Today’s article is Part II in a multi-part series looking at unique architectural details of historic masonry facades. Some of the details that we will look at are made from materials other than masonry, but they are part of the fabric of the overall masonry facade of historic buildings. We see these elements throughout many historic neighborhoods in Washington. DC. These elements are often deserving of the credit for the historic charm and unique aesthetic that we attribute to historic masonry buildings. Although here at Infinity Design Solutions, we happen to love brick, it isn’t always the brick itself, not the field areas of common bonds or even the Flemish bonds that we find in the field of the facades, that gives the building its flare and noteworthiness. Normally it’s actually the elements at the openings, architectural details, friezes, cornices and corners of the facades that give the majority of the building facade it’s unique character We will look at a long series of these elements one by one. Similar to the Historic Masonry Encyclopedia on our website, this series of blogs is a place where someone can learn a lot about masonry and architecture from a type of perspective like a guide. These elements are only slightly grouped, but not presented in an alphabetical or chronological type of order. Today we start by looking at a pediments and tympaniums. Pediment and TympaniumsPediments and tympanums are classical architectural elements that were most prominent in the construction of historic masonry facades in early American cities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the neoclassical revival style. It is in that time period that these elements became particularly common n the construction of historic row building facades in the Washington DC area. In a previous article from about 2 years ago, we took a look at several very elaborate pediments and tympanums. A pediment is a triangular gable that crowns the entrance or portico of a building. It typically sits atop the horizontal structure (entablature) and is supported by columns. In the classical orders, such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, pediments were adorned with sculptures or reliefs depicting scenes from mythology or allegorical representations. The shape and ornamentation of pediments added a sense of grandeur and classical elegance to building facades. The tympanum is the triangular or segmental space enclosed by the pediment. This area provides a canvas for decorative elements, reliefs, or sculptures. The tympanum became a focal point for artistic expression, allowing architects to convey symbolic or narrative messages. The classical influence on tympanum decoration often featured mythological or historical scenes, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the facade. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the neoclassical revival movement in architecture brought back classical elements, including pediments and tympanums. This revival was influenced by the architectural styles of ancient Greece and Rome, aiming to evoke a sense of dignity, order, and democracy. Neoclassical buildings in early American cities adopted these elements in various ways. For example, government Buildings such as state capitols, city halls, and federal buildings incorporated grand entrances with columns, pediments, and tympanums. Examples include the U.S. Capitol here in Washington, D.C. Civic Institutions, such as museums, libraries, and universities embraced neoclassical design, featuring classical elements in their facades to convey a sense of cultural and intellectual significance. Some commercial structures, especially banks and financial institutions, adopted neoclassical details to convey stability and trustworthiness. If you look at some of the oldest banks in Washington DC,you will see that they invested in the structure and facade of the buildings with significant funding. These billings were made to look like solid institutions. The use of pediments and tympanums in historic masonry facades during this period served not only aesthetic purposes but also conveyed a symbolic language. The revival of classical elements was seen as a way to connect the architecture of the new nation with the democratic ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. Carved stone work in low relief serves as architectural embellishments that enhance the aesthetic appeal of facade walls. These elements are often integrated into key architectural features such as friezes, lintels, or decorative panels. The low relief carving allows for intricate details while maintaining a subtle and integrated presence within the overall facade. Stone carvings in low relief can feature a variety of motifs, including figurative representations, mythological scenes, or purely decorative patterns. Figurative motifs may include faces, animals, or symbolic representations that add narrative depth to the building’s exterior. Decorative patterns, on the other hand, contribute to the overall ornamentation and visual interest. The creation of carved stone work demands a high level of craftsmanship and artistry. Skilled artisans meticulously carve the stone, bringing intricate designs to life. The low relief carving technique allows for a balance between detailed craftsmanship and the practical integration of the carved elements into the facade. Carved stone work often carries cultural and historical significance, reflecting the architectural styles and design preferences of specific periods. In early American cities, particularly during the neoclassical revival, architects drew inspiration from classical motifs, incorporating carved stone elements that echoed the grandeur of ancient architecture. The carved elements in low relief can hold symbolic meanings or convey specific iconography. For instance, floral patterns may symbolize growth and prosperity, while classical motifs may evoke a sense of tradition and order. The careful selection of symbols adds layers of meaning