Comprehensive Glossary of Commercial Building Architecture

Article by Abigail Chung

Strong communication skills are a cornerstone of professional success. A rich vocabulary, especially when related to work, equips you with the tools for precise and persuasive communication.??

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For property managers, having knowledge instills confidence. Understanding the architectural vocabulary of their buildings allows them to communicate effectively with tenants, contractors, and others. Given that these words aren't used daily, it's difficult to remember them all the time. To assist with this challenge, we've curated a list of important terminologies for architectural features commonly seen in commercial buildings. Use this list to learn, remember terms, boost your credibility, and ensure smooth property management.?

WALL

• Architrave: A moulding that frames a window or other opening.?

• Frieze: A wide horizontal strip of sculpted or painted decoration, typically found on a wall near the ceiling.?

• Cornice: A horizontal section above the fascia that indicates the top of the shop front and the start of the premises on the floor above. It also marks the boundary between the roof and the exterior wall.?

• Entablature: A horizontal, continuous lintel in a classical building, supported by columns or a wall.?

• Cladding: A protective or decorative outer layer affixed to a building elevation or other surface to shield against weathering. This layer is frequently made of metal, but can also be constructed from various other materials. When specifically applied over windows, it is referred to as window capping.?

ROOF

• Eave: The inclined edge of a roof extending beyond the exterior walls, occasionally revealing exposed rafters.?

• Roof shingle: A roof covering made up of individual overlapping elements designed to protect the property from external factors like strong winds and rain.?

• Fascia: A horizontal strip that extends along the lower edge of a roof where it projects beyond the building's outer walls, serving to close the gap between the roof and the wall.?

• Soffit: The exposed siding beneath a building's roof overhang protects the vulnerable components of the roof.?

• Sheathing: A supportive structure designed to cover and protect the surfaces of a building.?

STAIRS?

• Baluster: An ornamental vertical post, often referred to as a spindle, that supports a rail and is typically located on staircases.?

• Balustrade: The railing system commonly seen on stairs, balconies, and porches, composed of a rail and balusters.?

• Banister: A railing supported by posts and secured alongside a staircase.?

WINDOW

• Grille: A metal grid installed over an aperture like a window or door for both security and aesthetic purposes.?

• Sill: The primary horizontal component that constitutes the lower part of a window frame.?

• Head: The primary horizontal component that comprises the upper section of the window frame.?

• Lift: Typically found on wooden windows, it serves as a handle used to raise the lower sash in either single- or double-hung windows.?

• Sash: The movable part of a window consists of the vertical and horizontal frame that encloses the glass pane.?

• Sash Lock: A locking mechanism employed on single- or double-hung windows that connects with the lock strike to minimize rattling.?

• Rail: The horizontal part of a window sash, consisting of the lower rail, the check rail, and the upper rail.?

• Casing: The decorative molding or framing around a window serves to conceal the gap between the window frame or jamb and the wall.?

• Apron: A decorative trim placed along the wall directly under the window sill.?

• Stool: The lower part of the window frame inside the building, which is flat and extends inward from the bottom rail of the sash, resembling a shelf.?

DOOR

• Stop: The part of the frame where the door panel sits when closed.?

• Hinges: The plates and pins utilized for fastening the door panel to the frame enable the door to pivot open.?

• Hinge Stile: The vertical edge piece located opposite the lock, to which the hinges are attached.?

• Sidelite: The side panels next to a door, usually containing glass for decorative purposes and to let in light.?

• Threshold: A horizontal piece of wood, metal, or another material that spans the space between the door frame and the floor.?
• Mullion: A vertical element that separates sections of a door or window, or serves a decorative purpose.?
• Jamb: The primary vertical components that comprise the sides of a door or window frame.?

OTHER TERMS?

• Building Envelope: The building envelope comprises all building components that delineate indoor spaces from outdoor environments. This includes exterior walls, foundations, roofs, windows, and doors.?

• Curtain Walling: A building's exterior cladding, typically composed of aluminum framework filled with panels of glass, metal, or stone, serves as a lightweight, non-structural covering.

• Suspended Ceiling: It's also referred to as a 'false' or 'drop' ceiling—a secondary horizontal layer suspended beneath the interior roof space. A metal grid is hung from metal wires, accommodating tiles placed within it.