Alcove
An alcove is a recess that opens into a room or other space, partially enclosed by vertical elements such as walls, pillars, balustrades, and so on.
In medieval architecture, alcoves often featured in halls, separated from the main space by curtains or timber partitions. In Roman and Renaissance architecture, alcoves were adapted to become tall, elegant semi-circular spaces hollowed out of thick walls and used to display statues and sculptures.
In more modern architecture, bed and kitchen alcoves developed as a way of conserving space in constricted buildings such as residential apartments. They now often appear to one side of a chimney breast.
Smaller alcoves can be used to contain ornaments, shelving, and so on. When designed carefully they can create attractive focal points and enhance the character of a particular room.
Alcoves may be designed to blend into their surroundings as architectural features, and may include shelving, concealed lighting, a glass front and so on. Small rectangular or square box alcoves are popular in contemporary architecture, often painted a deeper, or contrasting, colour to the rest of the room. This helps to give a greater impression of depth.
When designing an alcove, or adapting a space to incorporate one, it is important to consider the space that will be 'lost', as often, to achieve the required recess, a wall will need to be brought forward. New runs of skirting or cornicing may also be required, as well as new positions for power sockets.
It should also be borne in mind that there could be services running through the existing wall, which may need to be re-routed, or may need to remain accessible.
Cracking can also be a problem where new plaster meets old plaster. To avoid this, the wall should be properly skimmed to a minimum of 400 mm beyond the point where the two types of plaster meet. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of plaster casts for whole alcoves.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..