to the building’s facade, creating a visual language that resonates with viewers. Over time, exposure to the elements can impact the preservation of carved stone work. Weathering, pollution, and other environmental factors may contribute to the deterioration of these intricate details. Preservation efforts often involve careful cleaning, restoration, and protection to ensure the longevity of the carved elements and maintain the architectural integrity of historic facades. Festoon, carved stone reliefFestoons are common and popular in historic stone-carved reliefs for several reasons, combining both aesthetic and symbolic considerations. The iconography of festoons is prevalent in this architectural context. Festoons, often depicting garlands of flowers, fruits, or foliage, symbolize abundance and prosperity. The imagery of a bountiful harvest or a rich harvest season conveys positive and optimistic connotations. In historic reliefs, especially during periods like the neoclassical revival, this symbolism was appealing as it resonated with themes of growth, wealth, and well-being. Festoons have a strong association with classical art and architecture, particularly in ancient Greece and Rome. The use of festoons as decorative elements was prevalent in classical temples, where they adorned columns, friezes, and altars. During architectural revivals in the 18th and 19th centuries, architects drew inspiration from classical motifs, and festoons became a staple in neoclassical design, bringing a sense of tradition and continuity to architectural ornamentation. Festoons add a touch of decorative elegance to stone-carved reliefs. The intricate detailing of draped garlands and the flowing arrangement of flowers or fruits create visually appealing patterns. This decorative aspect enhances the overall aesthetic richness of the relief, contributing to the ornamental beauty of the architectural element. Festoons often allude to cultural and artistic traditions associated with celebrations, ceremonies, and triumphal events. The use of festoons in reliefs can evoke a sense of festivity and cultural heritage, creating a connection between the architectural ornament and broader societal and artistic contexts. The imagery of festoons has a timeless and universal appeal. The natural motifs of flowers and fruits transcend specific cultural boundaries and periods, making them relatable and appreciated across different contexts. This universality contributes to the enduring popularity of festoons in stone-carved reliefs. The symmetrically arranged festoons often contribute to a sense of harmony and balance in the overall design. The careful arrangement of draped elements creates a visual equilibrium that enhances the overall composition of the relief, making it aesthetically pleasing to the viewer. In summary, festoons are popular in historic stone-carved reliefs due to their rich symbolism, classical heritage, decorative elegance, cultural allusions, timeless appeal, and ability to bring harmony to architectural compositions. These elements collectively make festoons a favored and enduring choice for stone-carved ornamentation in various architectural styles and historical periods. Masonry infillWe often see infill in masonry facades at the sides and rear exterior walls of historic buildings. You can learn more about masonry wall infill, at our historic masonry restoration encyclopedia here. Often when interior wall layouts change in historic masonry buildings, the new interior layout will close a conflict with the existing layout of a window opening. Sometimes walls will intersect or must be built very close to the location of an exterior window. When these changes happen on the interior of the building, sometimes it’s easiest and cheapest to fill the window in with masonry instead of relocating the window. Oculus or Ox Eye WindowThe Oculus, or Ox Eye Window, is a distinctive architectural element characterized by a circular opening, often found in historic masonry facades. While it is true that constructing an Oculus could be labor-intensive and more complex, the architectural appeal and the unique design features contributed to its use in various historical periods. Here are some reasons behind the complexity and expense associated with the Creating a circular opening in masonry involves intricate stonework to achieve the precise curvature required for the Oculus. Masons had to carefully carve and shape the stones to form a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing circular design. This level of precision and attention to detail added complexity to the construction process. The circular opening of an Oculus creates structural challenges. Maintaining the stability and integrity of the surrounding masonry while creating a large, circular void requires careful temporary shoring. Reinforcements or additional structural elements may be necessary to ensure the stability of the facade during construction, adding to the complexity of construction. After construction; however, it’s a different scenario. After the oculus orr oxyn, they’re opening on spilt, see her head or simultaneously. Crafting an Oculus demanded skilled craftsmanship. Masons with expertise in stone carving and shaping were required to execute the intricate design. The labor involved in achieving the desired level of detail and precision contributed to the overall cost and complexity of the construction. The Oculus often served as a focal point in the facade, and its design incorporated various architectural detailing such as keystones, tracery, or decorative elements. These additional features increased the complexity of the construction process and added to the labor-intensive nature of creating an aesthetically pleasing Oculus. Customization and Individuality:The complexity and expense associated with constructing an Oculus were also tied to the desire for individualized and unique architectural features. The Oculus allowed for customization, and the design could be tailored to the specific