Fenestration
![]() |
Fenestration (from ‘fenêtre’ – French for window) is a term used to describe the arrangement, quality, quantity or aesthetic characteristics of the totality of windows on a building’s façade.
This is as opposed to the term 'glazing' which refers specifically to the glass components of a building's façade or internal surfaces, or 'window' which refers to individual units of glazing.
Usage of the term fenestration may include the following:
- The number of bricks to be used for the facade will depend on the fenestration (the more windows there are the fewer bricks will be needed).
- The architect decreed that the fenestration should conform to strict rules of rectilinear geometry and alignment.
- The client insisted on Gothic-style fenestration.
- The fenestration formed part of a regular, alternating rhythm of solid and void which lent the façade a dynamic quality.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved Document K.
- BFRC window rating scheme.
- BREEAM Visual comfort View out.
- Casement.
- Clerestory.
- Domestic windows.
- Dormer window.
- Double glazing.
- Double glazing v triple glazing.
- Emissivity.
- Glass.
- Glazing.
- Low-e glass.
- Patent glazing.
- Rooflight.
- Secondary glazing.
- Stained glass.
- Types of window.
- View.
- Velux window.
- Window.
- Window and door schedules.
- Window energy rating.
Featured articles and news
Industry leader Steve Murray takes on role.
An abundant and versatile building material.
How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
600,000 heat pump installations targeted per year by 2028.
Cost planning, control and related articles on DB.
Helping prevent those unwanted outcomes.
ICE debate Public transport - post pandemic.
How has transport changed due to Covid-19 ?
Cross-ventilation in buildings. Do you have it ?
Will you need it ? after June 15 and the new Part O ?
Share your knowledge with the industry.
Create an account and write the first of many articles.
The green jobs delivery group.
CIAT commentary after the first meeting.
Liverpool's world heritage site status
Who is to blame?
Research recommends focussing on portfolio success rather than project success.
ICE and BSI launch revised PAS 128 standard.
The revised standard for mapping underground utilities.
Launching the UK net zero carbon buildings standard.
Cross-industry steering group seeks support in delivery.