Design and Architectural Terms Glossary - E
Easy Peel (Dry Peelable):
(wallcovering) A revolutionary new way to make changing paper easier. The top layer of the vinyl surface is “peeled” off leaving the backing paper still fixed to the wall, ready for the application of new paper.
Eaves:
Lowest overhanging edge of a sloping roof.
Ebonised Wood:
This is timber stained black to emulate/imitate ebony.
Efflorescence:
(paint) is a white fluffy surface deposit that is caused by salts in the plaster being drawn to the surface. The moisture evaporates and the efflorescence appears. Dry brushing will remove it. (Do not wash with water, as this will aggravate the problem). For the first coat, if it is a new surface use latex, if an old surface use latex or alkali-resiting paint.
Egg and Dart Moulding:
A classical motif found on architectural elements such as decorative cornices and also furniture. Consists of repeated and alternate dart and egg (oval) shapes.
Eggshell Paint:
this is actually now refereed to as semigloss paint. This is paint with a finish midsheen between matt and gloss.
Elbow:
Any sharp corner in a pipe.
Embossed:
(wallcovering) The pattern design side of the paper is raised and the reverse side is hollow.
Egg and Dart Molding
Embroidery:
A delicate needlecraft, embroidery adds detail to table linen, bed linen, cushion covers and fine curtains. There are numerous different stitches that can be combined to decorate edges, provide motifs to corners and create centrepieces on table linen.
Machine embroidered tulip
Emulsion Paint:
Waterbased general coverage paint used for interior walls and ceilings.
Emulsion:
A liquid mixture containing globules of fat, resin, etc.
Enamel Paint:
Hard gloss paint made with a high proportion of varnish/oil to create its hard surface. Needs a strong or solid undercoat, as it is not opaque. Enamels flow well.
Enamel Vitreous:
This is a baked on surface (glass) used in baths benchtops etc. It’s very hard wearing but is prone to chipping if given a sharp knock.
English Bond:
A brick laying pattern in which each layer consists of either an entire row of stretchers and the next layer entirely of headers.
Entablature:
This refers to the area above the capitals of a column. I.e. the architrave the frieze and cornice.
Epoxy:
refers to a two-pack paint or glue. The paint or glue is particularly hard or strong as the two-pack system contains a curing or hardening agent so that when the two packs are mixed together there is a chemical reaction between the packs rather than a simple “drying or evaporation “ system of a single pack.
Epoxy Resin:
(flooring) Produced by combining epoxide resin, fillers, aggregate and hardener. It can be laid over a cement screed, plywood or other surfaces. It provides a thin hardwearing layer available in numerous colours and textures. It can be made non-slip if required.
Ergonomics:
The interaction between work and people or the interface between people and machine. It refers particularly to the design of machines, furniture etc to suite the body and to permit work with the least strain or fatigue.
Escutcheon:
Metal plate to surround a hole usually a keyhole or trim for a bolt to secure into.
Escutcheon
Estimating:
Determining the probable cost of future work by measuring plans etc.
Etagere:
A set of shelves either fixed back to the wall or self supporting used as a display rather than storage sometime with glass doors.
Even Textured/Grained:
A description that refers to timber that shows little variation in its appearance. A finish without showing differences in grains such as winter and summer growth.
Expansion Pipe:
Pipe leading from hotwater tank to point over cold water cistern (supplied from the mains).
Expressionistic Design:
Just prior to and after World War 1, Expressionist Design was a popular German movement in furniture and design. It’s characteristics were bold representational forms, involving realistic depiction of physical objects or appearances, a sense of plasticity. In the early 1920’s it’s following was weakened by the strongly emerging Rational concept of Design, which it directly opposed. Many well known Architects and designers were one time supporters, Wright, Gropius, Behrens.
Extendable Track:
(drapery) These are by far the most common today. They are purchased in standard sizes with a range that they can be extended to. They are ideal as you can alter them to suit different window widths without having to cut them, and it leaves room for human error, which often occurs when measuring curtains.
Extra:
Additional work outside the original scope of the contract that has been ordered by the architect or engineer to the contract. This should always be in writing. It’s usually called a variation order.
