Architectural Terms Beginning With "T"

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

# 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

Tambour - The vertically walled section of a cupola.

Terra Cotta - An extremely hard kiln-fired clay often used for architectural ornaments and tiling. The fired clay is a deep reddish brown, but it's often glazed to other colors (especially white in the Boston area).

Terrace - A paved, open area connected to a house or other building used as an outdoor living area.

Terrazzo - A flooring made from embedding stone chips (usually marble) in a cement-like material, then grinding the surface smooth after the cement has set.

Tholobate - The substructure that a dome rests upon.

Tidewater - Rarely found in New England, this architectural style is designed for hot, humid climates found in the southern coastal states. The style is distinguished by large porches on three or more sides of the house that are enclosed by the same broad hip roof as the rest of the structure.

Transom - A separator between a door and a window above it.

Transom Window - A window above a doorway's transom.

Triangle Arch - A very primitive type of arch constructed by placing two stones with beveled edges against each other so they provide mutual support over an opening.

Trefoil Arch - An arch with an intrados that incorporates three curves that meet at sharply defined points.

Trellis - A frame supporting latticework, used to support climbing plants.

Tudor Arch - A shallow, pointed arch with bulging, rounded haunches.