Glossary of Architectural and Building Terminology - G
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Gable - A gable is the vertical triangular portion of the end of a building, from the level of the cornice or eaves to the ridge of the roof. The name is also, given to a similar end when not triangular in shape, as of a gambrel roof and the like. Hence the term applies to the end wall of a building, as distinguished from the front or rear side, and a decorative member having the shape of a triangular gable, such as that above a Gothic arch in a doorway.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Gablet - A gablet is a small gable, or gable-shaped canopy, formed over a tabernacle, niche, etc.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Gain - A gain is a square or bevelled notch cut out of a girder, binding joist, or other timber which supports a floor beam, so as to receive the end of the floor beam.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Gambrel Roof - A gambrel roof is a curb roof having the same section in all parts, with a lower steeper slope and an upper and flatter one, so that each gable is pentagonal in form.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Gauged Lime Plaster - Gauged lime plaster is lime plaster to which has been added a small amount of plater of Paris to accelerate the set and to reduce shrinkage and cracking
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Georgian - Georgian is a period of English architecture, furniture making, and decorative art between 1714 and 1830. The architecture is mainly Classical in style, although external details and interiors were often rich in Rococo carving. Furniture at this time was often made of mahogany and satinwood, and mass production became increasingly common; designers included Thomas Chippendale, George Hepplewhite, and Thomas Sheraton. The silver of this period is particularly fine, and ranges from the earlier, simple forms to the ornate, and from the Neo-Classical style of Robert Adam to the later, more decorated pre-Victorian taste. Georgian architecture features columns inspired by Classical designs, and using the Doric Order, Ionic Order and Corinthian Order. Front doors are typically panelled, large, with columns or decorations either side and a semi-circular window above. Windows were typically sash windows, tall and well proportioned, with wooden glazing bars and equal sized glass panes.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Gesso - Gesso is a composition of whiting and glue - sometimes plaster of Paris and glue or size - used for the execution of relief work on woordwork and plaster. Gesso can be modelled when wet and carved when dry.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Girder - A girder is a main beam; a straight, horizontal beam to span an opening or carry weight, such as the ends of floor beams, etc. and hence, a framed or built-up member discharging the same office, technically called a compound girder.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Glut - A glut is an arched opening to the ash pit of a kiln.
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Glyph - A glyph is a sunken channel or groove, usually vertical.
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Godroon - A godroon is an ornament produced by notching or carving a rounded moulding.
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Gold Bronze - Gold bronze is a light coloured bronze powder made from copper alloy and mainly ised in decorative interior work. Gold bronze tends to tarnish unless protected by a lacquer
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Gorgerin - A gorgerin is a term used to describe in some columns, that part of the capital between the termination of the shaft and the annulet of the echinus, or the space between two neck mouldings.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Gothic - The term Gothic refers to something off or pertaining to a style of architecture with pointed arches, steep roofs, windows large in proportion to the wall spaces, and, generally, great height in proportion to the other dimensions. The style was prevalent in Western Europe from about 1200 to 1475.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Gradatory - A gradatory is a series of steps from a cloister into a church.
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Gradin - A gradin is any member like a step, as the raised back of an altar or the like or a set raised over another.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Gradino - A gradino is a step or raised shelf, as above a sideboard or altar.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Graniting - Graniting is the imitation of granite in paint. The work is grounded out in red or grey, and when dry is sponge stippled with black, blue-grey and green-grey, red and white colours, with the darker colours being applied first.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Granulated Cork - Granulated cork is used as a wall covering in anti-condensation treatments
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Groin - A groin is the projecting solid angle formed by the meeting of two vaults, growing more obtuse as it approaches the summit.
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Groined Vault - A groined vault is a vault having groins, that is, one in which different cylindrical surfaces intersect one another, as distinguished from a barrel vault.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Ground - A ground is a piece of wood, flush with the plastering, to which mouldings, etc. §Grounds are usually put up first and the plastering floated flush with them. In painting and decorating, ground is a loose term applied to a surface to which paint is to be applied.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Grouped Columns - A grouped columns describes three or more columns placed upon the same pedestal.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Guide Coat - In decorating, a guide coat is a very thin coating of spirit colour which is applied to a surface which has been filled and leveled, in order to indicate whether the filling has been thoroughly carried out and completed, or whether there are still indentations which require filling. A guide coat is generally composed of turpentine tinted with Prussian blue or drop black and brushed onto the surface and allowed to dry. The surface is then gently sanded with a block, removing the guide coat from the surface, but not from any indentations which may still exist.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Guilloche - A guilloche is an ornament in the form of two or more bands or strings twisted over each other in a continued series, leaving circular openings which are filled with round ornaments.
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Gutta - A gutta is one of a series of ornaments, in the form of a frustum of a cone, attached to the lower part of the triglyphs, and also to the lower faces of the mutules, in the Doric order.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
Gutter Member - A gutter member is an architectural member made by treating the outside face of the gutter in a decorative fashion, or by crowning it with ornaments, regularly spaced, like a diminutive battlement.
©2007 The Probert Encyclopaedia. Data used under license.
