A porte cochere (or portico) is a type of architectural feature commonly found in large homes. It is a covered, open-sided structure that is typically attached to the main entrance of a home and provides a sheltered space for people to enter and exit the building.
The porte cochere is usually supported by four or more columns that form an open space with a roof overhead, often featuring decorative elements such as curved arches or stone support. It is typically large enough to park one or two cars, and can offer protection from inclement weather.
In some cases, the sides may be enclosed with glass or wood to provide further shelter. The porte cochere is also used as a grand entrance for guests, often featuring elaborate decorations like potted plants, a fountain, or lighting.
Due to its prominence as a statement of opulence, porte cocheres are usually seen in luxury homes.
What is the difference between a portico and a porte cochere?
The main difference between a portico and a porte cochere is the purpose and design of each structure. A portico is a structure that is located at the entrance of a building or home, providing a covered space for visitors to enter and exit the property.
It typically consists of a roof, a set of columns, and sometimes a wall or railing for decoration. Porticos also serve as an entrance porch to a building, adding extra protection from inclement weather.
A porte cochere, on the other hand, is a structure that is typically located near the entrance to a building or home. It is designed specifically to provide visitors with a covered area when they enter in their vehicle.
The structure typically consists of a roof supported by two or more posts and has an open front, allowing vehicles to drive in and out. Porte cocheres provide extra privacy and protection for arriving visitors, as they allow them to disembark their vehicles without being exposed to the elements.
What is the roof over a driveway called?
The roof over a driveway is typically called a carport. A carport is a covered structure similar to a garage but not completely enclosed, and typically used to protect a vehicle from the elements. They are often made of metal or wood frames covered with a fabric or metal roof.
Some carports may also have one or two sides open or entirely open sided. It is also possible to build an attached carport to the side or back of a house, which can provide covered parking for additional vehicles, or for an outdoor living or entertaining area.
What is the covered entrance to a building called?
The covered entrance to a building is often called a portico or porch. A portico can be made up of various materials, though it often consists of a roof supported by columns or pillars. It is a practical way to protect the doorway from inclement weather, as well as providing a pleasant area for those entering or leaving the building.
A well-crafted portico will add a good aesthetic quality to the building, enhancing its architecture and style. They can also fulfill a functional purpose, such as providing a comfortable place to wait when a building is closed or for visitors to chat with each other.
Porticoes have been popular for centuries, sourced from different architectural styles including neoclassical and baroque.
Is there another word for soffit?
No, soffit is the only word used to refer to the underside of an arch, overhang, staircase, or other architectural feature. In building construction, a soffit can provide an air intake for ventilation or an outlet for exhaust.
It is commonly seen in many modern homes to hide hardware like lights, speakers, and other fixtures. Soffits are usually made from a variety of materials, such as wood, aluminum, polypropylene, or a combination of these.
Soffit also refers to the material used to cover horizontal gaps between the underside of the roof and the top of a wall. It can also be used to cover tunnel shafts, stairwells, and rafters, among other applications.
What does cochere mean in English?
Cochere is a French word that is used to describe an open-fronted, covered porch or portico at the entrance of a large house, hotel, palace, or other grand building. It is typically supported by stone columns or Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian columns.
The word is derived from the French word “coucher,” which means “to go to bed” or “to bed down. ” The purpose of a cochere is to shield people and horses from inclement weather as they travel to and from the building.
Cocheres can also serve a decorative purpose, as they are often incorporated with the style of the building itself, and may include features such as cadences, balustrades, and other decorative pieces.
As the use of horses and carriages declined at the end of the 19th century, many soon fell into disuse. However, many types of grand buildings still feature cocheres as an ornamental feature.
What is a drive through portico called?
A drive through portico is commonly referred to as a carport. It is typically a structure that extends from the main building but has a roof overhang to provide shade, shelter, and protection from the elements for vehicles.
This type of portico is typically open to the front making it easy to access and park a vehicle. Carports are a great way to add some character and protection to the exterior of a home. Modern carports are often quite large due to the increasing size of most vehicles; they can easily fit multiple cars or trucks.
They are also becoming popular due to their overall cost efficiency and ease of installation, as opposed to traditional garages. Carports also come in many shapes and sizes, making them very customizable to fit the specific needs of any property.
What is a portico on a house?
A portico on a house is a covered porch-like structure that is usually supported by columns at the entrance of the home. They often create a grand entrance to the home and can be used as outdoor living spaces that can provide protection from the elements.
Porticos can come in a variety of styles and materials, ranging from classical to modern. These can vary from colonnades, arcades, extended roofs, arches, flat roofs, wrap-arounds, and more. They can also contain beautiful details such as large hanging lamps, columns, and railings to give the entrance a more welcoming feel.
Decorative porticos can make great first impressions on guests, while providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for the homeowner.
What is it called when the garage is on the side of the house?
When the garage is on the side of the house, this is known as a side-load garage. This type of garage is commonly found on one- or two-story homes since it typically leaves the space beneath the main level of the house open and is built on the side of the home.
Side-load garages can offer convenience and aesthetic appeal since they are often placed on the side of the home. They also can provide added privacy since they’re typically not visible from the front of the home.
Another benefit of a side-load garage is the added parking space it can provide thanks to the additional driveway space.
What do you call an overhang on the front of a house?
An overhang on the front of a house is typically referred to as an entry porch or portico. This type of structure is commonly used as a covered entrance to a home and is typically made of brick or stone columns topped with a flat roof.
The overhang typically extends from the front door of a residence and provides a covered space to enter and exit the home, while sheltering the exterior door from rain and other weather elements. This style of overhang can also be enhanced with various architectural details to create a more aesthetically pleasing design.
How do I pronounce porte-cochere?
Porte-cochere is pronounced “port-ko-sher”. It is a French word often used to describe a large entrance structure for arriving at a grand, historical home or other building. It is usually supported by several columns and a roof, allowing for the protection of guests both entering and exiting a vehicle, usually a carriage.
The structure usually provides a semi-covered, semi-outdoor spot for greeting visitors.
What is the awning in front of a hotel called?
The awning in front of a hotel is typically called a marquee awning. These awnings are typically constructed with metal framework and a waterproof material such as canvas or vinyl. While they still serve the purpose of creating shade and shelter, marquee awnings are typically used to add street-front appeal to a hotel.
They often create a level of grandeur and prestige, with the hotel’s logo or name clearly visible from the street. Additionally, marquee awnings can be used to display customer service information such as directions and hours of operation for the hotel.
