FENESTRATION - Forms and Proportion

Windows give definition and character to a house but subtle details of proportion and layout also affect how a building looks and feels. Traditionally, as well as windows responding to an approximate ‘golden section’ and being proportioned well, there were also differences in layout and size within the building. Secondary windows were often smaller or located to secondary elevations (like the small gable windows as shown above) but there were also differences between ground and first floor windows. Although often subtle the first floor windows were often slightly smaller than those on the ground floor. This has the effect of making a building appear more ‘grounded’ as well as emphasising the relative importance of rooms within. This is a good rule of thumb to follow on any new building.

A sound proportion, heads and cills are almost universal within the village, but there are several details that contribute to the overall aesthetic. These include the classical architrave of some of the Rusticated buildings (see below left) to the brick drip mould feature (top left). Shutters (top right) are fairly common and seem to date from the gentrification of the village by Hall Watt.

Later details such as the chamfered head (lower right) are more ‘off the shelf’ but still illustrate the Victorian sense of refinement in details. As mentioned above soldier course heads, thin window cills, sash horns and panes are almost universal.