangular part of the wall encased by a gable roof

Hip

The exterior edge formed by the intersection of two sloping roof surfaces.

Hip roof

A roof shaped with four sloping sides.

Dormer

A structure that projects from a sloping roof to another roofed area. Usually to provide space for a window.

Pilaster

A reinforcing column built into or against a masonry wall. Can be decorative.

Sash

An individual frame around a window.

Balustrade

The system of railings and balusters that make up the staircase.

Baluster

The vertical posts that hold up the handrail.

Banister

A handrail beside a stairway.

Landing

A platform between two flights of stairs.

Newel

The end post of a stair railing.

Nosing

The rounded front edge of a tread that extends past the riser.

Riser

The vertical member of the stairs.

Tread

The horizontal member of the stairs.

Stringer

The diagonal structural member that supports the treads and risers.

Spandrel

The triangular space underneath the stairs.