Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
QUOINS: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[Image:quoins.jpg|left|thumb|250px|]]QUOINS. | [[Image:quoins.jpg|left|thumb|250px|]]QUOINS. Ancient Greeks and Romans discovered that load-bearing walls must be stabilized at certain points. They built heavy granite blocks in corners to create stability. According to the Roman architect Vitruvius, quoins were used for the points where the walls met, to provide strength and support. The stones that made up the quoins were laid alternately with short and long edges together to give more stability. The beauty of the stone was not considered at the time to be important. | ||
[[Image:quoins2.png|left|thumb|250px|]] | In Georgian and Roman revival architecture, prior to the use of modern housing support systems, building corners often needed extra support to support the weight of multiple stories and stone roofs. Quoins diverted and distributed weight, relieving pressure on the stone walls. Without them, walls were unlikely to have been structurally sound. | ||
Because of their importance in construction, quoins needed to be made from only the finest stone since even the slightest crack could compromise the building. During the Middle Ages, quoins were commonly used in the construction of castles and fortresses, where their strength and durability were crucial for defensive purposes. (1) Architects through the ages have understood the symbolic significance of the role of the quoin and have incorporated them as central elements into a building’s decorative theme. | |||
During the Middle Ages, quoins were commonly used in the construction of castles and fortresses, where their strength and durability were crucial for defensive purposes. In the Georgian and Victorian periods, the use of quoins became more decorative, with builders using them to add elegance and grandeur to their designs. | |||
Quoins have had an important role in protecting a building from the elements. Corners and edges of a building are especially vulnerable to weather damage. By using larger, stronger stones at these points, the building is better able to withstand the effects of the weather. Quoins also help to prevent water damage. The tight joints between the quoin stones prevent water from seeping into the structure, reducing the risk of dampness and decay. (2) | |||
[[Image:quoins2.png|left|thumb|250px|]] | |||
Source: | |||
1. Kobryn-Coletti, Radomir, "Quoins: A Guide to Classical Architecture’s Corner Details", Online: https://medium.com/@radomirkobryn-coletti/quoins-a-guide-to-classical-architectures-corner-details-a71192beca3a | |||
2. "Quoin: Heritage And Restoration Stonemasonry Explained," Online: https://afjones.co.uk/quoin-heritage-and-restoration-stonemasonry-explained/ | |||
[[Category: Architecture]] | [[Category: Architecture]] | ||
Latest revision as of 21:31, 13 July 2026
QUOINS. Ancient Greeks and Romans discovered that load-bearing walls must be stabilized at certain points. They built heavy granite blocks in corners to create stability. According to the Roman architect Vitruvius, quoins were used for the points where the walls met, to provide strength and support. The stones that made up the quoins were laid alternately with short and long edges together to give more stability. The beauty of the stone was not considered at the time to be important.
In Georgian and Roman revival architecture, prior to the use of modern housing support systems, building corners often needed extra support to support the weight of multiple stories and stone roofs. Quoins diverted and distributed weight, relieving pressure on the stone walls. Without them, walls were unlikely to have been structurally sound.
Because of their importance in construction, quoins needed to be made from only the finest stone since even the slightest crack could compromise the building. During the Middle Ages, quoins were commonly used in the construction of castles and fortresses, where their strength and durability were crucial for defensive purposes. (1) Architects through the ages have understood the symbolic significance of the role of the quoin and have incorporated them as central elements into a building’s decorative theme.
During the Middle Ages, quoins were commonly used in the construction of castles and fortresses, where their strength and durability were crucial for defensive purposes. In the Georgian and Victorian periods, the use of quoins became more decorative, with builders using them to add elegance and grandeur to their designs.
Quoins have had an important role in protecting a building from the elements. Corners and edges of a building are especially vulnerable to weather damage. By using larger, stronger stones at these points, the building is better able to withstand the effects of the weather. Quoins also help to prevent water damage. The tight joints between the quoin stones prevent water from seeping into the structure, reducing the risk of dampness and decay. (2)
Source:
1. Kobryn-Coletti, Radomir, "Quoins: A Guide to Classical Architecture’s Corner Details", Online: https://medium.com/@radomirkobryn-coletti/quoins-a-guide-to-classical-architectures-corner-details-a71192beca3a
2. "Quoin: Heritage And Restoration Stonemasonry Explained," Online: https://afjones.co.uk/quoin-heritage-and-restoration-stonemasonry-explained/