What is a windcatcher (wind tower)?
A windcatcher or wind tower is a tower or roof unit that captures wind to ventilate and cool a building without fans. How it works, traditional and modern forms and tips for use.
What is a wind brace?
A wind brace is a diagonal timber or metal strap that stiffens a roof, timber frame or truss against wind loads. Where it goes, timber and steel versions, and common mistakes during alterations.
What is a saddle bar in leaded glass?
A saddle bar (Dutch: windroede) is a round or flat metal bar that supports a leaded glass panel against wind pressure. How it works, fixing, common damage and repair tips.
What is wind energy?
Wind energy is energy captured from moving air by wind turbines and usually converted into electricity. How it works, why wind speed and height matter so much and what to know about a small wind turbine at home.
What is a wild bond in brickwork?
Wild bond (Dutch: wildverband) is a brick bond with no repeating pattern, in which headers and stretchers are mixed seemingly at random but evenly spread. Features, rules to avoid ‘steps’ and bricklaying tips.
What is a cattle grid (Dutch: wildrooster)?
A cattle grid is a grid of bars or pipes over a shallow pit in a road that stops livestock and deer while vehicles drive straight over. How it works, construction, maintenance and points to watch.
What is a fascine roll (Dutch: wiep)?
A fascine roll (Dutch: wiep) is a tightly bound roll of brushwood used in mattresses and bank protection; on a Dutch hay barrack it is the reed roll at the bottom of the roof. Make-up and uses.
What is a Viennese glazing bar (Wiener Sprosse)?
A Viennese glazing bar is a glazing bar bonded to both faces of a double-glazed unit with a spacer bar in the cavity between, so it looks like a true dividing bar. How it works, pros and cons and tips.
What is a dike breach pond (Dutch: wiel)?
A dike breach pond (Dutch: wiel) is a deep, often round pool right next to a dike, scoured out when the dike breached. How it forms, how to spot one, its value and tips for building nearby.
What is the Dutch Noise Abatement Act (Wgh)?
The Wet geluidhinder (Wgh) was the Dutch Noise Abatement Act covering road, rail and industrial noise at homes. What it regulated, the switch to the Environment and Planning Act in 2024 and what it means for building.