Jettying is a structural architectural technique that has been used for centuries to increase the usable space of a building, create an attractive facade, and provide additional support to the roof. This technique involves extending a section of a building out beyond the main walls, typically in the form of a cantilever or a row of columns. Jettying was popularized in medieval Europe and is still used today in both traditional and contemporary designs. One aspect of jettying that has not been previously mentioned is its use in defensive architecture. In medieval times, jettying was often used as a means of fortification, with the overhanging upper floors providing a vantage point for archers and a barrier against attackers. This technique was particularly effective in narrow streets and alleys, where it was difficult for attackers to approach the building without being exposed to fire from above. Another aspect of jettying that has not been previously mentioned is its use in timber-framed construction. In timber-framed buildings, jettying was often used to create a cantilevered structure that projected out from the first floor. This framework was then covered with plaster or wood paneling, creating an attractive appearance that emphasized the use of space and provided additional support to the upper floors. Overall, jettying is a versatile architectural technique that has been used for centuries to increase the usable space of a building, create an attractive facade, provide additional support to the roof, and even serve as a means of fortification. Its use in both traditional and contemporary designs, as well as in timber-framed construction, demonstrates its enduring appeal and adaptability.
architecture, medieval, fortification, timber-framed construction, cantilever
CITATION : "James Hall. 'Jettying.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=290536 (Accessed on June 02, 2025)"
Jettying is a type of architectural feature that is most commonly used to extend the floor area of a building out beyond the external walls. This is achieved by projecting a section of the building's flooring out beyond the main walls, usually in the form of a cantilever. Jettying was popularized in medieval Europe and was used to create extra living space in a building while also allowing light to enter through the windows of the upper floors. This technique is still used today in both residential and commercial buildings.
Jetty, Cantilever, Facade, Medieval, Structure.
Masonry jettying is a type of architectural feature found in traditional buildings, which is defined as the projecting of a building's upper stories beyond the line of the lower stories. This type of feature is usually found in masonry construction and is most often seen in medieval buildings, often in the form of a single bay or multiple bays of a timber-framed structure projecting out of a wall. Jettying serves a dual purpose of providing additional space within the building, while also creating a visual expression of the building's grandeur. Jettying is typically seen in buildings of significant historical or architectural importance, and is often used to distinguish a building from its surroundings.
Projection, Extrusion, Overhang, Elevation, Stylized.
Jettying is an English verb that is related to the nautical activities. It is used to refer to the process of building a structure or platform out from the shore into the water, usually to secure a dock or a harbour. Its synonyms include 'building a platform into water', 'construction of dock or harbour', 'putting up a jetty' and 'creating a jutty'. Antonyms for jettying include 'demolishing a jetty', 'dismantling of dock' and 'destruction of harbour'. It is also cognate with such words as 'jetty', 'jutty', ' pier' and 'dock'. Variants of the word jettying may include 'jetted', 'jettying', 'jettying up', 'jettying down' and 'jettying in'.
Etymology Morphology Jettying Jutty English Nautical Cognates Synonyms Antonyms Structure Platform Harbour Dock Variants Construction Demolishing Dismantling Destruction.
The term “jettying” originated in the Middle Ages as a technique for protecting harbor entrance points from silting. It is derived from the Old French ‘gete,’ which means ‘a gutter’, and from the Middle English ‘jet’, which means ‘a jutting out.’ The term as a descriptive noun was first recorded in 1591, and as a verb in 1633. Jettying as a construction method is the process of extending a structure into a body of water in order to control water flow and sediment deposition. The method dates back to classical antiquity, in which jetties were built to protect harbor entrance points from silting and flooding by river currents. Over centuries, the use of this method has been adapted to suit different environmental and construction needs. Jettying is an important element of coastal engineering, as it is widely used to reduce erosion, channel water and sediment, and protect against coastal flooding.
Etymology, Morphology, Historical, Jettying, Pragmatics
The term Jettying is used to refer to the protrusion of a building or structure from an outer wall of a house. It is a domestic architectural feature in the form of a jutting out, cantilevered bay window. Jettying often occurs across multiple stories, allowing more space and light than a single-story projection. This is particularly useful in older buildings, where walls and window openings were not always symmetrical. In addition, jettying allows for the use of multiple windows in a single projection and gives the structure a more visually distinct form.
In other languages, jettying is referred to as storstötning (Sweden), Erker (Germany), huisje (Netherlands), maisonnette (France), and voelpoot (Belgium). Other equivalents include ausfach (Germany), rikosto (Finland), alfenestra (Italy), ajutaje (Romania
Jettying is an architectural term for a building technique where a part of a structure is built out from the main building, supported by a cantilevered beam or a row of columns. Commonly used in the 15th and 16th century, it was used to expand a building's living area, to create more space, and to create an attractive facade. Jettying is usually found on the upper levels of the buildings, projecting several feet out from the rest of the building. Another type of jettying is known as 'jettied framing' which is used to create a timber framed structure, projecting out from the first floor. This framework was often covered with plaster or wood panelling, which created an attractive appearance. Jettying techniques are used in both traditional and contemporary designs and can provide a unique and striking facade to a building.
cantilevered beam, timber frame, living space, projecting facade.
Jettying is a structural architecural technique used to build overhanging upper floor of a building, such as a balcony or a bay window. The technique was first used in the Middle Ages, and was popularized in the 15th century as a way of increasing the usable space of the building. The architectural design of the upper floor often gives the building a more decorative look and emphasizes the use of space. Jettying can also be used to support a roof, making the building appear more dramatic or grandiose. This technique is used around the world in different types of buildings, from historic homes to modern skyscrapers.
Jettying, structural architecture, balcony, overhanging, bay window.
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