What is shou sugi ban?
Shou sugi ban (yakisugi) is a Japanese technique of charring the surface of wood. The char layer protects against UV and moisture; popular for cladding.
What is a Shinto shrine?
A Shinto shrine (jinja) is a Japanese sanctuary built in timber, with a torii gate, worship hall and main sanctuary. It is not a temple: temples are Buddhist.
What are asphalt shingles?
Asphalt (bitumen) shingles are light, overlapping roofing strips of glass fibre mat and bitumen with a mineral granule surface, laid on a solid roof deck.
What is a sawtooth roof?
A sawtooth roof is a series of parallel mono-pitch roofs, each with a steep glazed face and a shallower solid face. Typical of factories and weaving sheds.
What is shakkei?
Shakkei (borrowed scenery) is a Japanese garden design technique in which the landscape beyond the garden, such as a mountain or tree line, is drawn into the composition.
What is shake-hands architecture?
Shake-hands architecture is a Dutch building style of the post-war reconstruction that combines traditional brickwork with an exposed concrete frame. Features and renovation tips.
What is sgraffito?
Sgraffito is a decorative technique in which layers of coloured lime plaster are scratched through while fresh to reveal the colour beneath. Origins, examples and care.
What is a conservatory?
A conservatory is a largely glazed extension to a house. The difference between an unheated conservatory and a heated glass extension, and what to watch when building one.
What is serpentine stone?
Serpentine stone is a green, marble-like natural stone, geologically serpentinite. Learn its properties, where it is used and the mistakes to avoid when fitting it.
What is a serliana?
A serliana is a three-part window or wall opening with a tall, round-arched centre and two lower, flat-topped side openings, separated by columns or pilasters.