Architecture Term
Cornice
The projecting horizontal molding that crowns a wall or roof edge. Cornice depth and profile are among the clearest indicators of build quality.
Architectural terms describe the massing, materials, and detail that define estate homes in the European vocabularies used throughout Skyecroft.
Cornice in Skyecroft practice
A deep, layered cornice casts the shadow line that gives estate architecture its weight; a shallow, single-board fascia looks thin by comparison. When comparing Skyecroft homes, the cornice is one of the clearest visible indicators of how much the original builder invested in exterior detail — and an expensive feature to upgrade later.
What to verify
- Cornice material and paint condition.
- Gutter integration with the cornice.
- Matching profile on any addition.
Where this term matters in the guide
For the wider treatment of this subject, read Architectural Styles. Definitions here are general editorial explanations of common usage — they are not legal definitions and do not interpret any specific recorded document. See Disclosures.
Nearby Language
Related terms.
- Massing
The overall three-dimensional composition of a building — the arrangement and relative size of its volumes. Estate archi…
- Elevation
A scaled drawing of one exterior face of a building. In review, all four elevations matter, not just the street-facing o…
- Four-Sided Architecture
The design standard requiring the same quality of material and detail on every face of a home, rather than a rich front …
- Porte-Cochère
A roofed structure extending over a drive, allowing passage from a vehicle under cover. A recurring motif in French- and…
- Quoin
The dressed stone or masonry units that emphasize a building's outside corners, common in Georgian and French Country vo…
- Dormer
A roofed projection with a window, set into a sloping roof. Dormer rhythm and proportion strongly signal architectural s…
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