preferences and style of the building’s owner or architect. This individuality often came at a higher cost. Artistic Expression:Despite the challenges, the Oculus was valued for its artistic expression and contribution to the overall visual appeal of the facade. The circular shape, often reminiscent of an eye or a celestial symbol, added a layer of symbolism and aesthetic significance to the architecture. While the construction of an Oculus might have been more labor-intensive and costly, its inclusion in historic masonry facades reflects a commitment to architectural beauty, individuality, and the desire to create visually stunning structures. The enduring presence of Oculus windows in historic buildings attests to their lasting impact on architectural design and aesthetics. Roman BrickRoman brick, characterized by its flatter and longer dimensions, is a distinctive type of brick with a history rooted in ancient Roman architecture. While it’s not exclusive to Rome and can be manufactured globally, it adheres to a specific dimensional ratio inspired by ancient Roman practices. In historic American cities like Washington, DC, Roman brick occasionally found its use alongside more common brick types. Roman brick is known for its unique dimensions, which are flatter and longer compared to the more common historic brick used in American cities. The traditional dimensions follow a ratio of roughly 1:2:4, where the height is half the width, and the length is twice the width. This ratio creates a distinctive appearance that sets Roman brick apart. Global Production:Despite its association with ancient Rome, Roman brick can be produced almost anywhere in the world. The term “Roman” refers more to the dimensional ratio rather than the geographical origin. This flexibility in production allows for the incorporation of Roman brick characteristics in diverse architectural styles globally. The color of Roman brick tends to be more orange and less red than the common bricks used in buildings, especially in regions like Washington, DC. This color variation is influenced by the type of clay used in the brick’s production. The presence of iron oxide in the clay imparts an orange hue to the bricks. The firing process and specific clay composition contribute to the color variation between Roman bricks and the more standard red bricks. The use of Roman brick in historic American buildings reflects an appreciation for classical architectural elements and a desire to emulate ancient design principles. While less common than standard bricks, the incorporation of Roman brick adds a touch of historical authenticity and architectural diversity to certain structures. Architects may choose Roman brick for specific projects to achieve a distinct aesthetic or to pay homage to historical design traditions. The unique dimensions and color of Roman brick allow for creative and visually interesting architectural compositions when used alongside or in contrast to more common brick types. In summary, Roman brick’s characteristics, including its distinctive dimensions and orange coloration, make it a notable choice in architectural design. While its usage might be less prevalent than standard bricks, its occasional inclusion in historic American buildings demonstrates a deliberate design choice to evoke classical architectural elements and add visual diversity to the built environment. Historic masonry upkeep and preservationTo properly maintain, repair, and care for these historic buildings, a knowledge, interest and understanding of historic building principles is required. Here in Washington DC, historic masonry buildings are extremely expensive and the amount of financial loss caused by improper repointing and low quality construction is staggering. However, in addition to the direct financial value of the property, there is also a cultural loss when historic buildings are damaged. By comparison, consider neighboring poor cities, when historic buildings are damaged, it’s not just the loss of value to the property owner, there’s also a loss to all inhabitants and visitors of a city, present and future, who care about architecture, history, and culture. We encourage all of our clients, and all readers of this article and to our blog in general, to prioritize the historic built environment of Washington DC and neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown and become educated on on the difference between proper historic preservation versus improper work which leads to significant damage to the historic fabric of a building. From a conservation and preservation perspective, several approaches can be taken to improve conditions related to deteriorated historic brick masonry. Primarily, lime mortar brick joints and low temperature fired soft red clay bricks should be inspected and checked on a routine maintenance schedule, either seasonally or at least annually. If brick masonry is kept in good condition, the life of embedded wood elements can be significantly extended. Hire a professional contractor which specializes, understands and appreciates historic construction elements and buildings. You can learn a lot more on our blog. Feel free to check it out. If you have questions about the historic masonry of your building in Washington DC, contact us or fill out the webform below and drop us a line. We will be in touch if we can help. <p>The post Architectural Details in Masonry Facades – Part II first appeared on Infinity Design Solutions.</p> Via https://www.ids-dmv.com/masonry/architectural-details-in-masonry-facades-part-ii/
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About UsInfinity Design Solutions LLC (IDS) is a full service general contracting company in the heart of the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. We focus on repair and renovation of buildings and facilities in both historic designated neighborhoods and the commercial-zoned central business district of the city. Follow Us
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