Looking at Buildings

Glossary

Sail dome: A square dome or vault of one continuous curve with the same diameter as the diagonal of the square, so that it rises from pendentives between arches. So named from its supposed resemblance to a billowing sail. Also called a sail vault.
Sail vault: A square vault or dome of one continuous curve with the same diameter as the diagonal of the square, so that it rises from pendentives between arches. So named from its supposed resemblance to a billowing sail. Also called a sail dome.
Salomonic columns: Columns with twisted spiral shafts, called after columns in Rome supposed to have come from Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. Also called Solomonic columns, barley-sugar columns.
Saltire cross: A cross with arms set diagonally.
Sanctuary: Used for the area around the main altar of a church.
Sangha: Residence of Buddhist monks or nuns.
Sarcophagus: (lit. flesh-consuming): Coffin of stone or other durable material.
Sarking: (Scots): Boards laid on the rafters to support the roof covering.
Sash window: A window with a glazed section or section that opens by sliding in grooves.
Saucer dome: An internal dome of flattened profile.