DOMESTIC BUILDINGS RESEARCH GROUP (SURREY)



Illustrated glossary of architectural terms





TIMBER FRAMING - other terms


Assembly markssee Carpenters' marks, below
Bressumer
Carpenters' Marks
 
Identifying numerals inscribed on parts of frame while in carpenters' yard
to ensure correct assembly on site - see article by Martin Higgins
CatslideDownward Continuation of roof over outshot. (q.v.)
ChamferSurface made when square edge of timber is cut off at 45°
Cill
 
Beam resting on the ground into which all posts are morticed.
Timber,brick or stone base of an opening.
Cross entryEntry to a hall through opposed doorways.
Cross passageAs cross entry but with a passage formed by a wall or partition. (Not common in Surrey)
CruckA pair of curved timbers holding up the ridge-beam of a roof.
DaubA mixture of clay, dung & chopped straw used to fill wattle (q.v.) panels
DormerA window placed vertically in the sloping plane of a roof.
Durn
 
Timber cut from a piece with a grown angle from which
e.g. a door-frame with a shaped arch head can be formed.
GarderobeA small privy projecting from the upper storey of a house.
Lean-toAddition at end/side of building under a lean-to roof
OrielA window projecting from the face of a building.
Scarf jointsJoints used to join timbers end to end.
Smoke bayA short bay (central or end) sealed off from the upper part of the house as an escape for smoke.
Smoke hood
 
A timber-framed enclosure supported on the mantel beam of the hearth and tapering to
an outlet on the roof - intermediary between Smoke bay and Chimney.
SolarThe private upper room in a mediaeval house, above the parlour or the service room.
SpereA short screen,normally by a door,to prevent draughts.
Frequently only the mortice holes remain.
OutshotAddition at end/side of building under a lean-to roof.
StopsThe decorative endings of a chamfer - on a beam, post, etc.
WattleHazel or oak upright staves used to form panels - usually filled in with Daub (q.v.)
Wattle & Daubsee article by Martin Higgins

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©DBRG 4 August 2008