Ashlar is a type of masonry construction that involves the use of square-cut or rectangular-cut stone blocks, typically with smooth or finely textured faces, laid in horizontal courses with thin mortar joints. The term ashlar refers to both the individual stone blocks and the masonry style itself. Ashlar masonry has been used for centuries in the construction of buildings, walls, and other structures, valued for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The precise cutting and shaping of the stone blocks allow for tight-fitting joints and a uniform appearance, creating a sense of refinement and sophistication in the finished masonry work. Ashlar masonry can be found in various architectural styles and periods, from ancient Egyptian and Greek architecture to medieval castles and modern buildings. The size and shape of the ashlar blocks can vary depending on the specific style and application, ranging from small, square-cut blocks to larger, rectangular blocks with more rustic or textured faces. Ashlar masonry requires skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail in the cutting, shaping, and laying of the stone blocks to ensure a stable and visually appealing structure.
stone masonry, square-cut blocks, rectangular-cut blocks, mortar joints, architectural style, craftsmanship
Ashlar is an architectural term that refers to the use of precisely cut and dressed stone blocks that are laid in regular courses and bonded together with mortar. This technique has been used for centuries to create decorative facades, interior and exterior walls, window and door surrounds, arches, and other structures. Ashlar masonry is highly decorative and can be used to create an ornate visual effect, as the patterns can be varied and tailored to the needs of any design. One important aspect of ashlar is the precision with which the stone blocks are cut and dressed. This requires a high level of skill and craftsmanship, as the blocks must be cut to specific dimensions and have uniform faces in order to fit together seamlessly. The use of ashlar also requires careful planning and attention to detail, as the blocks must be laid in a specific pattern in order to achieve the desired effect. Another important aspect of ashlar is the materials used in its construction. Traditionally, ashlar is made from strong and durable materials such as granite, marble, limestone, or sandstone. These materials are chosen for their strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal, and are often sourced locally to minimize transportation costs. Overall, ashlar is a highly decorative and precise form of masonry that has been used for centuries to create beautiful and functional structures. Its use requires a high level of skill and craftsmanship, as well as careful planning and attention to detail. The materials used in its construction are chosen for their strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
architecture, masonry, stone blocks, precision, craftsmanship
Architecture is the practice of designing and constructing buildings, or other physical structures, in order to create a living or working space that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Ashlar is a type of masonry where large squared stones are laid in even courses, creating a uniform and symmetrical appearance. It is a highly decorative form of masonry, often used to create an ornate visual effect and is often used for the construction of walls and other structures in many ancient and modern monuments. Ashlar is traditionally made from strong durable materials such as granite, marble, limestone or sandstone and can be used to create a variety of different architectural designs.
Stone, Masonry, Building, Structure, Pattern.
Masonry ashlar is a type of stonework that is composed of large, rectangular blocks of stone that are cut and dressed to form a flat, smooth surface. It is a form of building technology, which has been around since the Neolithic period. The stone blocks are cut to a uniform size and shape, to ensure an even and aesthetically pleasing finish. The stones are placed in a predetermined pattern, with each stone fitting perfectly with its neighbors. The use of ashlar masonry has been used in various structures and monuments throughout history, from the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Taj Mahal. Ashlar masonry is still used today in many modern buildings, such as office blocks and apartment buildings, due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Quarrying, Dressing, Coursing, Jointing, Mortar.
The term ashlar is of French origin and dates back to the early thirteenth century, when it was commonly used to refer to finely cut and well-dressed building stones. From a linguistic perspective, the term has been subject to a number of morphological transformations, from its original form aschier to its current meaning of ‘precisely cut blocks of stone.’ Historically, the word has been used to refer to the high-quality stone used for the construction of noble and religious edifices, such as castles and cathedrals. The word is typically used in reference to the craftsperson who works the stone by means of a chisel, thus creating large and small rectangles with uniform and perfect faces. In terms of pragmatics, the term ashlar is often used to refer to the materials and tools used in the construction of such structures, such as chisels, stone, and tools. As such, it is a term of technical specificity and artistry that has been used to refer to a particular aspect of architecture that is difficult to replicate.
Etymology, Morphology, Stone, Chisel, Pragmatics
Ashlar is a noun, referring to masonry work consisting of squared blocks, stones, or bricks cut to specific dimensions. Synonyms for Ashlar include blockwork, brickwork, stonework, and masonry. Antonyms include debris, mess, and wreckage. Cognates include the Latin words asser meaning a squared piece of timber and saxum meaning a stone. Variants of Ashlar include Ashlaring, Ashlared, and Ashlarers.
etymology morphology lexicography lexeme lexical semantics lexicalisation
The term Ashlar refers to stone blocks or masonry cut in a cuboid shape to give a symmetrical appearance and to facilitate easy construction. The word is interchangeable with other terms in different languages, such as Danish Kvadersten, Dutch Kwadraatsteen, Arctic jade Piniarfik, Norwegian skifer Kvader, Italian Squarrato, Polish Kwadratowy, Catalan Blocs Quadrats, Swedish Kvadratsten, French Carrelage, Hungarian Kockakő, Spanish Mamposteria, German Wandstein and Portuguese Moorish.
Danish Kvadersten, Dutch Kwadraatsteen, Arctic jade Piniarfik, Norwegian skifer Kvader, Italian Squarrato, Polish Kwadratowy, Catalan Blocs Quadrats, Swedish Kvadratsten, French Carrelage, Hungarian Kockakő, Spanish Mamposteria, German Wandstein, Portugue
CITATION : "Harris Awan. 'Ashlar.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=221772 (Accessed on April 19, 2024)"
Ashlar is an architectural term used to describe a pattern of cut stone blocks that are laid in regular courses and bonded together with mortar. The stone blocks are finely dressed and typically rectangular, but can come in different shapes and sizes. Ashlar is often used to construct decorative facades, and is also popularly used in the construction of interior and exterior walls, window and door surrounds, arches, and other structures. The use of ashlar allows for a wide array of creative possibilities, as the patterns can be varied and tailored to the needs of any design.
Architecture, Masonry, Stone work.
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