half-timbering
A decorative pattern of exposed framing timbers and contrasting infill on a building facade.
Half-timbering is a facade pattern formed by an exposed lattice of structural timbers with contrasting infill, usually of stucco or brick. Its use originated as a practical building method, but it has often been adopted as a picturesque and historically evocative ornamental feature, often on select parts of a facade (especially under gables).
This feature is a defining characteristic of a few indigenous European architectural styles including Fachwerk in Germanic regions, and is also commonly used in some later romantic styles including Tudor Revival.
The visible timber pattern and contrasting infill identify half-timbering even where the pattern is used ornamentally on only part of a facade. Exposed cross-bracing describes visible diagonal structural members more generally and does not require timber framing or contrasting infill.
