Dentil
In its broadest sense, the term ‘soffit’ can be used to refer to the underside of any construction element, such as an arch, architrave, or projecting cornice. However, most commonly it refers to the underside of the eaves, that is, the underside of the part of the roof that projects beyond the external wall of a building.
In classical architecture, a soffit can be decorated with ‘tooth-like’ blocks used in a close repeating pattern, known as ‘dentils’. In the Doric order, rectangular blocks were commonly hung from the soffit of the cornice over the triglyphs, known as ‘mutules’.
Short Guide, Scottish traditional shopfronts, published, on 18 April 2017 by Historic Environment Scotland, defines a dentil as: ‘A small block which is part of a horizontal series situated below the cornice often in late 19th-century shopfronts. May also be used to decorate other features such as door pediments.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.
Undervaluing our industrial past
Heritage value changes as taste for building styles changes.
Changing expectations around competence and compliance
New information sheet from CIAT.
Grenfell investigation files passed to CPS
Angela Rayner apologises on behalf of the British state.
Electrical contractors need to understand the practical implications.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.