2020 Homes by Architects Tour program

SCOTT AMUNDSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Speaking the
Language of
Design
How well do you know your
architecture terminology?
These definitions will help you
brush up.
program
noun. \ ‘prō-,gram \
When an architect is referring to “the
program,” she doesn’t mean an event,
informational pamphlet, or a new set
of software. The program is the client’s
requests for the project, primarily what
spaces they want designed or remodeled.
ipe wood
noun. \ ‘ē-,pā \
Home 9 and Home 13 feature ipe wood
in their exterior. That’s not an acronym
or a typo! Ipe wood is a tough, dense,
beautiful hardwood ideal for the outdoors
because it is naturally insect-, rot-, fire-,
and weather-resistant, low maintenance,
and can last up to 50 years. Ipe trees
have been over-harvested over the years,
so be sure to purchase ipe wood that’s
been approved by the Forest Stewardship
Council (“FSC-certified”).
muntin
noun. \ ‘men-ten \
It’s amazing how even the littlest things
have words for them! “Muntin” is the term
for those strips of material separating the
panes of glass in a window frame
clerestory
adj. or noun. \ ‘klir-,stor-ē \
Clerestory windows (also known simply
as clerestories) are windows, typically
in a series or row, above eye level with
the primary purpose of bringing in extra
light. They can also help a home’s energy
efficiency. Check them out on Home 5!
skin
noun. \ ‘skin \
A building’s “skin” is much like the skin
of anything else: the outermost surface
or layer. Building skin is both technical—
providing insulation, for example—and
aesthetic, with material also being select
for its look and feel.
24 2020 Homes by Architects homesbyarchitects.org