Rustication
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
In classical architecture, ‘rustication’ is a type of decorative masonry that provides a purposefully rough or patterned surface for exterior masonry walls. The technique used for rustication is to cut the visible face of each individual masonry block back at the edges to a plane surface, leaving the central portion of the face projecting outwards. Rustication is typically used on the ground floor level, often as a means of contrasting visually with smoothly-finished masonry surfaces known as ashlar.
As a technique, rustication was used in ancient Greek, as well as Roman and medieval, architecture. It was later revived for the period of Italian Renaissance architecture where it can be seen on palaces such as the Pitti Palace and the Medici-Riccardi Palace, both in Florence, Italy. Inigo Jones was responsible for introducing rustication to England in the 17th century, and it became a common feature in English stonework during the 17th and 18th centuries.
There are several variations from the standard form of rustication:
[edit] Banded rustication
In this common variation, the external face of the block is smooth, but differs from ashlar in that the horizontal joints are cut back while the vertical joints are minimised. This is commonly seen on the ground level of buildings such as the Palace of Versailles or the Foreign Office on Whitehall.
[edit] Vermiculation
Vermiculation leaves the surface rough but with worm-like casts or tracks chiseled into it in different patterns. This requires a large degree of skill from a mason. Where the patterns join together to form a network the style is known as ‘reticulation’.
[edit] Prismatic rustication
Prismatic rustication involves beveling the edges of the block at an angle so that its faces rise to a ridge-like point in the centre like a prism, or to a single point like a low pyramid. This was a common feature of Baroque architecture.
[edit] Feigned rustication
Feigned rustication is an imitation style, often used to make a timber façade appear like a rusticated stone surface by cutting and sanding beveled grooves. This became a popular feature of American architecture during the 18th century.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Ashlar.
- Bas-relief.
- Brick.
- Blockwork.
- Classical orders in architecture.
- Concrete.
- Elements of classical columns.
- Fillet.
- Frieze.
- Kinetic facade.
- Large-scale murals.
- Masonry.
- Mortar.
- Moulding.
- Natural stone cladding.
- Pebbledash.
- Quoin.
- Rendering.
- Stone dressing.
- Strapwork.
- Stuart architecture.
- Trompe l’oeil.
Featured articles and news
ECA 2022 Apprentice of the Year Award returns
Winner from last three to be announced in September.
The end of the games but continued calls for action.
From the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
CIOB respond to the government call for evidence
For the Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Committee.
How are buildings and their occupants responding to extreme heat?
BSRIA's Technical Director reflects on recent weather patterns.
Landownership in England in 1909
A national valuation to fund old-age pensions.
The world’s largest Commonwealth memorial to the missing.
Long after the end of the defects liability period.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing in buildings.
Geometric form and buildings in brief
From the simple to the complex.
Understanding the changing nature of insulation
And the UK Government guidelines.
Three year action plan to improve equity, diversity and inclusion
Commitment agreed to by major built environment bodies.
The Construction Route – what needs to change?
Electrical skills, low carbon, high-tech and the building services revolution.
Deep geothermal power possibilities
Ultra-deep drilling with millimeter-wave beam technology.
BSRIA Briefing 2022- From the outside looking in
Looking at the built environment from space.
Competence requirements for principal contractors and designers
BSI standards 8671, 8672 and 8673.
Bringing life to burial grounds.
From failed modernism to twenty-minute neighbourhoods.
Design chill and design freeze
The gates process and change control.
Neuroscience for project success
Why people behave as they do. APM book.