What Is Cornice in Stone Masonry
A cornice in stone masonry refers to a horizontal decorative molding that crowns a building or furniture.
It is located at the top of a building’s exterior wall and often features intricate designs.
The cornice serves the dual purpose of protecting the building from weather and adding aesthetic appeal.
In classical architecture, the cornice is the topmost element of the entablature, while in modern residential architecture, it can be found along the gable of the roof.
There are different types of cornices in stone masonry, including box cornice, close cornice, open cornice, and cavetto cornice.
Did You Know?
1. The word “cornice” is derived from the Italian term “cornice,” meaning “ledge” or “frame.”
2. Cornices were commonly used in ancient Greek and Roman architecture to decorate the tops of buildings, serving both an aesthetic and functional purpose.
3. In stone masonry, a cornice refers to the decorative molding or projection that crowns the top of a wall or structure.
4. Cornices are often made from various types of stone, such as limestone, marble, or sandstone, and can be intricately carved or embellished with decorative motifs.
5. These architectural features date back thousands of years and can still be seen in many historic buildings worldwide, showcasing the enduring craftsmanship of stone masons throughout history.
Introduction To Cornice In Stone Masonry
A cornice is a horizontal decorative molding that crowns a building or piece of furniture. It can be found adorning the tops of doors, windows, pedestals, and interior walls in the realm of architecture. The purpose of a cornice is twofold: to add visual interest and to serve as a protective feature for the building.
One of the main functions of a cornice is to deflect rainwater away from the facade, preventing damage caused by water infiltration. By extending beyond the walls, the cornice acts as a barrier, directing rainwater away from the building’s exterior.
In classical architecture, the cornice holds a prominent position as the topmost element of the entablature. The entablature itself is composed of three parts: the cornice, frieze, and architrave. Among these components, the cornice is regarded as the crowning glory, known for its intricate details and decorative motifs.
The construction of a cornice often involves precision in stone masonry, showcasing the skill and artistry of the craftsman. This craftsmanship can be observed in the precise detailing and well-executed design of the cornice.
To summarize, a cornice is a horizontal decorative molding that not only adds visual interest but also serves as a protective feature for a building. Its primary function is to deflect rainwater away from the building’s facade. In classical architecture, the cornice is an essential part of the entablature, displaying intricate details and showcasing the craftsmanship of the stonemason.
- A cornice is a horizontal decorative molding
- It serves as a protective feature for the building
- It deflects rainwater away from the facade
- In classical architecture, it holds a prominent position as the topmost element of the entablature
- The cornice is known for its intricate details and decorative motifs
- It is often crafted with precision in stone masonry, showcasing the skill and artistry of the craftsman.
Types Of Cornices In Modern Residential Buildings
In the realm of modern residential architecture, cornices can take on different forms and styles. There are three main types of cornices commonly seen in modern residential buildings:
-
Box cornices: Characterized by their enclosed nature, surrounding the cornice with a narrow or wide box-like structure. Wider box cornices often require additional support in the form of lookouts, which are visible from the exterior of the building and provide structural reinforcement.
-
Close cornices: These have no projection beyond the walls of the building and lack any significant aesthetic value. They are simplistic in design and serve primarily as functional elements rather than decorative features.
-
Open cornices: Similar to box cornices, open cornices enclose the cornice of a building. However, unlike box cornices, they do not require the use of lookouts or soffits. This gives them a more open and airy appearance, allowing for increased airflow and ventilation.
-
Box cornices: enclosed with a narrow or wide box-like structure
- Close cornices: no projection beyond the walls, primarily functional
- Open cornices: don’t require lookouts or soffits, more open and airy appearance, better airflow and ventilation
“In the realm of modern residential architecture, cornices can take on different forms and styles.”
Cavetto Cornice In Stone Masonry
One of the most visually captivating types of cornices in stone masonry is the cavetto cornice. Influenced by ancient Egyptian architecture, the cavetto cornice showcases a distinct style characterized by a short fillet above and a torus moulding below. This combination creates a concave shape that adds depth and dimension to the overall design. The cavetto cornice is often seen in historical buildings, evoking a sense of grandeur and grandiosity.
