Talking about Architecture: English Vocabulary List

an architectural structure, often made of stone or concrete, that forms a curved or arched ceiling or roof, providing strength, support, and architectural beauty to a space

"The cathedral had a high vault."

"The grand library featured a magnificent vaulted ceiling that created a sense of awe and spaciousness."

the front of a building, particularly one that is large and has an elegant appearance

"The facade of the old church is beautiful."

"A facade is the front exterior face of a building"

the upper part of a house wall in the shape of a triangle where it meets a sloping roof

"The house had a gable."

"The charming cottage was distinguished by its steep roof and decorative triangular gable at the front."

a low protective wall or railing built along the edge of a roof, balcony, bridge, or other elevated structure to prevent people from falling

"The soldier hid behind the stone parapet."

"The soldier crouched behind the stone parapet on the castle wall to avoid being hit by arrows from the attacking army below."

an outdoor structure with a framework of vertical posts and cross-beams, often covered with climbing plants for shade

"The garden has a wooden pergola covered with vines."

"A pergola is an outdoor garden structure with vertical posts and an open lattice roof"

a covered entrance or porch with columns, typically leading to the main entrance of a building and serving as a decorative architectural feature

"The grand portico had tall white columns at the entrance."

"The grand mansion had a beautiful portico with four white columns supporting a triangular roof above the main entrance door."

a roofed area with an open front at the ground level, which is attached to the side of a house

"We sat on the veranda watching the sunset."

"The family spent warm summer evenings sitting on the wooden veranda drinking lemonade and watching the sunset over the hills."

a recessed part of a wall that is built further back from the rest of it

"The bed fits perfectly into a small alcove."

"The small dining alcove in the kitchen was just big enough for a tiny table and two chairs for breakfast."

a small, cozy corner created where two walls meet

"She loves reading in a quiet nook by the window."

"She curled up in the cozy reading nook by the window with a thick blanket and her favorite mystery novel."