Architectural Terms Beginning With "R"

Below are definitions and photographic illustrations of architectural term beginning with the letter "R".

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Rainbow roof - A gable roof that looks like a large Gothic arch, with slightly convex surfaces.

Rake - A molding used to cover the ends of siding materials on the sloping sides of gables.

Rampant Arch - An arch with imposts of different heights.

Relief - A (usually decorative) figure that projects from its flat background.

Relieving Arch - An arch built over a structural member such as a door to support the load over it. (Also called a discharging arch.)

Return Wall - A perpendicular short wall at the end of a much longer wall.

Ridge - The horizontal intersection of two roof slopes.

Ridgecap - The layer of roofing material that covers a roof's ridge.

Ridge Tile - A convex tile used to cover the ridge of a tiled roof.

Rise - The height of a sloping roof measured from its eaves to its ridge. (Usually expressed in either feet or meters.)

Roman Arch - An arch with a semi-circular intrados.

Roof Drain - A drain that receives water collecting on a roof and channels it into a downspout.

Roofing Tile - A heavy-duty clay or concrete tile used to cover a roof surface.

Rotunda - A large, round room with a domed ceiling.

Round Arch - Any arch with an intrados that curves continuously.

Rowlock - A brick or block laid horizontally on its longer edge so the shorter edge faces out.

Rubber Tile - A flexible floor covering made from natural or artificial rubber.

Run - The width of one side of a roof, measured from the eaves to the ridge of the roof.

Running Bond - A masonry pattern consisting of overlapping stretcher bricks or blocks.

Rustic Terrazzo - A rough-surfaced terrazzo made by briefly running water over the cement before it has set. This exposes the faces of the stone chips, which aren't ground flat like standard terrazzo.