Other Varieties Of Cornice In Architecture
Aside from the commonly seen box, close, and open cornices, there exists a plethora of other varieties in the architectural realm. One of these is the architrave cornice, which features an architrave-like design below the cornice molding. This particular type of cornice adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any building.
Another variety is the bracketed cornice, which combines the use of brackets with the cornice molding. These brackets not only provide additional structural support but also introduce a visually striking element to the overall composition.
The modillion cornice is yet another variety that can be found in architectural history. This type of cornice features decorative brackets known as modillions spaced evenly along the cornice’s length. These modillions often display intricate detailing and serve as a testament to the craftsmanship of the mason.
- Architrave cornice features an architrave-like design below the cornice molding.
- Bracketed cornice combines brackets with the cornice molding.
- Modillion cornice has decorative modillions spaced evenly along its length.
“These different types of cornices showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of architectural design.”
Cornices As Decorative And Protective Features In Building Design
Cornices, regardless of their specific style or material, serve as both decorative and protective features in building design. Positioned at the top of a building’s exterior wall, cornices contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the structure. They can be made of various materials, including stone, wood, or other materials, with stone masonry being a particularly popular choice for its durability and timelessness.
Beyond their visual appeal, cornices also offer protection to the building and its occupants. By extending beyond the walls, cornices help redirect rainwater away from the facade, preventing water damage and deterioration. This feature is especially crucial in regions with heavy rainfall or frequent exposure to the elements.
Cornices have stood the test of time and can be found on both historical and modern buildings. Whether they are meticulously crafted in stone masonry or molded from other materials, cornices continue to be celebrated as fascinating architectural elements that seamlessly merge beauty and functionality.
- cornices are both decorative and protective features in building design
- different materials can be used, including stone, wood, or other materials
- stone masonry is a popular choice due to its durability and timelessness
- cornices help redirect rainwater away from the facade, preventing water damage and deterioration
- crucial feature for regions with heavy rainfall or frequent exposure to the elements
- cornices can be found on both historical and modern buildings
- they seamlessly merge beauty and functionality
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cornice in brick masonry?
In brick masonry, a cornice refers to a horizontal decorative molding that is specifically designed for adorning buildings or other structures constructed with bricks. It serves as a visually appealing crown, embellishing elements such as doors, windows, pedestals, or interior walls. The cornice in brick masonry adds a touch of elegance and grandeur to the overall aesthetic of the structure, complementing the architectural style and enhancing its visual appeal.
What is coping and cornice?
Coping is a protective layer that is meticulously placed on the uppermost part of an exterior wall to safeguard it against the infiltration of water. Functioning as a barrier, it acts as a shield, preventing moisture from seeping into the building. By strategically placing coping on the top of the wall, it not only offers protection but also preserves the structural integrity of the structure.
On the other hand, a cornice serves a more decorative purpose in architecture. This projecting element is typically located near the uppermost section of a building or where a wall and ceiling come together. Delicately designed, cornices act as ornamental courses that add an elegant touch to the overall appearance of the structure. Their intricate details contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the building, often showcasing artistic craftsmanship and architectural creativity.
What is corbel in stone masonry?
Corbels in stone masonry are essential architectural elements that serve both functional and decorative purposes. They are solid pieces of stone that project from a wall to support an additional load above them. Used as brackets, corbels provide structural reinforcement by distributing the weight of the superincumbent load. They add strength to the overall structure of the wall while also imparting a visually appealing aesthetic to the architecture. Unlike consoles, which are applied to the structure, corbels are integral parts of the wall itself, firmly fixed in place to provide reliable support.
What is header in stone masonry?
In stone masonry, the term “header” refers to a full stone unit that is laid with its length perpendicular to the face of the wall. This means that the header is positioned in a way that its shorter face is visible. Headers play an important role in providing stability and strength to the overall structure, as they help distribute the weight evenly throughout the wall. By incorporating headers into stone masonry, the wall becomes more durable and able to withstand various external forces.
