definition
strict definition
skylights
One or more horizontal or sloped windows in the roof of a building which let light into the interior.
Skylights are windows in the roof of a building, which admit light into the top floor, the floor below the roof, or an atrium or similar space. Dormer windows (although they are in a roof) do not count as skylights; the glass or other transparent surface must be horizontal or sloped to be considered a skylight.
The transparent surface lies horizontally or on a slope in the roof. Light can enter an occupied room directly below or pass into a taller interior space such as an atrium.
A vertical window in a dormer does not qualify, even though the dormer projects from the roof. A skylight can be openable, but that alone does not make it a retractable roof, which requires movement of a major roof section.
skylights Photos
Related definitions
-
atrium
A wide, continuous open space at least 5 floor levels high inside a multi-story building. -
attached elevator core
A small, distinct wing containing elevator shafts which projects from the side of a building. -
awning
A light, retractable, tent-like roof projecting from a structure for decoration or outdoor shelter. -
bay windows
A shaft-like section of a facade which bulges out for additional floor space and window exposure. -
collapsible seating
Bleachers or other installed seating which can be folded or stowed away when not in use. -
courtyard
An accessible open-air space surrounded on 3 or 4 sides by the same building. -
crenellation
A functional or decorative pattern of alternating gaps and solid sections along a parapet. -
decorative indoor pool
A basin of standing water inside a structure which is mainly ornamental in function. -
dormers
Extensions of living space which protrude from a sloping roof below the peak or ridge line. -
double-decker elevators
An elevator installation with vertically stacked cabins that stop at several floors simultaneously. -
entrance canopy
A permanent covering extending from the facade to shelter the entrance area. -
exposed cross-bracing
Diagonal structural bracing at the perimeter of a building which is visible or visibly expressed on the facade. -
external ladder
A ladder mounted permanently on the outside of a structure for maintenance and access. -
facadectomy
An incorporated facade from a demolished structure, retained in place or reassembled as part of another structure. -
flying buttresses
Masonry piers or abutments which bridge or lean over a gap to support a wall or framework. -
grand entrance hall
A lobby with premium finishes and a ceiling at least two floor levels high, usually with a reception desk. -
half-timbering
A decorative pattern of exposed framing timbers and contrasting infill on a building facade. -
hidden passageway
A passage or stairway inside or between buildings which is architecturally concealed. -
hole
An architectural void penetrating through a building's mass, more significant than a mere passageway. -
indoor fountain
An ornamental moving-water feature incorporated into a building, including its interior, roof, or facade. -
light court
A space surrounded by a building which is open to the sky and has no accessible space at the bottom. -
maintenance catwalks
Elevated walkways that provide maintenance access to high, remote, or otherwise difficult-to-reach places. -
marquee
A canopy projecting from a facade to display informative signage, especially on a theater. -
movable wall
A full-height internal or external partition whose position can be easily shifted. -
multi-level porch
A series of outdoor platforms attached to a building and connected vertically by stairs. -
open-air ground floor
A building ground level with at least half its footprint unenclosed beneath upper floors or a roof. -
oriel
A cantilevered projecting bay with windows, which increases natural light and floor space inside a building. -
panoramic elevators
Elevators with transparent cabin walls that provide views of spaces inside or outside the building. -
partly open roof
A roof which does not cover the whole upper level, leaving an area enclosed by walls but open to the sky. -
porch
An elevated outdoor platform with living space, projecting from a building and connected to the ground by a short stairway. -
porte-cochere
A column-supported shelter attached beside a building entrance and extending over a driveway. -
retractable roof
All or part of the roof can be moved back and forth to expose or cover the interior. -
revolving floor
A floor level, or a perimeter-reaching part of one, capable of continuous circular rotation. -
skylobby
An upper-floor lobby at an elevator transfer zone, with shared space for arriving and transferring occupants. -
turret
A small tower-like protrusion attached to the corner or edge of a building. -
wedding cake form
A building shape with multiple receding setbacks at different sides and levels. -
wintergarden
An interior space filled with trees or large plants, which is less than 5 stories high.