Glossary of Architecture and Construction Terms

Below you will find a glossary of common and not so common terms used in architecture and construction industry. We hope you will find this glossary resource helpful when viewing our home plans and browseing through our web site.

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Palladian Window - Also known as a Venetian window, this is a large, central window with a semicircular transom flanked by two smaller windows. This is generally the focal point of a room and is widely used in a variety of traditional and country house plans

Pediment - The triangular portion of a gabled wall defined by the edge of the sloping roofs and the horizontal line between the eaves.

Pergola - A pergola is 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.

Pilaster - A rectangular, flat column attached to the face of a building. The pilaster projects only slightly from the wall and has a base, a shaft, and a capital. In modern house plans, it is an architectural element used to give the appearance of a supporting column, with only an ornamental function. Can also be used in the frame of a doorway

Porte Cochere - An entry structure through which it is possible for a motor vehicle to pass, typically allowing coverage to the main house. Popular in many luxury home plans

Portico - A roofed entry surrounded by columns or walls and included in many traditional house plans